Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club paints giant prawn on building

TAMARAMA Surf Life Saving Club are crabby at suggestions a giant promotional prawn adorning their building is an eyesore.

The new look Tamarama Surf Club. PIcture: Havaianas

TAMARAMA Surf Life Saving Club are crabby at suggestions a giant promotional prawn which will adorn their building throughout the peak summer period is an eyesore, declaring they were forced to find innovative ways of fundraising after being repeatedly rebuffed for federal government funding.

The cartoon crustacean wearing sunglasses and thongs, was painted on the building by Havaianas who donated $25,000 towards the club’s $4.56 million redevelopment.

Unlike North Bondi which received $500,000 and Bronte who got $2 million from Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the Wentworth by-election campaign, there was no money pledged to Tamarama.

Tama was in a pinch for funds so took an innovative approach. Photo supplied by Havaianas

Surf Club Tim Murray, who is Labor’s candidate for Wentworth, said they had been trying for four years to seek an audience let alone receive funding from the government.

Mr Murray pointed to a recent property condition report compiled by Waverley Council who has pledged $1 million to the club in lieu of the money they would have otherwise spent maintaining the building over a ten year period.

The report states the club is in “poor” condition and requires “significant remedial works to address major issues” including damage to the ceiling and walls.

“If you consider Bronte falling apart then our club is derelict,” Mr Murray said.

“Obviously we were very upset so much money was given to surf clubs during the election and our club wasn’t contacted even though we have been pleading.”

Tim Murray says the club will be back to normal by the end of March. Picture: John Appleyard

The club’s new look was the subject of an online vent from soon-to-be-wed couple Josh Hawkins and Catherine Vasilakis who had planned to hold their big day at the club.

“If anyone has a venue out there or a house, a garden, a farm or an empty hall, that doesn’t have a lobster on it, please help,” Mr Hawkins posted.

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Ms Vasilakis told the Wentworth Courier they found the situation “funny” — but decided not to hold their wedding at Tamarama SLSC.

“My partner is an online comedian so it’s his job to post humorous, ironic things,” Ms Vasilakis said.

“It’s a great cause for the surf club but it was definitely a surprise for us.”

The club will be without its famous yellow until late March, when it will be repainted to its former glory.