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KIAMA Surf Life Saving Club’s long-time dream of improving access to its facilities has become a reality, following a state government funding announcement.
During his whirlwind tour of the region, NSW Premier Mike Baird joined Kiama MP Gareth Ward on Thursday to announce that Kiama Surf Life Saving Club has been awarded a $34,790 grant from the state government to improve disability access at the club.
Mr Baird joked that Mr Ward had been ‘‘relentless’’ in pursuing the funds.
“Surf life saving clubs are the lifeblood of our coastal communities which is why it is vital we help provide them with modern, safe and functional facilities,” Mr Baird said.
“I am in awe of the dedication and excellence of volunteer surf lifesavers and I am proud the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is able to make this significant investment at Kiama Surf Life Saving Club.
‘‘I don’t think you can get a better example of what’s great about Australia than surf lifesaving.
‘‘It’s about mateship... But also that mateship is turned into looking after the community.’’
The club will use the $34,790 grant to install a disability lift to improve access to the upstairs radio and patrol room, function centre, hall and kitchen.
The project will be jointly funded by Kiama council.
Club manager Patrick Sutton said they had long identified the need for a lift, and was now hopeful it would be fully operational by this time next year.
‘‘Because we’re such a high community accessed facility, we’re restricting some of the people with disabilities,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s just going to open up so many more people in Kiama it’s unbelievable.
‘‘We have the Rotary club, Probus, Lions Club, the aqua aerobics ladies, Legacy; all of them use these facilities, and it’s just going to make them more accessible to all of them.’’
The funds have been made available via the state government’s Community Building Partnerships program.
Under the scheme grants are available to community groups and local councils to build or improve local facilities.
Mr Ward was pleased the government had partnered with council to secure the funding; the government’s contribution will be matched by the council.
‘‘Our surf lifesavers do a fantastic job of protecting the public and we want to ensure they have the facilities they deserve,” Mr Ward said.
