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Funding For Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club The Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club (SLC) has received a $500,000 grant as part of the State Government’s Community Facility Funding Program. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 6th November 2009 - Back to News The Minister for Sport, Recreation and Youth Affairs, James Merlino, visited Inverloch to announce the grant, which will enable the Club to begin construction of the new clubhouse, saying the project was the most worthy application he had seen.
Bass Coast Shire Council has worked closely with Inverloch SLC to secure funding for the vital project. Chief Executive Officer, Allan Bawden, said Council was thrilled with the support from the State Government, as the new clubhouse was long overdue.
"At the moment, the Inverloch Club is the second largest surf lifesaving club in the Bass Coast region, with 416 members and is running its activities from three shipping containers," explained Mr Bawden.
"A new facility means they will be able to increase active participation in club activities and provide a facility for other sporting and community groups, emergency service organisations and educational institutions.
"Once the new clubhouse is completed, I expect the club membership will grow, as they will have room to accommodate more people.
"I want to congratulate the Inverloch SLC on all their hard work to secure this funding."
Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club President, Philippe Du Plessis, described the announcement as a significant milestone for the Club, following its ten year anniversary last season.
"Born from a local safety need, the Club has grown from 70 members (including 12 patrolling members), to over 400, with 129 patrolling members protecting the safety of the Inverloch community and its many visitors," said Mr Du Plessis.
"This new facility will enable us to expand and enhance our safety presence and other programs such as the highly successful Nippers, which involves nearly 150 children.
"It is an activity-based program run to educate young children about surf safety and water awareness, provide for recreational and sporting fitness and surf and sand competition at a local, regional and state level."
The total project is expected to cost around $1.3 million with the Club, Bass Coast Shire Council, Inverloch Community Bank and other supporters also contributing significant funds.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr John Duscher, said the project was another example of a strong community partnership.
"The SLC, Council, Inverloch and District Community Bank, Surf Lifesaving Victoria and local business are all contributing to the building," said Cr Duscher.
"In addition, over $200,000 has been contributed by local community organisations and supporters.
"This grant from the State Government is the final piece that was needed to get this project underway. It really will be a very important building for the Inverloch community."
Building design
The design of the new clubhouse will have minimal impact on the existing area, integrating public facilities such as toilets. Environmentally sustainable factors, such as water capture and features to minimise power consumption have also been included.
Water captured on the roof will be stored and used to wash down the rescue equipment. The building will include double glazing, sensor lights, solar panels and insulation.
The new clubhouse will include:
· Equipment Store
· First Aid Room
· Patrol Room
· General Public and Club Toilets and Showers
· Kiosk
· Recreation/Training area
· Kitchenette/Servery
· Disabled Accessible Accommodation for 24 patrolling members and/or community groups which include female friendly spaces
· Quiet Room
· Toilets
The clubhouse will provide overnight accommodation for active club members using the building for patrol. It will also provide a space for training camps for the Inverloch club, other clubs and organisations and provide the base for sports and competition opportunities held at the beach with participants coming from all parts of Victoria.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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