By Justin Flynn
A new chapter began in the long and proud history of Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club today.
Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson, Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville and OGSLSC president David Pavia turned the first sod to officially commence the building of the new surf life saving club complex.
The complex will include a restaurant, new state of the art clubrooms and meeting rooms.
The building works will be carried out by Ireland Brown Constructions.
At the official sod turning at Ocean Grove main beach this morning, Ms Henderson and Ms Neville said the redevelopment was a long time coming.
“It’s a very exciting time for the club,” Ms Henderson said.
“To get to the point where we are turning this on is very exciting.
“It’s hard to believe this day has finally come.”
“We had to get this done,” Ms Neville said.
“It’s such a critical organisation and it’s going to be asset for many years to come.
“The cub has been patient and never gave up. We are going to have some of the best facilities on the Bellarine. It’s pleasing to back the club and get these facilities.”
Ocean Grove SLSC president David Pavia said the club was thankful to all organisations that contributed funding for the project.
The club is currently operating from temporary facilities in the industrial estate at 3/39 Smithton Grove.