Lifesavers still without a home seven years after storm as One Nation backs rebuild

ONE Nation’s Bass candidate Nikole Schellekens pledged on Tuesday to back the rebuild of the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club seven years after a storm wrecked its Cape Paterson home.

The club’s Bay Beach facilities were badly damaged in a severe storm and flash flooding in May 2019, and volunteer lifesavers are still operating from temporary accommodation.

“Seven years is a long time to ask volunteers to operate from temporary facilities, particularly when their job is to keep our families and visitors safe,” Ms Schellekens said.

“These volunteers have continued turning up, patrolling our beach and protecting our community despite the challenges they’ve faced. They deserve facilities that properly support the work they do.”

The state government committed $4.5 million towards a new clubhouse in its 2021-22 budget.

Ms Schellekens said the project needed a clear delivery plan that built on the work already done by the club and relevant agencies.

“My election commitment is to back the Wonthaggi Life Saving Club rebuild and advocate for the State Government, Life Saving Victoria, Bass Coast Shire Council and the club to work together to secure the remaining funding and progress delivery,” she said.

“The club has worked hard to develop a practical facility focused on its essential operational needs. We need to build on that work and establish a clear pathway to construction.”

The proposed rebuild would provide modern facilities for lifesaving operations, emergency response, equipment storage, volunteer training and community activities.

Known locally as the Bay, the beach is the area’s main family swimming spot, with sheltered waters, a community-built rock pool and surrounding caravan parks.

“Ask local families about the Bay and they’ll tell you it’s much more than just another beach. It’s where generations of kids have learnt to swim, where families spend their summers and where our volunteer lifesavers help keep everyone safe,” Ms Schellekens said.

“This isn’t about building something extravagant. It’s about providing the essential infrastructure our lifesavers need to do their job safely and effectively.”

“The Wonthaggi Life Saving Club has been part of this community since 1938. Its volunteers have given generations of service to Bass Coast, and I am committed to supporting the club as it works towards securing a permanent, fit-for-purpose home.”