At an informal announcement this morning, Tuesday, November 24, Minister for Water, Property and Housing, Melinda Pavey along with local member, Stephen Bromhead, announced a $2 million grant from a COVID-19 stimulus package.

The grant brings the government's contribution for the project to $3 million.

With more than $200,000 raised by club members, along with government monies, Stage I of the construction is expected to begin in March-April.

However, the project has to get the go ahead from property owner, Crown Lands and then MidCoast Council before construction starts.

"Crown Land has to assess the DA, and then hopefully we can start in March or April," Mr Quinn said.

The project will then go through the tender process, giving local tradies much needed work.

"This means the money will stay in the community."

It took us about 16 years to raise that $200,000, which was done in stages, an elated Mr Quinn said.

Typical of many volunteer organisations, the club turned to the community and annual events, managing to raise much of the money from sausage sizzles, the annual Weekend of Surf and providing water safety during triathlon events.

Stage I, which could take up to six months, would begin with the construction of a ground floor club and training room, temporary cafe and members' room, storage area and amenities before the existing building is demolished.

The building has been designed to create more space for the community, with easy access to Main Beach, facilities and car park.

"This is pretty exciting; it will be a good thing for the community and for this area."

His comments were echoed by fellow club-member and Surf Life Saving NSW Lower North Coast branch president, Brian Wilcox.

"This is a fantastic development for the area, and people can be proud of it," Mr Wilcox said.

Fifty years ago this building was on-trend and a joy to behold, Ms Pavey said.

"But, it is beyond its used by date," she said

Ms Pavey said the latest funding formed part of a new $39.1 million allocation from the COVID-19 stimulus program to support a range of infrastructure improvement projects in regional communities.

"The COVID-19 stimulus program is supporting communities that have been under pressure from the pandemic by funding projects that are improving infrastructure while supporting jobs and economic activity during a critical period."

Ms Pavey paid tribute to the work undertaken by Mr Bromhead who she said, had been 'knocking' on State government doors for a number of years in an effort to secure funding for the project.

"This investment is fantastic news for the Mid North Coast and will support both improvements to vital regional infrastructure and jobs in our region," Mr Bromhead said.

"Surf lifesaving clubs provide a critical service, supporting the safe enjoyment of our coastline for locals and tourists alike," he said.

"New improved facilities will help the club's volunteers better serve the community and attract new members while providing a valuable new asset."

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