Bancoora lifesavers want $500k for clubhouse ahead of federal election

Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club has made a last minute plea to the Corangamite candidates for funding to start upgrading their clubhouse ahead of Saturday’s federal election.

Club president Lisa Happ in front of Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club.. Picture: Brad Fleet

A surf life saving club in Bremlea is making a last minute plea to the Corangamite candidates just days out from the federal election, urging them to pledge funds towards their new facilities.

Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) needs $500,000 to revamp their clubhouse to help keep volunteers and beachgoers safe.

Club president Lisa Happ is urging either Labor incumbent Libby Coker or Liberal candidate Darcy Dunstan to pledge the funds before this weekend’s election.

She said the building, which has no views of the beach, has been in need of an upgrade for about 10 years.

“We are a volunteer organisation who are there saving lives and helping the community,” Ms Happ said.

“It’s a must-have for our members to be able to come down to the club house to store our equipment so we can service the community.”

Bancoora Surf Life Saving Club. Picture: Brad Fleet

The club was promised $3.5m at the 2022 federal election by Liberal candidate Stephanie Asher.

This was not matched by Labor’s Libby Coker, who ultimately retained the seat.

It then received $4.15m from the Victorian Labor government for the project after the 2023 state election.

“The club has put in a heap of money as well but that is starting to run out,” Ms Happ said.

In May last year, the club was searching for $2m for the build however they have been forced to scale back the project due to rising construction costs.

Ms Happ said the current clubhouse would only partially be knocked down and the rest of the building would be renovated or upgraded.

Plans for the new clubhouse include bigger storage areas for their patrol gear and rescue equipment and a training and education space.

The club did receive funding through the state government’s Changing Places program for more accessible facilities but gave it back.

“It was going to cost us extra and we thought it was better used by another club,” Ms Happ said.

She said there has been an influx of people moving to nearby development areas in Armstrong Creek and Torquay and the club facilities were not meeting an increase in demand.

“There will be a serious incident on the beach if we can’t maintain our membership by giving volunteers a facility that looks and acts like a surf club,” Ms Happ said.

A spokesman for Ms Coker said she was advocating for the Bancoora club, “as she is for many local clubs”.

“There is a lot of demand in our region and Libby has worked hard to secure funding for community groups and sporting clubs across the electorate,” he said.

“Libby has been in contact with the club and will ensure they are kept updated.”

The Liberal Party did not respond to request for comment.

Originally published as Bancoora lifesavers want $500k for clubhouse ahead of federal election