Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club seeks funding for redevelopment

A local life saving club is seeking millions of dollars in upgrades to bolster beachgoers’ safety as the surrounding population booms.

A Breamlea surf life saving club is seeking funds to improve infrastructure and bolster beachgoers’ safety as the surrounding population booms.

Ben Pope, who is head of Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club’s building committee, said the club was seeking upgrades estimated to cost $7.5m and had spoken with South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman and Liberal candidate Andrew Katos.

Mr Pope said the club was seeking improved beach access through path upgrades; a new patrol tower to improve the safety of beachgoers; and a redevelopment of the clubhouse to make it more inclusive and sustainable, increase the ability to store equipment and offer better community facilities.

President Lisa Happ on the lookout on top of the tower and Nippers Mary, 8, Winnie, 10, and Eloise, 7. Picture: Mark Wilson

The current clubhouse, located between Barwon Heads and Torquay, opened in 1992.

Mr Pope said membership had doubled over the last five years, and the club now had about 500 members.

“We want to future proof the clubhouse and the facilities to be able to deliver lifesaving programs to the community,” he said.

Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club is keen to redevelop its clubhouse. Picture: Mark Wilson

Club president Lisa Happ said multiple other clubs had been redeveloped or refurbished, but not Bancoora.

A new clubhouse was officially opened at Jan Juc in 2020, while Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club celebrated opening its new facility last year.

Ms Happ said with population growth, particularly around the Armstrong Creek area, it was expected there would be more beachgoers to supervise.

The main beach at Bancoora. Picture: Mark Wilson

“If we had a rescue or an emergency that came up and we’re called to act … not having an emergency ready clubhouse could cause issues,” she said.

Mr Katos said surf life saving clubs were an integral part of coastal communities and played a vital role in teaching our youngest nippers safety in the surf, as well as putting their own lives on the line to help those in need.

“I’ve met with members at the Bancoora SLSC, and it’s clear that the current facilities are outdated and in need of upgrade,” he said.

“I hope to announce ways in which we can support them in keeping locals safe soon.”

Mr Cheeseman was contacted for comment.

Originally published as Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club seeks funding for redevelopment