New surf lifesaving hub

Margaret River will see a regional base for Surf Life Saving WA established later this year.

Following on from the success of the Margaret River Surf Life Saving Club, which held local competitions this summer, SLSWA has bought the Margaret River Lodge on Railway Terrace as a base for “a range of regional activities and operations throughout the season,” WA president Craig Gander-Smith said.

“As one of WA’s premier coastal tourism destinations, and home to six of our Surf Life Saving clubs, the South West is a very important region for surf lifesaving and offers considerable potential for growth, both in terms of local membership and engagement, and State-level activities,” he said.

“We aim to provide a world-class facility for use by the membership and the broader community.”

Redeveloping the site would increase its capacity to host visiting members, with plans to accommodate about 100 people in backpacker-style quarters.

The revamped base would also be used as an emergency response centre, for training, equipment storage, and administration.

“Our Wesfarmers Emergency Response Jet Ski Teams are an important asset for the region, regularly tasked to assist WA Police and other agencies in search and rescue activity,” Mr Smith-Gander said.

“These operations often take place across several days, with members travelling from across the State to assist, so this facility will also provide an important hub for these operations.” With more residents getting involved in surf lifesaving, the Margaret River centre could also host local competitions.

Last summer, Margaret River nippers had their first big outing at the Smiths Beach carnival.

Local club president and teacher Aaron McRae said his members were thrilled with the news and the new capabilities it would bring to the region.

“The facilities will enable our club to conduct surf lifesaving training to our members, especially bronze medallion, surf rescue and first aid courses, and will provide a focal point for our members to meet,” he said.

“The accommodation facilities will also allow us to conduct carnivals between metropolitan clubs to further help develop the surf sport skills in our Woodside Nippers and to enhance our competitiveness.”

Shire president Ian Earl said the new facility would be great for participants and also a possible boost for the Margaret River economy.