NSW Surf Club Facility Program 2025/26

Purpose and Program Overview

The NSW Surf Club Facility Program aims to support Surf Life Saving Clubs (SLSCs) across New South Wales. The grant enables clubs to upgrade or develop new facilities. The intent is to make club infrastructure safe, accessible, and inclusive for all community members.

This funding drives better quality surf club facilities. It encourages best practice design principles in construction and upgrades. The government seeks to increase facility use by the public and community groups.

The program also helps clubs remove participation barriers for underrepresented groups. This includes women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, and culturally diverse communities. The total funding pool for the 2025/26 program is $5,458,000. It supports the financial and environmental sustainability of SLSCs, securing their future as important community hubs.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount or funding range: Up to $100,000 for Category 2 projects. Up to $1,000,000 for Category 3 projects.
• Application open and close dates: Applications are open. The closing date for Category 2 and Category 3 projects is 10 November 2025.
• Eligible business types: Surf Life Saving Clubs in NSW. Surf Life Saving NSW Branches can apply after club submissions are considered. Partnerships with councils or landowners are encouraged.
• Required co-contributions: Applicants must provide a minimum 30% co-contribution of the total project cost. A minimum 20% contingency for cost escalation is also needed.
• Location/state/territory applicability: New South Wales (NSW).

Priority Sectors

The grant funding is specific to the Surf Life Saving sector in New South Wales.

Funding Scope

The grant provides support across two specific funding categories:

• Category 2 – Facility Design and Planning Projects: Maximum grant amount is $100,000. Projects must be complete by February 2027.
• Category 3 – Construction Projects: Maximum grant amount is $1,000,000. Projects must be complete by February 2029.

Successful projects must start within six months of receiving the funding notification. The funding agreement must be formally executed within six weeks of notification.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following key requirements:

• The applicant must be a Surf Life Saving Club in NSW or a Surf Life Saving NSW Branch.
• Applicants must commit a minimum of 30% financial co-contribution to the total project cost.
• A minimum 20% contingency amount for cost increases must be included in the project budget.
• The applicant must obtain landowner consent and all relevant regulatory approvals.
• The project must start within six months of receiving the grant notification.
• The applicant must execute the funding agreement within six weeks of notification.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

The grant supports different activities depending on the funding stream:

Category 2 – Facility Design and Planning Projects

• Design documents, including schematics and floor plans.
• Development applications and technical reports.
• Feasibility studies and business case development.
• Environmental and engineering assessments.
• Universal Design audits and community engagement plans.

Category 3 – Construction Projects

• Construction of new buildings or upgrades to current buildings, such as club rooms, change rooms, or kitchens.
• Installation of modular facilities.
• Acquisition of rescue and safety infrastructure, like storage racks and beach access mats.
• External project management fees, limited to 10% of the total project cost.

Assessment Process

The NSW Surf Club Facility Program is competitive. A judging panel reviews and assesses all applications.

Success relies on submitting a strong and credible business case. The application should detail the project’s merit and show clear value for the public funds requested. Applicants must provide detailed presentations that support projected outcomes and a thorough cost-benefit analysis.

Recent Program Updates

This round is the 2025/26 program. The grant is currently open. The closing date for all applications in Category 2 and Category 3 is 10 November 2025. The total funding pool available for allocation is $5,458,000.

Application Tips

Applicants must check all eligibility criteria carefully before preparing their submission. Prepare essential documents, such as financial forecasts and a detailed project milestone plan, ahead of time. Applicants should clearly show how the proposal aligns with government priorities for accessibility, community use, and inclusion. Demonstrate the club’s capability to deliver the project on time and within budget. Clearly state the expected outcomes and community benefits.

Where to Get Help

Consider consulting a grant specialist for a personalised eligibility assessment and expert assistance in preparing a strong, compliant and competitive application. Contact Patten Group today and get connected with Australia’s best grant specialist. For official guidelines, application details, templates, and further information, visit the NSW Surf Club Facility Program official website and other associated Australian government websites.