The club has earned more than $9000 to help furnish its new $2.7m clubhouse, Independent Member for Port Macquarie, Peter Besseling, announced last Wednesday.

“The Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club has been awarded $9810 under a $2 million program to upgrade surf life saving facilities across the state,” Mr Besseling said.

“This is a fantastic outcome for the surf club community who has worked tirelessly for many years to replace its 52-year-old club house. This additional financial support will go a long way to ensuring the building meets the needs of more than 340 surf club members and the thousands of people who visit Rainbow Beach every year.

“It also proves the value in being able to bring government ministers to our region so they can see first-hand what the community needs,” Mr Besseling said.

“Sport and Recreation Minister Kevin Greene met with the surf club committee members on site last May, so the minister had a very good idea of the practical help that would be needed once construction on the new club house was underway.

“The funding will be used to fit out the first-aid room, training room and an office,” Mr Besseling said.

The revamped Wauchope-Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club is expected to open in May.