Question 1

What is the Boat Harbour Beach Community Facility?

Accepted Answer

The Boat Harbour Beach Community Facility is a new community asset that brings together the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Seekers Café and shared community spaces.The upstairs will be referred to as the ‘Community Centre’, while the whole building will be referred to as the ‘Facility’.It has been designed to support surf lifesaving, community connection, health and wellbeing, while creating a welcoming place for members, visitors and the wider community.

Question 2

Is it just a surf club?

Accepted Answer

No.While the Surf Club will call the facility home, it has been designed to become a community facility that, over time, can support a range of appropriate community activities.The Surf Club will manage the facility on behalf of Council during the first five years while it establishes day-to-day operations and gradually expands community use.

Question 3

Who owns the building?

Accepted Answer

Waratah-Wynyard Council owns the building during the first five years of operation.During this time, the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club will manage the facility under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).At the end of the five-year transition period, and provided we can remain financially viable, ownership is planned to transfer to the Surf Club.

Question 4

Why is there a five-year transition?

Accepted Answer

Moving into a new community facility is a significant step for the Surf Club.The five-year transition gives the Club time to establish sustainable operations, learn how the facility works, build experience managing the building and gradually expand community use.It also provides certainty for both Council and the Club as the facility becomes established.

Question 5

What is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?

Accepted Answer

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is an agreement that explains how two organisations will work together.In this case, it outlines the roles and responsibilities of Waratah-Wynyard Council and the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club during the first five years of the facility's operation.

Question 6

What happens after five years?

Accepted Answer

The intention is for ownership of the building to transfer to the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

Question 7

Can I book the facility?

Accepted Answer

Not yet.The Surf Club's priority is moving into the new facility and establishing its day-to-day operations.Community bookings will be introduced gradually as the Club settles into its new home.Information about when bookings become available and how to make an enquiry will be shared once these arrangements have been developed.

Question 8

What types of activities can be held at the facility?

Accepted Answer

The facility has been designed to support activities that promote community connection,health and wellbeing.As community use expands over time, suitable activities may include:community meetingsworkshopstraining sessionsclub activitieseducational programswellbeing activitiesschool and youth activitiescommunity celebrationsother community-focused events.
Each request will be considered on its own merits and needs to align with the purpose ofthe facility.

Question 9

What activities can't be held at the facility?

Accepted Answer

The facility has not been established as a commercial function venue.Activities that are inconsistent with its community purpose are unlikely to be suitable. This includes things such as:commercial weddingslarge commercial functionsactivities that conflict with Surf Club operationsevents that create unreasonable impacts on neighbouring propertiesactivities that are inconsistent with planning requirements.The aim is to ensure the facility remains a welcoming, well-managed community space for everyone.

Question 10

Is Seekers Café part of the Surf Club?

Accepted Answer

No.Seekers Café is a separate business operating from the facility.The café leases its space from the Surf Club and operates independently.

Question 11

Can anyone join the Surf Club

Accepted Answer

Everyone is welcome to apply to become a member, whether you live at Patuyala/Boat Harbour Beach or elsewhere in the region.Members come from across the Northwest Coast, including Wynyard, Burnie, Yolla, Sisters Beach and other surrounding rural and urban communities.Before membership can be finalised, all members must obtain a Volunteer Registration (Registration to Work with Vulnerable People/RWVP). The Club can help guide you through this process.

Question 12

Do I have to patrol the beach?

Accepted Answer

No.There are many ways to be involved.You might become a patrol member, gain lifesaving qualifications, use the gym, help behind the scenes, volunteer at events or simply join as a social member.Every contribution helps the Club.

Question 13

Why is community access being introduced gradually?

Accepted Answer

The new facility is a significant step forward for the Surf Club.Rather than opening every aspect of the building immediately, the Club is taking a staged approach while it settles into its new home.This allows time to establish systems, understand the building's day-to-day operation and ensure the facility is managed well.As the Club grows into the facility, opportunities for community use will continue to expand.

Question 14

How does this fit into the Boat Harbour Beach Master Plan?

Accepted Answer

The new community facility is one project within the broader Boat Harbour Beach Master Plan.The Master Plan provides a long-term vision for improving public spaces, recreation opportunities and community facilities throughout the precinct.The new building is an important step towards delivering that vision.

Question 15

I have a question about the Community Facility.

Accepted Answer

Please contact the Boat Harbour Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
boatharbour@slst.asn.au

Question 16

I have a question about the Boat Harbour Beach Master Plan.

Accepted Answer

Please contact Waratah-Wynyard Council.
Phone: 03 6443 8333

Question 17

I have a question about Seekers Café.

Accepted Answer

Please contact Seekers Café directly.Phone: 03 6445 1113seekersboatharbour@gmail.com

Frequently asked questions