June 27, 2016
A re-elected Coalition Government will support volunteers at the Lakes Entrance, Seaspray and Woodside surf lifesaving clubs, by providing $10 million to upgrade Surf Life Saving Australia’s volunteer training system.
The funding includes:
• $6 million to help upskill existing volunteer trainers and assessors
• $1.5 million for Surf Life Saving Australia to update its technology to enhance training and reduce red tape
• $1.5 million to expand the scope of volunteer training at clubs around the country, including induction and ongoing training for both members and volunteer training managers.
• $1 million for expanded recruitment and recognition of supervisors, trainers and assessors at clubs around the country.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the funding would help to train the volunteers who generously give up their time to support the community.
“Surf lifesavers, like other volunteers in the country fire services and SES, provide an essential service in the local community,” Mr Chester said
“This funding package is aimed at providing additional support to Gippsland surf lifesavers who give their time, effort and skills to protect us on the beach each summer.”
Minister for Vocational Education and Skills Senator the Hon Scott Ryan said $10 million would allow Surf Life Saving Australia to keep its trainers up-to-date with the latest teaching methods.
“Surf Life Saving Australia trains its volunteers to protect the community, lead their peers and work in a team. These are all skills that can be practised on the beach and away from the surf club,” Senator Ryan said.
“This funding will help Surf Life Saving Australia to train the trainers who share their knowledge and experience with new and advancing volunteers.”
Surf Life Saving Australia President Graham Ford AM, said this financial support will greatly improve the quality of existing training and enhance opportunities of volunteer surf lifesavers.
“The Government’s funding will relieve much of the administrative burden on our volunteers, freeing them up to deliver front line services,” Mr Ford said.
The Turnbull Coalition Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with volunteers, who generously give back to their community.
CAPTION: Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is a volunteer water safety officer for the Nippers program at Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club.
