Three NSW clubs are among 12 nationally to be awarded brand new Inflatable Rescue Boat hulls as part of the 2025 Ampol IRB Hull Giveaway, announced on Tuesday 28 October at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.
Now in its fourth year, the giveaway jumped from two hulls last year – both of which went to NSW clubs – to 12 in 2025, meaning more surf clubs across Australia are better equipped to save lives and patrol beaches effectively this summer.
Shoalhaven Heads SLSC on the South Coast, Cooks Hill SLSC in the Hunter, and Killcare SLSC on the Central Coast joined surf clubs from every state as worthy recipients of the equipment.
“We are stoked, we are a little club on the NSW coast, we do have a few boats, but they are not really fit for purpose in rough surf conditions, which we can get,” Killcare SLSC member, John Cvetko said.
“This means we can start to build our number of operators, and we can increase IRB training at the club.”
“One of our IRBs got chewed by a rat in the offseason, we got it fixed, but it is massive to get a new one,” Shoalhaven Heads SLSC President, Kim Willet said.
“We are a small club that has been struggling for a few years, we’ve been working really hard to build the club and have a sense of community, this is worth more than you can imagine to win this IRB for the club.”
For Cooks Hill SLSC President, Michael Clancy, winning the hull will help his club to serve its core purpose more strongly at a very popular Newcastle beach.
“The IRB is one of the most essential tools in surf lifesaving — it’s our workhorse,” he said.
“This new hull will replace ageing equipment and ensure that our patrol teams have safe, reliable resources to protect beachgoers and respond quickly when seconds matter.
“Our IRB crew and drivers gain skills that are not only lifesaving but build confidence, leadership, and teamwork. Having a new hull ensures we can continue to train our members to the highest standard.”
In addition to the IRB hulls, Ampol will further support Surf Life Saving communities through a fundraising campaign across the Ampol Foodary retail convenience network in November.
Donations from this campaign will go directly towards empowering volunteers with specialised skills needed to save lives.
Wednesday 29 October 2025