PORTSEA Surf Life Saving Club president Stuart Rayner said members had been “blown away” by the new multi-million dollar clubhouse.
“It’s been a long seven-year journey, but the wait has absolutely been worth it,” he said.
“We look forward to sharing this fabulous new facility with the broader Mornington Peninsula community once it’s fully operational next season.”
Premier Daniel Andrews was a guest of Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr David Gill and Crs Hugh Fraser and Bryan Payne at a function to open the $7.65 million clubhouse, Saturday 20 April. The ageing and weather-worn clubhouse has been rebuilt and an access road constructed to enable ambulance access.
Cr Gill said the shire was delighted to have contributed $1 million towards the rebuild alongside the state government’s $2.15 million. Community support and contributions by the club’s 2000 members raised another $4.5 million.
“People of all ages will be encouraged to become new members or continue to be involved in life saving activities in this purpose-built facility,” Cr Gill said.
Cr Fraser said the clifftop site “presented considerable technical difficulties” that were overcome with the club “working closely with Parks Victoria and the shire”.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 30 April 2019