Overview

As one of the foundation clubs of Australia’s surf lifesaving movement Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club has maintained a record of ‘no lives lost’ during its volunteer patrols since 1906.

The club currently needs $4.56 million for a major upgrade of its iconic clubhouse 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.

110 Years of Community Service

The club’s volunteer members have provided a valuable community service for over 100 years. During the past 3 patrol seasons our volunteers have performed:

• 183 rescues
• 3,253 preventative actions that stopped beachgoers getting into initial difficulty, and
• Hundreds of first aid treatments ranging from jellyfish stings to dislocations

Recent surf safety programs include a successful Indigenous outreach program, public surf education with club member Dr Rob Brander (aka Dr Rip) and first aid training for community groups.

Context for Our Clubhouse Upgrade

The club’s iconic clubhouse is a hub for the club’s surf lifesaving operations and broad community use. With the passing of time it has degraded and is no longer fit for purpose. Major deficiencies are: 

• The storage shed for lifesaving equipment is in poor condition and of inadequate size
• Female members are not adequately catered for with insufficient number of showers & toilets
• The changerooms have limited access to natural light and ventilation
• Varying floor levels and steps throughout the building present numerous trip hazards
• There is inequitable access to the first floor & no disabled toilet or shower

Community Benefits of the Upgrade

Tamarama SLSC has a vision to be a vibrant, sustainable and growing club for the benefit of the community through its core lifesaving function, public education and community engagement.

The building upgrade will help Tamarama SLSC:

• Grow its membership to get ‘more eyes on the beach’ & better resource education and training, competition, junior development and community outreach initiatives
• Improve the vantage point for beach surveillance during patrols
• Through additional storage space for rescue equipment & improved areas for education and training activities like first aid courses
• Offer broader use by community groups/events such as art exhibitions, fitness classes & yoga, martial arts training, school groups, service clubs meetings, disability groups, mothers groups, weddings, christenings and funerals

The restoration and ensured longevity of the historic clubhouse will ensure the public can continue enjoying this local landmark with its unique history well into the future.

Realising the Upgrade

With all the necessary development approvals now in place, strong philanthropic, building industry and government support is needed to bring this greatly needed community project to fruition.

If you think you can contribute, directly or indirectly, please get in touch on 0435 034 396 or [email protected] .

 A floorplan of the old clubhouse prior to 2021 renovation is here. 

Below are some early draft plans for the renovation.