Rodney Stevens
Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club will undergo upgrades to its deck and veranda flooring after the club secured a $124,608 grant from the NSW Government’s latest round of the Surf Club Facility Program.
The first documented rescue by locals at Yamba was in March 1908, when teenagers Walter Freeburn and Clarrie Redman rescued Maclean resident Samuel Dhu from a heavy swell at the northern end of Main Beach using a life buoy and line, which was the catalyst for the formation of the club.
Formed at the Yamba School of Arts on September 9, 1908, Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club has been operating continuously for almost 120 years, it is the oldest club on the NSW far north coast and one of the oldest in the world.
The first Yamba Surf Club rooms were built in the 1913-1914 season, the present clubhouse was opening in 1931 and has undergone extensions and alterations since.
Today Yamba Surf Lifesaving Club is one of the strongest in the region, with a dedicated group of members who regularly enjoy success competing against surf clubs from all over Australia.
Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson announced the grant for Yamba Surf Club and a $84,077 grant for Evans Head- Casino surf club to install solar and upgrade security last week.
“Evans Head-Casino has been awarded over $84,077 to reduce their electricity costs by installing solar panels and to upgrade the security system to keyless entry, while Yamba has secured $124,608 to replace the surf club’s existing deck and veranda flooring,” he said.
“These grants will ensure the clubhouses are well maintained and equipped to train our next generation of surf lifesavers in a modern and sustainable environment.
“Surf Life Saving Clubs like Evans Head and Yamba are often the hub of their local communities, and our volunteer lifesavers should have access to fit-for-purpose facilities so they can focus on saving lives.
“The clubhouses are often used as function rooms for weddings and other community events so the whole community will benefit from these upgrades.”