Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) is thrilled to announce the official opening today of its newly renovated clubhouse at Tamarama Beach. After years of dedicated fundraising, meticulous planning, and overcoming delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and challenging weather conditions, the upgraded facility is ready to serve both the club and the community.

On 30 June, 2023, a pivotal contract was signed with Schiavello Constructions (NSW) Pty Ltd, marking the final step in the completion of the Tamarama SLSC renovation. The collaboration with Waverley Council, members, local community and Chrofi Architects has resulted in a state-of-the-art facility that promises to enhance the lifesaving capabilities and community engagement at Tamarama Beach.

“We are incredibly proud to officially open our renovated clubhouse,” said Matteo Salval, President of Tamarama SLSC. “This milestone represents the culmination of countless hours of hard work and dedication from our volunteer building committee, management committee members, donors, and funders. Their ongoing work and support has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.”

Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, attended the official opening ceremony and shared her appreciation for the club's historical significance: “It is an honour to be here today to officially open the newly renovated Tamarama Surf Life Saving Clubhouse. For more than 115 years, this club has been an integral part of the community, embodying the spirit of volunteerism and bravery that defines surf lifesaving in Australia, safeguarding the lives of countless beachgoers, and playing a pivotal role in building and celebrating the community it protects.

This beautifully renovated facility stands as a testament to the club’s enduring legacy and its commitment to serving future generations. I commend everyone involved in this project for their hard work and dedication, and I look forward to seeing Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club’s continued positive impact on our community.”

The previous clubhouse was last renovated in the early 1940’s and suffered from accessibility and safety issues, groundwater flooding, roof leaks, concrete degradation and escalating maintenance costs.

The newly renovated clubhouse boasts numerous enhancements, including:

• Expanded use for community groups and public events.
• Improved facilities for female and gender diverse members.
• Enhanced vantage points for effective beach surveillance during patrols.
• Additional storage space for essential rescue equipment.
• Upgraded areas for education and training, such as First Aid courses and Migrant Beach Safety Days.
• Solutions to address acoustic disturbances to neighboring properties.
• A focus on improved environmental sustainability.

Lisa Bodrero, Club Captain of Tamarama SLSC, expressed her excitement about the new facilities: “This renovation is a game-changer for our lifesavers and the entire Tamarama community. The enhanced amenities will allow us to provide even better service and training, ensuring that our beach remains safe and welcoming for everyone.”

Tamarama SLSC extends its heartfelt gratitude to the financial contributors who have supported the renovation over the past decade. Special thanks are extended to our institutional and corporate partners, including Waverley Council, the NSW Government, the Australian Government, Eastern Suburbs Leagues Club, and Sculptures by the Sea, as well as the many community and club members who have donated towards the renovation.

The club is eagerly anticipating the upcoming surf lifesaving season and is excited to welcome a new generation of lifesavers who will begin their training during the upcoming Spring Bronze Medallion session. Information on enrolment to join the club is available on the club website at: https://www.tamaramaslsc.org

About Tamarama Surf Life Saving Club:

Tamarama SLSC has been a cornerstone of the Tamarama and Waverley community, dedicated to ensuring the safety of beachgoers and providing invaluable education and training programs since it formed in 1906. With a commitment to excellence in lifesaving and community service, the club continues to uphold its proud tradition of surf lifesaving.