13 minute read
FEATURE: SURF CLUBS
Saving our beachside icons
Surf life saving clubs getting a modern makeover
WITH AUSTRALIA’S LENGTHY coastline and its long history of surf lifesaving, it’s a wonder the buildings that house the people who save those lives in the surf are not better equipped.
From the wild west coast of WA to the surf coast of Victoria, the jewelled beaches of Sydney and beyond, and Queensland’s Sunshine and Gold coasts glamour strips, these often simple coastal structures are recognised internationally as truly Australian.
But many of the iconic edifices that emerged in the surge of beachside clubs in the 1920s and 1930s, and even the next generation of clubs in the 1960s, are now crumbling wrecks.
Cronulla SLSC
Full of leaks and concrete cancer with a distinct lack of decent facilities, particularly for female club members, many are in desperate need of repair, looking to restore their heritage features or if, they are too far gone, require total demolition and rebuilding.
Over the past few years, with several rounds of government cash, council contributions and particularly the hard work of surf life saving clubs themselves in raising funds, these icons are now getting the love and attention they deserve.
SLSA is the largest volunteer movement in Australia with more than 173,000 members and 314 affiliated surf clubs across the nation. In February, the Federal Government announced an additional $9.7m in funding for SLSA, but that will go to equipment and skills training, not infrastructure.
But with added infrastructure funding, and the occasional star turn in a Dulux TV commercial - with the paint company dedicating itself in 2013 to paint all the surf clubs in Australia - the future is looking swell.
NSW
Nationally, it may be better known as “that surf club in the Dulux commercial” and locally as “Glamorama”, but Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club is one of the foundation clubs of Australian surf lifesaving.
Tamarama has budgeted $4.56 million on a major upgrade of its iconic clubhouse, scheduled to be unveiled later this year, so it can continue serving the community through lifesaving patrols, education programs and provision of clubhouse access to community groups including Zumba, yoga and martial arts.
“The redevelopment was a long time coming,” says Matteo Salval, President of Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club. “Approvals and fundraising to get to construction took close to 10 years.
Tamarama SLSC
“The surf club building committee worked closely with architect CHROFI on the design of a new facility fit for the next generation of lifesaving and education as well as respectful of the heritage and history of the club.
“Waverley Council, the NSW and Federal Governments, Easts Group and Sculptures by the Sea were instrumental to secure enough funds to proceed with tendering and the selection of builder Lloyd Group.”
He said the renovation would not have been possible without the generous donations from individual members and friends of the surf club.
“Once completed, the surf club will be a terrific community asset and will support our top-notch education programs, including Migrant Beach Days, as well as our lifesaving operations and community activities.”
On the Lower Northern Beaches, at either end of this iconic strip of Sydney sand, Queenscliff SLSC recently had a milliondollar makeover while Manly Life Saving Club is waiting on final planning approvals for its major renovation.
Upgrades to Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club are expected to be completed by the end of the month with renovations to Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club finished by July.
“We’re so thrilled to be delivering two brand new purpose-built clubhouses to the community this year,” said Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan. “Not only do the buildings meet both the community expectations by being modern, well-designed, environmentallyfriendly facilities, they will also meet the many needs of the clubs who do such incredible work keeping our community safe.
Mona Vale SLSC
“While both clubs will be predominately used by the surf club and its members and Council life guards they will also be a great new facility for the wider community to use and enjoy for many, many years to come. These projects are great examples of what can be achieved when communities, clubs, federal, state and local governments work together.”
Works undertaken by Council on Mona Vale include a new surf club building, new paths, landscaped gardens, concrete and sandstone seating, new public amenities and a professional life guards building on the point, a pergola and new café. The SLSC building is a fit-for-purpose facility, set over two levels with a total 1690sqm of floor space.
The amenities block, with lifeguard observation room, opened in December as did another amenities block across the road in Apex Park – both of which are already well utilised by the community.
A new cafe, restaurant, nippers’ facilities, storage for the local board riders club, function space, a first aid room, family change facilities, and improved accessibility have been integrated into the design.
