Margaret River Surf Life Saving Club receives $54,000 from LotteryWest for emergency shed upgrade at Gnarabup

Warren HatelyAugusta Margaret River Times
Camera IconWarren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie with Margaret River Surf Life Saving president Aaron McRae and juniors Leo Pancia, Jack O'Brien and Isaac Aloha. Credit: Supplied

Margaret River Surf Life Saving Club has welcomed a cash injection from LotteryWest which will help address concerns about ocean rescues moving forward.

Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie confirmed the $54,000 donation would go towards extending the growing club’s Gnarabup shed and provide adequate storage for all gear.

Ms Kelsbie said volunteer emergency response organisations such as Surf Life Saving WA played an important role in keeping the community safe.

“Surf Life Saving WA and their volunteers play a vital role in safeguarding our beaches and communities,” she said.

“I’m pleased that we have been able to support our local volunteers with grant funding that will improve and extend their capability to respond effectively to emergencies.

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“The extended shed will not only provide improved access to their equipment, but also contribute to the overall safety and well-being of beachgoers across the Margaret River region.”

Club president Aaron McRae said he was grateful to LotteryWest for the funds.

“This expansion will enable us to safely store all of our lifesaving equipment and improve the organisation of our emergency response gear, significantly enhancing our response times during rescue operations,” he said.

“The shed extension will greatly enhance our ability to deliver high-quality programs through the dedicated efforts of our club’s volunteers by allowing us to store valuable resources.”

Mr McRae commended Ms Kelsbie for her advocacy on behalf of the club.

The cash boost comes as the Margaret River Recreational Surfers argue a standalone facility closer to the shore between Gnarabup and Riflebutts was needed so volunteers could launch jet-skis to help surfers and oceangoers in trouble.

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