The Morrison Government’s investment in Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) Beach Safety Equipment Fund has helped ten Surf Lifesaving Clubs across Wannon purchase vital lifesaving equipment to prevent fatal and non-fatal drownings.
Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan, said Surf Lifesaving clubs are a part of our nation’s cultural landscape, and are an essential part of our local communities. Surf Lifesaving clubs bring people together not only as a competitive surf sport, but also provide vital volunteer lifeguard services.
“I commend the volunteers and their work and am pleased that these clubs were able to access $10,000 from the Government to purchase vital lifesaving equipment to keep people safe and help prevent drownings across Wannon, Mr Tehan said.
“With this funding from the Morrison Government, clubs were able to buy vital rescue equipment ranging from Inflatable Rescue Boats to defibrillators and first aid supplies.
“The funding is an important boost for surf lifesaving clubs where volunteers, who have already performed thousands of patrol hours this season, rely on the best skills and equipment to keep beachgoers safe.
“It comes at a critical time because, like many organisations across Australia, surf lifesaving clubs have been affected by a drop in fundraising revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck said the Government’s contribution to each of the 314 surf lifesaving clubs around Australia has assisted them in buying critical equipment from life jackets and rescue manikins though to inflatable rescue boats and defibrillators,
“Australia’s volunteer surf lifesavers spend their days responding to emergencies, preventing drownings, and saving lives. They are critical to the Australian way of life,” Minister Colbeck said.
The Morrison Government provided an additional $3.1 million over two years from 2020-21 to double funding to SLSA for the Beach Safety Equipment Fund so each club was able to access $10,000 to purchase vital lifesaving equipment.
From 2018–19, the Government has provided $9.1 million to surf lifesaving clubs through the Beach Safety Equipment Fund.
