Our New Clubhouse FAQs
Who is managing the building redevelopment from Mentone?
The club has a dedicated Building Committee that are overseeing the project as well as managing interactions with key stakeholders (eg. City of Kingston, Lifesaving Victoria, Emergency Services Infrastructure Authority). The Building Committee meets regularly to provide input into plans and the project as whole.
The Building Committee also has several working-groups– each committee member has the responsibility for managing one working-group. Each working-group has provided critical input/advice to particular functional areas of the new club house. These groups are made up of a wide range of club members (joining of these groups was open to all club members in early 2020), and have been invaluable in the design phase of the project.
The Building Committee and the sub-group they oversee is outlined below:
| Building Committee member | Role | Sub-group managed |
| Tim Eerhard | Building Project Manager | Building Operations |
| Kate Bell | Building Committee Chair | Gym |
| Simone Corin | Committee Member | Facility Operations |
| Dwayne Cananzi | Committee Member | Storage |
| Russell Rees | Committee Member | Memorabilia |
| Shane Miller | Committee Member | Member Amenities |
| Anthony Turton | Committee Member | Patrol |
When will we be moving in? How is the project tracking overall?
The building project is tracking well but we do not have a hand over date from the City of Kingston yet. On current projections it is expected that we will be in our temporary arrangement for the start of the summer season at least.
What will the building and precinct look like when we get the keys?
It is most likely that much of the surrounding area around the building will not be finished as we start moving in. This means that our access may not be as easy as it will be long term, and there may be some site restrictions. Just like when you move into a new house, not everything will be complete. Our first task is to get in there, and work to turn our building into our home for the members and the community to enjoy.
What will accessibility for members be like in the new building day one?
Once we have been handed the keys to the building there will be a range of activities to make the critical functions of patrol, first aid and training able to be operate in the new building. This is our priority. We aim to have an opportunity for members to go on a guided tour of the building to learn about it and to see what work needs to be done before we open the building for general use.
What will the money I donated through the giving day be used for?
The money donated by members will be used to fit out the building with those items for the benefit of members. This will mean furniture, equipment and fittings in the members rooms, office, patrol and other member specific areas.
Will I be able to book a function in the new building?
Our first priority is to get our building operating for our members, during this period we will test and refine our ability to have social gatherings and operate the kitchen, bar etc. As we get better at this we will open for bookings. Importantly, function hire and external use is a critical income source for the club. Our building has been designed to enable this to occur without impacting on day to day club and member operations.
Will there be a kiosk in the new building?
There will be a kiosk downstairs at beach level. Our plan is to get this operating as a club enterprise as soon as possible. We expect to employ members to assist in operating the kiosk. The upstairs kitchen also has a ‘hole in the wall’ to enable sales to passers-by on the bay trail.
Will I be able to store more board/ski in the new building?
The short answer is yes, for a fee. Our planning provides for more spaces than in the old building, and hopefully we will be able to accommodate everyone who wants to keep a mal or ski there. This may not be immediate as we build and instal racking systems, but over time we hope to satisfy all member needs. Remember though the space is finite and there may end up being more demand than we can meet. The storage of other leisure craft like SUP’s or canoes is not being considered.
As a paid member, how will I access the club; will it be different to the old club style/process?
The new building has a sophisticated security and access system, which will enable us to provide access to members at various levels dependent on their responsibilities and roles. As in the past a new member does not get immediate access, and as members become more involved their security pass is broadened to enable greater access. Like the old building we expect the downstairs area to be open most weekends and hot days so all members can access the toilets and showers and other key member areas.
How can I as a member help
As we move in there will be lots of work to be done. Our membership base means we have an enormous resource of skills and knowledge to tap. But we don’t know you all or what you can do to help. So when the call goes out for help- step up! You may also choose to contact any executive member, any building committee member or anyone else in a leadership position around the club to offer your help. Making it your club that you belong to is a critical part of this process.
