Don Page, Member for Ballina has today announced funding of $100,000 for the Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore Surf Life Saving Club from the NSW Government.

“The local members of the Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC do an outstanding job patrolling our beaches.  This grant will assist the club in the construction of the long awaited new club house and patrol building at Lighthouse Beach in Ballina,” Mr Page said.

"Our local volunteer lifeguards and junior life savers have continued their support for the club over a number of years, despite the lack of adequate facilities such as hot showers and change rooms," Mr Page said.

"These volunteers provide an invaluable service in keeping our beaches safe and teaching our kids the skills they need to be safe in the water.

"I am pleased to see the NSW Government recognising the service our surf life saving clubs provide with this funding," Mr Page said.

NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation, Graham Annesley, said the NSW Government is committed to Surf Life Saving NSW having upgraded facilities to support the hard work of surf lifesavers and provide valued community assets.

“There are over 120 surf clubs along the NSW coastline patrolling more than 200 beaches during the surf season and each and every one of them is a credit to their community,” Mr Annesley said.

“In addition to this round of funding the NSW Government has committed a further $2M per annum for 2013 and 2014 to assist Surf Live Saving clubs in providing the facilities and services required to enhance beach goer’s safety,” Mr Annesley added.

For more information on the program visit www.surflifesaving.com.au