FUNDRAISING BOOST FOR PBSLSC

THE BANK ACCOUNT AT PEREGIAN BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB WAS GIVEN A WELCOME TOP UP LAST MONTH WITH THE DISTRIBUTION OF $80,000 TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CLUBHOUSE BUILDING

The big cheque came out to formalise the handing over of funds raised by Peregian Family and Friends over the past two years to help Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club to continue on its journey of re-vitalisation in the years ahead.

PFAF founder and president Leigh McCready said the cheque presentation was the culmination of five years of advocacy, blood, sweat and tears to get the local surf club re-started, after it was wound up in 2014.

“Back in December 2017, we incorporated a residents’ association to speak up for the two-thirds majority of locals who wanted a surf club building that was fit for purpose, that provided clear visibility to the water for safety, enabled fast emergency access to the beach and allowed members and guests to support the club financially through a restaurant and bar overlooking the water,” Ms McCready said.

“We worked with Noosa Heads SLSC to get the Peregian Nippers program started again in 2018 and helped add many new lifesavers to our volunteer patrols.

"In 2022, finally a new ‘Surf Life Saving Club’ and ‘Supporter’s Club’ were both re-incorporated and affiliated with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), a first in Queensland lifesaving history.”

“The next step is to build a new clubhouse, as Peregian has been rated the third worst in Queensland by SLSQ.

"While the club isn’t available yet to bring the kids for a meal and a drink, the current venue can be hired for events.”

Whether or not the existing club house is replaced on its current site, or it is in fact built elsewhere is something only the future will tell. At this point current planning laws do not allow any building to be constructed closer to the dunes at Peregian Beach park, and any major development of the existing clubhouse would be required to pass Council approvals.

Peregian Beach SLSC president John Roderick told PFAF members the money was very much appreciated.

"The money will go towards long term purposes for the Club. Money will be astutely looked after before any expenditure; I can assure you of that.” Mr Roderick said.

The 2022/23 season marked a major milestone for the club as it took further control of patrolling of Peregian Beach and the management of its own Nippers.

In the past few years, Noosa Heads SLSC has provided key elements of support, on and off the beach, to assist the club on its quest to once again stand alone.

The life saving club and supporters club are now incorporated in their own rights, with locals able to get involved in numerous ways.

See https://www.peregiansurfclub.com.au