Last week, following two years of fundraising work, Peregian residents’ association Peregian Family and Friends Inc presented a cheque for $80,000 to the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club to be put towards the construction of a new clubhouse building.
Founder and president Leigh McCready said, “The cheque presentation was the culmination of five years of advocacy, blood, sweat and tears to get our local surf club re-started, after it was wound up in 2014.”
“Back in December 2017, we incorporated a residents’ association to speak up for the two-thirds majority of locals who wanted a surf club building that was fit for purpose, that provided clear visibility to the water for safety, enabled fast emergency access to the beach and allowed members and guests to support the club financially through a restaurant and bar overlooking the water.
“We worked with Noosa Heads SLSC to get the Peregian Nippers program started again in 2018 and helped add many new lifesavers to our volunteer patrols. In 2022, finally a new Surf Life Saving Club and Supporter’s Club were both re-incorporated and affiliated with Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ), a first in Queensland lifesaving history.
“The next step is to build a new clubhouse, as Peregian has been rated the third worst in Queensland by SLSQ. While the club isn’t available yet to bring the kids for a meal and a drink, the current venue can be hired for events.”
Following the launch in 2019 by Peregian Family and Friends of the annual Spirit of Peregian event, funds have been progressively raised for local causes.
“In 2021 and 2022, a total of $80,000 was raised for the surf club re-building. We are proud to present this cheque to Peregian Beach SLSC President John Roderick to start a nest egg for the future clubhouse works, following the establishment of a dedicated club bank account for the purpose of rebuilding a new surf lifesaving building,” Ms McCready said.
Mr Roderick said to Peregian Family and Friends members upon receiving the cheque, “Very much appreciated, extremely generous.
“The money will go towards long term purposes for the club. Money will be astutely looked after before any expenditure. I can assure you of that.”
Ninderry MP Dan Purdie said it was a fantastic outcome for the whole community.
“This is an incredible donation which really reflects how hard the Peregian Family and Friends have been working on behalf of the local community, for the benefit of local community,” Mr Purdie said.
“It just goes to show how local communities can thrive when they work together for a common goal.”
Noosa Councillor Amelia Lorentson said, “I’ve been watching the progress of the new Peregian Surf Club closely and am thrilled as the club has evolved to become independent again.“
“Thank you to Peregian Family and Friends for fighting hard against many obstacles to help get the club re-started, with the support of Noosa Heads SLSC and SLSQ.”
Ms McCready said, “Thank you so much to our community which has supported the return of our surf club so passionately, to the dedicated Peregian Family and Friends Inc committee and to Dan Purdie MP and Councillor Amelia Lorentson for today representing our One Peregian community which crosses shire and electorate boundaries.”
