By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club hopes for a big turnout out at its 36th annual Rip to River Race despite facing a squeeze on facilities.
Club President and race director Steve Peatling said the Rip to River was one of the club’s major fundraising activities for the year.
“Given the rapid expansion of membership, surf patrol activities and requests for community use of the facility, the club is in need of significant expansion and updating,” Mr Peatling said.
“Over the past four years all parties involved in the operation of the Surf Beach complex at Ocean Grove have had ongoing discussions regarding future development of the complex.
“We’ve had significant discussions with government and other stakeholders around funding for this development.
“At the 2014 state election we received a funding allocation of $2.675 million to the redevelopment. Work is already well under way, with plans and permits to make this dream a reality over the next two years.
“As well as some expansion of the commercial activities within the complex, the new facilities will include better beach patrol administration facilities, first aid facilities, rescue equipment and vehicle storage, expanded office space and a club and community training room facility.
“The club is in the final stages of planning with Barwon Coast and looks forward to turning soil on the project sometime in 2016.”
Believed to be Australia’s first regularly organised beach run, the inaugural Rip to River in January 1981 ran from Point Lonsdale lighthouse to the mouth of the Barwon River.
Legendary Geelong footballer Billy Goggin started the first Rip to River, which has since had a number of celebrities and sports stars compete each year, including local legend Cliff Young who competed in 1984 and Nick DeCastella who won the second race in 1982.
The event’s updated format now includes a 10km walk from Point Lonsdale as well as a 5km run and a 1.4km Ripper Nipper race, both starting from Ocean Grove.
As one of the longest-running and most-iconic events on the Victorian running calendar, the race attracted more than 1500 entrants last year.
The club also received a $5000 grant from the Beach Safety Equipment Fund, along with all other surf lifesaving clubs.
Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson said the $8 million fund would provide about $25,000 over five years to every Surf Life Saving Australia club to buy essential rescue equipment, first aid and medical supplies.
