Grants knocked back for leaking roof

WARATAH Beach Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) in Sandy Point is in dire need of funding to repair its leaking roof, with Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien appealing to the state government for assistance.

An application for a $300,000 grant through the state government’s Emergency Services Refurbishment Fund was unsuccessful.

Mr O’Brien was disappointed Waratah Beach SLSC also failed to secure funding through the 2021 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, having backed that application in writing.

The club’s steel roof, now over 20 years old, has deteriorated markedly due to the salty environment.

Waratah Beach SLSC president Richard Tremewen said the roof was at a point where action is critical.

“There are holes in the roof; the guttering’s destroyed,” Mr Tremewen said.

He outlined the magnitude of the required project, estimated to cost around $350,000.

“That’s to replace the roof, remove existing solar panels and put them back, a little bit of wiring and internal work,” Mr Tremewen said.

While the club has strengthened its community ties by revamping its social rooms, it hasn’t been in the financial position to replace the roof.

“It’s not the sort of thing you can do in stages,” Mr Tremewen said.

A mix of community members and visitors, along with club members, have enjoyed spending time at the club over summer, increasing support for its ongoing wellbeing.

While Waratah Beach SLSC is also in need of new toilets and changerooms and greater storage space for equipment, the situation with the roof demands the most urgent attention.

Mr O’Brien spoke of the dual purpose the club serves, saving lives and acting as a hub for the local community and visitors to Sandy Point.

He is calling on the state government to recognise the club’s important contribution by ensuring its volunteers can enjoy the safe and modern facilities they deserve.

“I’ll be continuing to fight for funding to replace the roof, fix the bathrooms, the changerooms, and the bunkrooms, all used by the wonderful volunteers that keep us safe,” he said.

Mr Tremewen expressed his appreciation of Mr O’Brien’s support.

“He saw our point of view and gets what we do,” the club president said.