The New Boat Harbour Beach Community Facility
In August, the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club will move into its new home, bringing together surf lifesaving, community spaces and Seekers Café under two rooves. It has been designed to provide a welcoming and inclusive place that supports community connection, health and wellbeing.
This page brings together everything you need to know about the new facility, including how it will operate, the partnership between Waratah-Wynyard Council and the Surf Club and where to find more detailed information.
It will be the home of the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club, but its purpose extends beyond surf lifesaving.
Over time, the facility will also provide opportunities for community groups, schools, local organisations and individuals to use the spaces for suitable activities.
A new facility takes time to grow
Moving into a brand-new community facility is an exciting milestone and it is also the beginning of a new journey.
Just like moving into a new home, the Surf Club will need time to get to know the building, establish new routines and understand what is needed to manage it well.
Community bookings and activities will therefore be introduced gradually.
This phased approach will give the Club time to establish booking systems, develop operating procedures, understand maintenance requirements and settle into its day-to-day operations.
As the Club grows into its new home, opportunities for community use will continue to expand.
Further information about bookings, suitable activities and how to make an enquiry will be shared over time as these arrangements are developed.
How the partnership works
Waratah-Wynyard Council and the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, commonly called an MOU.
The MOU sets out how the two organisations will work together during the first five years of the facility’s operation.
During this period, Council will retain ownership of the building while the Surf Club manages the facility.
This planned transition will support the Club as it establishes itself in the new facility, develops sustainable operations and gradually expands community use over time.
At the end of the five-year period, ownership of the building is intended to transfer to the Surf Club.
New leadership for a new chapter
The move into the facility comes at an exciting time for the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Around 50 members attended the Club’s recent Annual General Meeting, one of its biggest AGM turnouts in recent years.
It was a strong show of support for the Club and its future, with most volunteer positions filled. However, there are always ways new members can support in a range of roles at the Club.
Carolyn Hay was elected as the Club’s new President, taking over from Annie Triffett.
Annie’s leadership helped guide the Club through one of the most significant periods in its history, including the planning and construction of the new facility. The Club sincerely thanks her for her dedication, leadership and enormous contribution.
Carolyn will lead the new Board and Operations Teams as the Club prepares to move into its new home and begin the next stage of its journey.
Learn more about the new board and surf club governance
Become part of the Club
The new facility provides an exciting opportunity for more people to become involved in the Club.
You don’t have to live at Boat Harbour Beach to join. Members come from across the region.
Whether you're looking to give back to the community, learn new skills, stay active, or simply meet new people, there’s a place for everyone at our club. We welcome people with all kinds of interests and abilities — from those keen to learn first aid and water safety, to those who’d enjoy helping cook a snag on the BBQ at our social events. Every contribution
matters, and every member helps strengthen our community.
Members can help keep our beaches safe, gain lifesaving qualifications, use the gym, support behind-the-scenes operations, volunteer at events, or join as a social member.
Memberships for the 2026/27 season are now open.
Find out more about membership.
For detailed answers about ownership, management, community access, bookings, permitted activities, Seekers Café and the five-year transition, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Read about the Boat Harbour Beach Master Plan