Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald, Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club president Gary George and Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips at the official opening of the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club building on Saturday (1 March). Photo: Fiona Phillips.
After a tumultuous 12-month build, the new Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club was officially opened on Saturday (1 March).
Construction began on the replacement for the original, dilapidated 50-year-old clubhouse in January 2024.
In March progress stalled after asbestos was found on the building site, blowing out construction costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
A beleaguered Kiama Council agreed to cover the costs. The $6 million build was predominantly funded by state and federal government grants.
Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club president Gary George said the opening was a great day for Gerringong Surf Club.
“Wev’e put so much hard work and dedication in to be able to deliver this for our members,” he said.
“The new club underpins the future of our surf club operations and members are so happy to have these new facilities.
“This magnificent surf club, one of the biggest and best anywhere on the coast, will also serve as a hub for activities across the community.”
Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips cut the ribbon on Saturday.
She congratulated Mr George and the executive team, builder Bluestone.
“I’m so proud to have lobbied for and secured the funding through the Australian Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program, and really pleased to see the doors open on this wonderful facility,” Ms Phillips said.
“It is a magnificent, purpose-built clubhouse that not only looks great, it is super functional.
“The new home of Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club will help secure the future of patrolling on Werri Beach and support the community, especially our young nippers.
“It is a community sanctuary the club can be extremely proud of.”
Special guest and life member of the club Ken Hodges OAM opened the original clubhouse decades ago.
He gave the new building his seal of approval.
“This is spectacular; I’m immensely happy with what we’ve achieved here.”
The clubhouse includes a first aid room, emergency equipment storage, public toilets and showers, a gymnasium, bar area, multipurpose rooms, and a large beach observation deck, as well as an upgraded parking area, outdoor showers, and bike racks.
One thing it doesn’t include – yet – is a cafe kiosk.
Shut down after Kiama Council found the new kiosk exceeded the 10-m square permitted by the Kiama Local Environment Plan, it is understood the council is investigating options to reissue the lease.
Ownership of the site and the land it sits on has further complicated the issue.
Ms Phillips said she supported the community call for the kiosk to be reinstated, and Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said he had heard the message loud and clear.
The project was completed thanks to $5.5 million federal government funding, together with $490,00 state government funding and $370,000 from Kiama Municipal Council.
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