Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Life Saving Victoria CEO Catherine Greaves (pictured) discussed the need for ongoing funding for local surf lifesavers during a meeting in Lakes Entrance.
Ms Greaves was in the region to meet with lifesaving club members throughout Gippsland, including volunteers in Lakes Entrance, Seaspray and Woodside.
“Our surf lifesavers provide a critical service for locals and visitors but I’m concerned with the lack of recurrent funding that would provide more certainty for individual clubs and programs that can prevent drownings,” Mr Chester said.
“As a youth development program, the training provided by Life Saving Victoria is world class and all levels of government should work in partnership to make sure our local clubs remain financially viable.
“Across Gippsland, we have hundreds of club members who fundraise within their communities and secure grants wherever possible to ensure our beaches remain as safe as possible.
“It’s a huge contribution to the social and economic life of Gippsland and I want to thank all life savers for their work this summer.”
