YEARS of hard work by volunteers, members and supporters have paid off for Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club, with the official opening of a transformed members’ area that will support the club’s growing lifesaving and nipper programs.

The renovated downstairs facilities were unveiled during the club’s 2026 Open Day, giving locals a chance to see the improvements while finding out more about becoming a surf lifesaver or joining the nipper program.

Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said the project reflected years of dedication from the club and its volunteers.

“Congratulations to Leigh, committee members, surf lifesavers and supporters of the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club for your tireless work on the downstairs renovations,” Ms Bolton said.

“What was a damp, dingy and unworkable space is now a fantastic members’ area with toilets and showers, a proper first aid room and kitchen. Thank you to the Queensland Government and Surf Life Saving Queensland for jointly funding the project, and everyone who has been part of the eight-year journey.”

Ms Bolton also congratulated club member Lyndon on being named Sunshine Coast Surf Trainer of the Year and said she looked forward to seeing the club’s planned upstairs refurbishment completed later this year.

The project — one of the largest in the Club’s history — has delivered a dedicated First Aid Room, a training room and member relaxation space, separate nipper changing areas, and a new ground-floor office accessible to the public. External works include replacement of ageing water mains, upgraded sewer infrastructure, improved drainage in the western carpark, and a new roof to protect the coastal facility for decades to come.

Club President Leigh McCready said the renovation was a credit to the many volunteers and local businesses who had donated their time and expertise.

“This renovation was delivered on time and on budget, and that is entirely a testament to our incredible team – the facilities committee, board members, our supporters club, sponsors and the volunteers who rolled up their sleeves at working bees,” Leigh said.

“We also thank local firms Altum Property Group and Stanford Consulting Engineers for donating their expertise to help us through the project. These facilities will help us attract new members and continue building towards a full complement of 12 patrols over the next two years.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services and Ninderry MP Dan Purdie was also at the official launch.

“Peregian Beach SLSC has one of the most inspiring stories in Queensland surf lifesaving,” Mr Purdie said.

“This club wound up in 2014 and was kept alive through the generosity of Noosa Surf Club and was brought back to independence through the passion of local residents led by Leigh McCready. The Queensland Government is proud to have partnered with SLSQ to deliver $928,000 to give this club the modern, fit-for-purpose facilities its members and the Peregian community deserve.”

Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast Branch president Tim Ryan said the club’s journey was a great example of what a community could achieve.

“The team at Peregian Beach has put in an enormous amount of work to rebuild this club from the ground up, re-establishing the nippers program, growing membership and now delivering this major infrastructure project,” Tim said.

The official opening of the new member area was held as part of the Club’s 2026 Open Day, which gave community members the opportunity to learn about joining the Nipper program or becoming a Peregian lifesaver. The Club’s next Bronze Medallion and Surf Rescue Certificate course commences on August 7. For more information, contact: hello@peregiansurfclub.com.au