Nine surf clubs across Cowper have been able to purchase vital lifesaving equipment to prevent fatal and non-fatal drownings, thanks to the NSW Nationals in the federal government’s investment in Surf Life Saving Australia’s (SLSA) Beach Safety Equipment Fund.
Federal Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said surf clubs across the Mid North Coast have been an essential part of the local community for generations.
“I’m pleased to see that so many clubs across our region were able to access $10,000 from the Government to purchase vital lifesaving equipment to keep people safe and help prevent drownings,” Mr Conaghan said.
“With this funding from the Federal Government, clubs right across the electorate have been able to buy vital rescue equipment including, from defibrillators to rescue boards and outboard motors.
“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.”
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,
The NSW Nationals in the federal 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 clubs was able to access $10,000 to purchase vital lifesaving equipment.
Since 2018–19, the Government has provided $9.1 million to surf lifesaving clubs through the Beach Safety Equipment Fund.
