Residents welcome clubhouse progress

Progress on the Killcare Surf Life Saving Clubhouse development has "delighted" local community members, according to Hardys Bay Residents Group publicity officer Mr Allan Wilson.

Club president Jim Macfadyen described the rapidly-emerging new look facility as "one which will provide a great boost to lifesaving in the area".

"Already, there is a special vibrancy surrounding this project," mayor Cr Jim Macfadyen said. "Expectations are high and, consequently, it is extremely important that we continue to present a club that everybody can be proud of".

Cr Macfadyen spoke at a recent meeting of the Hardys Bay Residents Group, along with surf club registrar Mr Jeremy Linton-Mann and building committee supervisor Ms Karen Burke, in outlining details of the structure's progress.

Demolition of the old headquarters proceeded throughout April and May.

It represented the end of an era, the demise of a warm and friendly clubhouse which had served its members and visitors so well during a period which embraced the two-stage openings in 1971 and 1981.

Ground floor features of the new construction will be a gymnasium, first aid room, an upgraded gear and storage area which will be three times larger than the original, kiosk, cool room, showers and toilets, and a training room, while the upper level will house a restaurant, bar area, kitchen, members' meeting room and an auditorium catering for 150 to 200 people, with a dance floor, and a five-metre outside deck.

A special lift will provide access for the disabled to all clubhouse precincts.

Additionally, solar power and solar hot water will be incorporated.

Council will install 100-litre rainwater storage tanks for various purposes including boat and equipment washing, and these will be located behind the building.

The club will be responsible for ongoing maintenance costs and pay an annual leasing fee. Consequently, due to the self-funding process, the club will be reliant on income from restaurant patronage, kiosk rental, weddings and other functions.

Throughout the course of the rebuilding operations, four fenced-off container sheds situated at the southern end of the beach's car park are being used to contain surf club equipment.

Toilets have been provided for public use.

Mr Wilson said credit for what has been freely described as an "exciting concept in surf clubhouse design" is attributed to the award-winning Killcare architect and club member Ms Karen Burke who worked in close co-operation with council officers, ensuring, at the same time, that the plan fulfilled the vital requirements of the surf club.

"With an overall emphasis on beach safety, the club is justifiably proud of its excellent patrolling record throughout the decades of its existence and is ever-mindful of its obligations to the public," Mr Linton-Mann said.

"A major aim has always been to promote healthy and enjoyable activities for all, particularly the youngsters, and, as a consequence, we have benefited from a strong influx of junior members in recent times.

"Public interest in the improved surf club complex, with its broader range of facilities, has dramatically increased to the stage where a new social membership category is foreshadowed."

Press release, 29 Jun 2008 Allan Wilson, Hardys Bay Residents Group