Published Wednesday, 07 March, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Minister for State Development, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
HELPING HAND FOR FAR NORTH LIFESAVERS
The Queensland Government today announced funding of $88,320 to support Surf Life Saving clubs in Far North Queensland affected by Cyclone Larry.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the Surf Life Saving movement had been one of the less obvious groups adversely affected in the wake of the cyclone.
“In the wake of Cyclone Larry, Surf Life Saving clubs have been struggling to cope,” Mr Mickel said.
“Existing volunteer lifesavers are fully stretched both in the administration and development of lifesaving within their communities.
“The grant, from the $18.65 million Cyclone Larry Employment Assistance Package, will assist Surf Life Saving clubs at Mission Beach, Etty Bay, Cairns, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas.
“The grant will enable Surf Life Saving Queensland to employ Community Support Officers in each of the five clubs for six months.”
Mr Mickel said their role would be to help restore club capacity by working with volunteer office bearers to re-engage the local community via school visits, events and forums with the aim of increasing membership.
“The Community Support Officers will also be helping raise awareness of water safety messages”, Mr Mickel said.
“Those selected, who will either be unemployed or at risk of long-term unemployment, will gain invaluable skills and work experience”.
Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO Tony Scanlan welcomed the grant, saying that it was a fantastic opportunity for the Minister to leave a lasting legacy for surf lifesaving in North Queensland during the Year of the Surf Lifesaver.
“The community service that lifesavers provide in North Queensland has been severely hampered by Cyclone Larry,” said Mr Scanlan.
“The Clubs and our members took a physical and financial battering, and with the local community still struggling in the aftermath this has affected our volunteers capacity to provide lifesaving services and activities.”
Last season over 300 lifesavers performed volunteer patrols in Northern Queensland and rescued four people. 2007 has been nationally gazetted as the Year of the Surf Lifesaver as Surf Life Saving celebrates its national centenary.
Contact:Surf Life Saving Queensland Executive Manager, John Brennan either at jbrennan@lifesaving.com.au or on 07 3846 8000.
Media Contacts: Chris Brown on 3224 47349 or Elouise Campion on 3224 6784
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations John Mickel said the Surf Life Saving movement had been one of the less obvious groups adversely affected in the wake of the cyclone.
“In the wake of Cyclone Larry, Surf Life Saving clubs have been struggling to cope,” Mr Mickel said.
“Existing volunteer lifesavers are fully stretched both in the administration and development of lifesaving within their communities.
“The grant, from the $18.65 million Cyclone Larry Employment Assistance Package, will assist Surf Life Saving clubs at Mission Beach, Etty Bay, Cairns, Ellis Beach and Port Douglas.
“The grant will enable Surf Life Saving Queensland to employ Community Support Officers in each of the five clubs for six months.”
Mr Mickel said their role would be to help restore club capacity by working with volunteer office bearers to re-engage the local community via school visits, events and forums with the aim of increasing membership.
“The Community Support Officers will also be helping raise awareness of water safety messages”, Mr Mickel said.
“Those selected, who will either be unemployed or at risk of long-term unemployment, will gain invaluable skills and work experience”.
Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO Tony Scanlan welcomed the grant, saying that it was a fantastic opportunity for the Minister to leave a lasting legacy for surf lifesaving in North Queensland during the Year of the Surf Lifesaver.
“The community service that lifesavers provide in North Queensland has been severely hampered by Cyclone Larry,” said Mr Scanlan.
“The Clubs and our members took a physical and financial battering, and with the local community still struggling in the aftermath this has affected our volunteers capacity to provide lifesaving services and activities.”
Last season over 300 lifesavers performed volunteer patrols in Northern Queensland and rescued four people. 2007 has been nationally gazetted as the Year of the Surf Lifesaver as Surf Life Saving celebrates its national centenary.
Contact:Surf Life Saving Queensland Executive Manager, John Brennan either at jbrennan@lifesaving.com.au or on 07 3846 8000.
Media Contacts: Chris Brown on 3224 47349 or Elouise Campion on 3224 6784