Sports Minister Steve Kamper announces the grant at Wanda. Picture supplied

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Wanda Surf Life Saving Club will use a $782,588 state government grant to repurpose the area that was leased to Fitness First into facilities to cater for a huge increase in members.

Sports Minister Steve Kamper visited Wanda Beach to announce the grant, one of three for Bate Bay clubs, totalling nearly $1 million.

Elouera will receive $53,320 to upgrade the exhaust and ventilation systems in the male and female amenities and IRB shed, as well as $22,500 for gym waterproofing remediation.

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce, Wanda president Fiona Sutton and Sports Minister Steve Kamper. Picture supplied

North Cronulla will receive $100,000, towards replanning their redevelopment.

Wanda will make internal alterations to create inclusive, accessible clubrooms, upgrade amenities, gym, kitchenette and multipurpose areas and enhance lifesaving storage, roller doors and energy-efficient services.

Fitness First first has occupied that space for just over 20 years, during which the club's membership has grown to almost 1500.

"We've reached a point where space is at a premium - particularly for education and training, youth development, and operational support for lifesaving services," club president Fiona Sutton said.

"We are increasing critical lifesaving storage on the ground floor, while the training room, office and meeting spaces will relocate upstairs.

"This not only allows us to better support frontline lifesaving activity, but also improves visibility for our lifesavers on patrol, particularly on poor weather days."

Construction is scheduled to commence immediately following the conclusion of patrol season on the Anzac Day weekend, with completion targeted for September ahead of the 2026 patrol season.

Ms Sutton said the move was about "returning space to the heart of the club - to better support the people and programs that define what we do."

"The intent is to create more accessible, flexible, multi-use areas that can be used across lifesaving, education and broader community activities," she said.

"As Wanda continues to grow, it's important our facilities grow with us - ensuring we remain fit for purpose for the next generation."

"We're focused on making sure every part of the clubhouse reflects how the club is used today and into the future."

Elouera surf club. Picture by John Veage

Three Bate Bay surf clubs have been awarded a total of almost $1 million in state government grants for their buildings and facilities.

Their funding will take a big chunk of the $5.45 million provided through the 2025 NSW Surf Club Facility Program for 61 projects along the coastline.

Wanda Surf Life Saving Club has been awarded $782,588, one of the biggest handouts, for internal alterations to create inclusive, accessible clubrooms, upgrade amenities, gym, kitchenette and multipurpose areas and enhance lifesaving storage, roller doors and energy-efficient services.

Elouera Surf Life Saving Club will receive $53,320 to upgrade the exhaust and ventilation systems in the male and female amenities and IRB shed.

The club has also been awarded $22,500 for gym waterproofing remediation.

North Cronulla Surf Life Saving Club will receive $100,000, towards replanning their redevelopment, which is expected to cost $30 million.

Sports Minister Steve Kamper said grants of up to $1 million were available across three categories for projects that upgrade, restore or construct surf life saving facilities to ensure they stay modern, inclusive and accessible.

Mr Kamper said this years program included grants for design and planning, ensuring surf club projects were supported from concept to completion.

Projects that encourage participation by women and girls, people with disability, First Nations peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTQIA+ were a priority of the program, he said.