The latest round of the NSW Government’s Surf Club Facility Program has opened for 2026/27, with surf clubs up and down the coast able to apply for funding from a pool of $5.5 million.
Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper and Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib announced on Tuesday 7 July that applications are open, with funds available to go towards the upgrade, restoration, and construction of Surf Life Saving facilities.
Last season over $5 million was allocated to surf clubs in NSW, with 46 clubs and 61 individual projects awarded funding through the program.
Major among them was a grant of $800,000 to Wanda SLSC, to put towards interior alterations that will reappropriate the downstairs training space into a storage room for gear and equipment, and turn a space upstairs formerly occupied by a gym franchise into a multi-purpose space.
It will include member gym facilities, office and meeting room spaces, and a key vantage point to the beach for patrolling members on days of poor weather.
Bronte SLSC, North Narrabeen SLSC and Salt SLSC, meanwhile, will use contributions totalling approximately $1.7 million collectively to continue the works on their respective surf clubs which have already begun, ensuring long-term viability and the effective provision of lifesaving services to the community.
Surf Life Saving NSW President, Elissa Hancock hopes many NSW clubs can take advantage of the funding this year.
“Surf Life Saving NSW can proudly boast a passionate and ever-growing membership base of over 86,000 volunteers across the state who give their time for the benefit of their communities,” she said.
“Programs such as this one allow us to provide safe, secure and accessible facilities to those members and the communities they protect.
“We’re extremely grateful to the NSW Government for making this funding available to our 129 surf clubs once again – ensuring they are fit-for-purpose is vital to their continued relevance and operation.”
Clubs will be able to apply for up to $1,000,000 through the program, with three categories offering tiered funding support and a streamlined application process.
This year’s program, as with last year, includes grants for design and planning, ensuring surf club projects are supported from concept to completion.
The funding round has a focus on climate resilience, ensuring clubs can withstand extreme weather and severe storm events, as well as boosting participation so more people from all backgrounds can get involved in the movement.
“Our surf lifesavers turn up rain, hail or shine. This funding makes sure their clubs can too,” Minister Kamper said.
“Storm-proofed clubhouses, more volunteers through the door, safer beaches for everyone. That’s what this program delivers.
“From the Northern Rivers to the South Coast, we’re backing the clubs that keep our beaches safe all year round.”
Minister Dib echoed this, and added that the funding is a vital investment in an important community service.
“As we prepare for the upcoming patrol season, this program, alongside other recent investments in surf lifesaving, means our dedicated volunteers can continue their incredible work of protecting beachgoers along the NSW coast,” he said.
Applications for this round of grants close on differing dates by category. Category 1 applications close on 17 August 2026, while Category 2 and 3 applications close on 31 August 2026.
Thursday 9 July 2026