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Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club Secures $2 Million Lotterywest Grant for New Facility

Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club

Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club (SSLSC) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $2 million Lotterywest grant to support the development and fit-out of its new surf club facility - a major milestone that now completes the funding required for this significant community project.

The grant is comprised of $1.5 million towards construction and $500,000 towards essential fit-out costs, ensuring the new clubhouse will be a modern, accessible and purpose-built community asset for the Joondalup region and surrounding suburbs.

This latest contribution brings the total independently sourced funding for the redevelopment to $11 million, comprising:

• $2 million – Lotterywest grant
• $1 million – raised directly by Sorrento SLSC members
• $8 million – secured from the WA State Government

As one of Western Australia’s largest and most active surf lifesaving clubs - with more than 2,400 members, over 850 Nippers, and 410 active patrolling volunteers - Sorrento SLSC plays a vital role in keeping Sorrento Beach safe. Last season, volunteer lifesavers contributed more than 8,400 patrol hours, responding to incidents, performing preventative actions, and supporting community safety across one of Perth’s busiest metropolitan beaches.

Sorrento SLSC President Rob Doherty said securing the grant represents a defining moment for the club.

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this support from Lotterywest. This grant completes the final piece of the funding puzzle and allows us to move forward with building a fit-for-purpose facility that will serve our members and the broader community for decades to come.

This project is about far more than a new building - it’s about delivering the infrastructure our club needs to continue providing essential lifesaving services, youth development programs, and inclusive community initiatives for one of Perth’s fastest-growing coastal regions.”

The new facility will greatly expand the club’s community impact. Beyond lifesaving patrols, Sorrento SLSC delivers programs that support people across all ages and backgrounds - including Silver Salties for older adults, Dolphins for children with physical or intellectual disabilities, culturally inclusive initiatives, and school and community beach safety education attended by thousands of young people each year. The club is also home to one of WA’s largest youth development pathways, with new SRC and Bronze Medallion candidates joining each season to become the next generation of lifesavers.

Member for Hillarys, Caitlin Collins MLA, said the redevelopment will play a vital role in supporting a growing community.

“This is a fantastic outcome for our local community. Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club is one of WA’s strongest volunteer organisations, delivering essential services and programs that benefit people of all ages and abilities.

A new, modern facility will ensure the club can continue to grow, continue to save lives, and continue to deliver programs that build confidence, resilience and community connection. 

I’m thrilled to see this project, one of my election commitments, moving forward.”

The redevelopment will address long-standing facility constraints, including limited training space, inadequate equipment storage, outdated changerooms, and a building originally designed for a much smaller membership base. The new clubhouse will include:

• larger training and education rooms
• expanded gear and equipment storage
• improved operational areas for patrols
• dedicated community and youth spaces
• accessible design throughout
• increased capacity to host school groups and external community programs

With the final funding piece now secured, construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026.

Sorrento SLSC extends its thanks to its members, volunteers, Lotterywest, the State Government, City of Joondalup, Surf Lifesaving Western Australia and the many stakeholders who contributed support throughout the process.

Contact details:

David Tasker
Business and Marketing Director
Sorrento Surf Lifesaving Club
T: 0433 112 936
E: [email protected]