Surf Life Saving Australia has welcomed the Federal Governmentâ„¢s announcement that 2007 will be known as the Year of the Surf Lifesaver, and that funding will be provided to ensure a lasting legacy for all Australians in the form of safer beaches.

The Government confirmed funding over three years to assist Surf Life Saving around Australia mark the centenary of the formation of the first surf lifesaving association “ the Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales in 1907.

Surf Life Saving Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that 2007 will be known as the Year of the Surf Lifesaver, and that funding will be provided to ensure a lasting legacy for all Australians in the form of safer beaches.

The Government confirmed funding over three years to assist Surf Life Saving around Australia mark the centenary of the formation of the first surf lifesaving association ” the Surf Bathing Association of New South Wales in 1907.

Ron Rankin AM, President of Surf Life Saving Australia, said the Government’s announcement meant that work can now start planning for a fitting commemoration to the Australian surf lifesaving movement, already responsible for almost half a million rescues since 1907.

As well as celebrating Surf Life Saving’s rich history, we will use the platform provided by the Year of the Surf Lifesaver to ensure our services to the community remain relevant as we move into our second century, Mr Rankin said.

We look to 2007 as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to attract new members, improve the long-term financial viability of our clubs, and consequently provide safer beaches for the community.

This announcement is yet further demonstration of the Federal Government’s strong support for the surf lifesaving movement and we look forward to working closely with the Government and our other partners as we move towards 2007.

The audience for our message in 2007 will be all Australians, not only people living in coastal communities, as the image of the surf lifesaver and our motto ” Vigilance and Service – has come to represent much of what is good about this country.

Speaking after the Budget was handed down, Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator the Hon Rod Kemp said surf lifesavers are a national icon and intrinsic to the Australian identity.

SLSA is one of the largest volunteer organisations in the world and these volunteers have been on our beaches, keeping swimmers and beach-goers safe for nearly 100 years, Senator Kemp said.

While full details of planned commemorations are yet to be finalized, they include international lifesaving conferences, an authoritative history of the movement, coins, stamps and community events.

The Federal Budget also confirmed ongoing funding to Surf Life Saving Australia through the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DoCITA) and the Australian Sports Commission, making the Federal Government one of SLSA’s largest partners.