General News
26 February, 2019
Support appreciated
BEACH Energy and Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club have entered into a three-year partnership.
BEACH Energy and Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club have entered into a three-year partnership.
The sponsorship announced last week, valued at about $110,000, enables the purchase of a range of new equipment for the club’s Nippers, a new surf boat and trailer and includes funding to participate in competition.
The club, which has been helping to keep beachgoers safe since 1963, has more than 300 members and provides a vital service to the community, with volunteers supplying an annual 1400 hours of patrols guarding more than 60 kilometres of coastline.
Beach Energy community relations manager (Victoria) Linda French said the partnership is a “natural fit” for the company.
“Safety is the most important priority for Beach Energy and the volunteers at the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club do a wonderful job in keeping the surrounding beaches as safe as possible,” she said.
“Beach is proud to provide this support for the club, which will help it attract and retain new members for many years to come.”
Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club secretary Jon McLeod said the partnership “means a lot to the club”.
“Beach Energy’s support has enabled us to purchase new Nipper boards to replace boards which are no longer acceptable, other necessary equipment, beach towels and hi-viz singlets for all Nipper members,” he said.
“Beach’s support for our junior members to attend events beyond our club is such a great thing, as it helps open the kids eyes to the wider movement that they are part of, and hopefully inspires them to stay within surf lifesaving.”
Mr McLeod said the new surf boat and support for the club to attend surf boat competitions will have a lasting impact for members.
He said the club’s under 19 rowing crew has just returned from competing in the Australian Surf Rowers League National Championships at Elouera Beach in Sydney, alongside 350 crews from around the country.
“The trip was possible thanks to the investment in our club by Beach Energy,” Mr McLeod said.
“The junior crew will never forget this event. Competing with Australia’s best was a great learning experience for the crew who are now focused on the Victorian State Championships in Warrnambool on March 10, 2019.
“Hopefully this inspires more people to join the club, and be part of our ongoing success in surf boat rowing.”