Both the beach amenities and surf club have been designed with materials and finishes to withstand the harsh coastal environment while incorporating sustainable elements such as rainwater reuse, solar panels and solar hot water. The $10 million project is funded by the State Government, Council and the club itself.
Council is also currently in the final stages of engaging a designer to create a concept for the new Manly club with expressions of interest closing at the end of this month. Five consultancy groups have so far tendered their services following the advertising of the EOI last year.
Long Reef SLSC is also being replaced with a new $8 million building, which will include new café, modern, accessible public amenities and additional storage areas, including space for the local boardrider group.
Manly Surf Club in its heyday
There will also be a public barbecue, outdoor showers and a courtyard including tiered seating. The SLSC building will use sustainable materials and have improved functionality with room for both community and private functions. Works are expected to be completed July, weather permitting.
The project costs will be met by contributions from NSW State Government, the Commonwealth Government, Long Reef SLSC and Northern Beaches Council.
Council is also planning an upgrade of outdoor facilities in partnership with Warriewood Surf Life Saving Club, which will include showers, staircase and paving. Works are scheduled to start in August 2022. A concept design is also being developed for a new boardwalk to connect to the coastal walk. Work on the new beach access is scheduled to commence next year.
Queenscliff’s $1 million renovations included a new lick of paint, a public hall, new stairs to provide separate access to club member areas and public areas, a new balcony, accessible toilet, new lift and lift lobby with better accessibility, relocated club facilities and new tiling, balustrades, landings and corridors.
Down south, work has finally begun on the new $10.6m North Cronulla Surf Club after nearly a decade of delays. Prime Minister Scott Morrison attended a “sand-turning” ceremony in February after the club received grants of $2.9m from the federal government, $500,000 from the NSW government, $2.6m from Sutherland Shire Council and contributed $350,000 itself, with the rest to come from a loan.
Even further, North Wollongong Surf Club is undergoing refurbishment after Wollongong City Council approved a $10.5 million tender process to update the crumbling 86-year-old structure.
Up north, Terrigal Surf Life Saving Club lodged a DA for $1.24m in upgrades and extensions to its clubhouse with Central Coast Council last year. If plans are approved, the first floor would feature an open-air deck, extending over the existing ground level public toilets and storage area. The upstairs deck will be extended over the cafe with a total area of more than 70sqm and underneath the deck would be a new training gym, servery, storage and toilet facilities.
The old Shark Tower
The ground floor plant area would also contain air-conditioning, building systems and access to water tanks. On the north-eastern corner is a ground-level café, seating and alfresco dining area featuring water views.
“The alterations and additions are of a complimentary design and appearance to the existing club building, which will also be repainted to further integrate the existing and proposed building elements,” the DA states.
“The additions will include a sloping roof to match the existing roof and the building height of the additions will be the same as the existing club building, which is 5.989m on the north-eastern (beach) side and 7.343m on the southwestern (Terrigal Esplanade) side.”
While State Government funding of $32,000 will also pay for new solar panels, other clubs to benefit from the NSW Government include MacMasters Beach SLSC allocated $318,250 including $108,986 for a new roof and an upgrade to Shelly Beach SLSC worth $117,264.
Queensland by contributor Brian Crisp
Far from the denizens of sandy grommets and soggy storage rooms, many Queensland clubs are destinations in themselves with plush fitouts featuring restaurants, bars and gaming lounges. Many clubs are investing in multi-million dollar renovations to keep pace with changes in their communities.
In the past 12 months, the Burleigh Heads Surf Club has opened its $4.4 million development which includes a new restaurant, an extension to its beach kiosk and storage facilities that house up to 100 surf skis and paddleboards.
Right on the beach at Burleigh Heads, there’s no better place in this tourist haven than the club’s bar and balcony – with seating for 220 – to take full advantage of the view, seven days a week.
