Umina SLSC has received funding through the Albanese Labor Government’s Stronger Communities Programme and 2022-23 Volunteer Grants.

The club has received $12,500 to buy a new inflatable rescue boat trailer and $5000 to update its volunteer’s first aid training.

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP, says this funding will go towards ensuring Umina SLSC’s volunteers have the most up-to-date training in first aid, ahead of the busy summer patrol season.

“I am pleased that Umina SLSC will use this grant funding to update its volunteer surf life savers’ first aid training”, Dr Reid said.

“It is crucial that volunteer surf life savers have the skills to respond in emergency situations before first responders arrive”.

“Ultimately, this will ensure greater safety on our beaches and safer patrol seasons in the years ahead”, Dr Reid said.

Damon Somerfield, Director of Education & Training, Umina SLSC, says this grant funding will benefit 200 volunteer life savers.

“Umina SLSC is undertaking Surf Life Saving Australia’s requirement to have all patrolling members complete a full upgraded first aid course”, Mr Somerfield said.

“Umina SLSC along, with the financial assistance from the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants & Surf Life Saving NSW, will cover the costs involved with the first aid training at a cost of $70 per person”.

“This is to be phased in and completed by 2024”, Mr Somerfield said. 

“Umina SLSC will also put part of this grant towards fuel card assistance for our volunteers who travel to a number of nipper carnivals to provide voluntary assistance in water safety, officiating and coaching”.

“This funding will enable Umina SLSC to recognise our members who volunteer their time willingly, which they give for the common good”, Mr Somerfield said.

The Federal Government’s Volunteer Grants provide not-for-profit organisations with funding of between $1000 to $5000 to support the work of its volunteers.

The 2023-24 Volunteer Grants are now open, and organisations are encouraged to contact Dr Reid’s office for an expressions of interest form.

ENDS