Funding boost from Minister to Coffs Harbour and Sawtell Surf Lifesavers means faster rescues for swimmers Coffs Coast Coffs Coast Sport FEATURED Sawtell by News Of The Area - Modern Media - August 5, 2020 Mr.George Shales OAM, President of Surf Life Saving NSW, Geoff Lee, Acting Minister for Sport, Terry Maher, President of the Coffs Harbour Surf Lifesaving Club, Sheena McTackett, President of the Satwell Surf Life Saving Club, Garry Murray, Sawtell Refurbishment Committee member and Steven Pearce, CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW. COFFS Harbour and Sawtell Surf Life Saving Clubs have been awarded funding to upgrade their facilities from the Acting Minister for Sport, Mr. Geoff Lees. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Late last month the Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh joined Minister Lee at Coffs Harbour Surf Life Saving Club which received over $30,000 to upgrade its security system and replace clubhouse roller doors. Meanwhile, Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club received over $58,000 to construct a waste management compound. “North Coast Surf Life Saving clubs play a vital role patrolling our beaches and keeping us safe in and out of the water,” Mr. Singh said. “The drought and bushfires have had a devastating effect on North Coast communities but our local volunteers never wavered in their commitment to ensuring our safety.” CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW, Steven Pearce, said the latest funding would ensure facilities remained rescue ready, safe, accessible and secure. “Surf Life Saving Clubs are often the hub of communities and our volunteer lifesavers need fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives,” Mr. Pearce said. Mr. Terry Maher, President of the Coffs Harbour Surf Lifesaving Club, told News of The Area he was “pretty chuffed” with the funding as fundraising for urgent jobs had been difficult during COVID-19. “We need to replace the five large roller doors at the front,” he said. “With all the salt in the environment, it doesn’t matter how much maintenance you do, the elements beat you in the end and they have to be refurbished or replaced.” “We also want to put in a card swipe security system downstairs to be operated from the office.” Sheena McTackett, President of the Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club, said the funding will allow the club to move forward with their refurbishments. “The funding fits into our long term plan to redevelop the building,” she said. “We have completed Stage One of our redevelopment and now to be compliant we need a compound for waste bins, as bottles and a grease trap.” By Sandra MOON