Without being over the top, the dining space has more than a splash of sophistication. There are now more than 20 different beers on tap to sate any serious drinker’s tastebuds. And just for good measure, the renovation included a two-lane lap pool located on the 3rd floor which is available for members and nippers – the club has more than 450 nippers!
“We are getting so many more young families moving to Burleigh,” Club president Michael Boyce says. “We are catering to those families and our Nipper program continues to grow.”
Picture: Brian Crisp
Speaking of great views, you won’t find much better than those offered at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club. Completely refurbished over the past two years, the club now boasts two outdoor decks, a state-of-the-art gaming room and stunning food.
Born-and-bred local chef Darren Sandilands works hard to fill his extensive menu with the best local produce available and you know you are on a winner when you combine great food with magnificent views.
The Redcliffe Peninsula Surf Life Saving Club, 40km from Brisbane’s CBD, has pride of place sitting on Sutton Beach. The club started a transformation in May 2020 which doubled its floor space. There’s now so much more storage space for essential gear and equipment for junior activities and lifesaving. This includes space for a new Inflatable Rescue Boat, as well as the club’s Surf Rescue Vehicle making it accessible for use by club members.
The renovations also include a unisex, ambulant toilet facility with shower, extended female toilet facilities and a revamped veranda providing a comfortable seating area for members and guests of the canteen.
Speaking of which, Fish Burgers are great value at $8 (chips $3 extra) if you ever happen to be passing by. We are sure some of Wayne Bennett’s Redcliffe Dolphins will find their way down to the canteen when they arrive in town later this year.
Further north at Emu Park, a scenic 20km drive along the coast south from Yeppoon, the Emu Park SLSC has spent nearly $250,000 on a renovation project updating its boat shed and amenity block. The result is a functional and aesthetically pleasing clean space that caters to the needs of the club’s growing list of members.
Picture: Brian Crisp
Because of its position on the coast, the architecture firm – Design + Architecture – has used many materials that won’t rust or require maintenance. The use of concrete blockwork, timber and aluminium sheeting has helped create a stunning surf club complex.
Victoria
Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club has revealed a $12m plan to build a new HQ for its 800 members, 200 patrolling members and 300 nippers. The club is one of the oldest lifesaving clubs on the Victorian coast and has been keeping its community safe since the 1930s.
The club’s aim is to “ensure we have a club facility that is fit-for-purpose for modern lifesaving requirements, to meet the demands of increased beach visitation and to provide a central point of gathering on the foreshore for community events”.
Upgrades would provide greater surveillance of the swimming area and greater accessibility; modern changerooms for users; meeting rooms to accommodate the club’s growing membership; first aid room; patrol support and training room; and storage space for vital rescue and training equipment.
The Warrnambool SLSC proposal
It is seeking state and federal funding for the building with draft concept plans for a larger, fitfor-purpose building west of the existing structure. Local firm Matthew Morse Architects was engaged to create the concept design with the plans already released for community feedback.
A feasibility study found the clubhouse no longer met emergency service or sporting facility standards so demolition was required and the new clubhouse relocated to a more optimal setting next to the existing facility.
At 13th Beach Lifesaving Club on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula, plans have been submitted to the City of Greater Geelong for a new $1m Barwon Coast clubhouse. The proposal includes training room, new kitchens on the ground floor with lift to a new second floor housing large training room, gym, First Aid room, front and rear decks, plus toilet and change room facilities on both levels.
WA
Swanbourne-Nedlands Surf Life Saving Club west of Perth was formed in 1932 making it the seventh oldest surf club on the West Australian coast and currently has more than 700 members.
It has been promised more than $1.1m to replace the the single toilet for women and just four showers which are shared by the club’s 350 female members.
“Privacy is an issue for the women because if a door to the showers is opened you can see right through to where someone could be showering,” club deputy president Lucy Gunzberg said in January.
The Federal Government has pledged $610,000 from its Community Development Grants Program while WA Labor made a $500,000 election promise. Construction is expected to start mid-year and be completed by late 2022.
