Surf life savers and surf-club members of all ages and abilities have welcomed a refurbishment of the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club with new change rooms, including space for female members, and accessible amenities, creating a more inclusive community facility.
The $640,000 upgrade was jointly funded by NSW Government through a Surf Club Facilities Grant, City of Newcastle, Dixon Park SLSC and Ability Links NSW and officially opened on Sunday 18 August.
Pictured left to right: President Hunter Surf Life Saving Heny Scruton, Lord Mayor of Newcastle Clr Nuatali Nelmes, CEO Hunter Surf Life Saving Rhonda Scruton, Ability Links NSW Jacinta Irwin, Leonie Miller and Belinda McDaid, Paul Murray President DPSLSC with DPSLC juniors.
Dixon Park SLSC President Paul Murray said because the Club has proudly attracted more women and families to surf lifesaving, the refurbishment is essential to its future growth.
“The refurbishment has made a huge difference to the quality of the Club facilities which are used by hundreds of members including our nippers, juniors and senior lifesavers as well as lifeguards and visitors,” Mr Murray said.
“The project has been a genuine partnership between Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club and City of Newcastle which has produced a great outcome for our community.
The Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes said the much-needed refurbishment supports the City’s coastal revitalisation program which is helping Novocastrians and visitors enjoy the coastal lifestyle.
“Our local surf clubs are some of the largest community groups in Newcastle. By having quality facilities, like the refurbished Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club, we can encourage young people, families and less mobile people to be involved in surf clubs, to be more active and to enjoy all the benefits of the living near the coast.”
The upgraded facility includes refurbished changes rooms, accessible showers and toilets and parents change rooms as well as new kitchenette, meeting room and small function space on the ground floor of the Dixon Park SLSC pavilion.
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