Behind every great building, is an even greater story of community. The North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club is no exception.

Words Madelaine Cherrington

Images From the collections of Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society

If you’re lucky enough to call yourself a Wollongong local, chances are you’ve spent many a weekend enjoying the splendour that is the Blue Mile. The Blue Mile, beginning at Stuart Park and ending at the Wollongong Golf Club, is comprised of resident-favourite jaunts including the North Beach Kiosk, Diggies, Wollongong Fish Markets and the Wollongong Harbour.

Located at the beginning of this beautiful stretch of land is the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club. The clubhouse is the embodiment of the Illawarra’s rich history, an intersection of our love for the ocean and the power of community spirit.

The club and its surrounds serve as almost a second home for locals to congregate; a place where avid swimmers can enjoy an early morning dip, where local youth can meet with their friends, and a place where all members of the community are blessed with the ability to socialise by the sea.  

Amongst it all, the surf clubhouse is an unwavering anchor. Like many of the buildings we come to treasure, its history paints a portrait of generations past. In the early 1900’s, ‘surf bathing’ was steadily gaining popularity, with many Illawarra residents opting to enjoy a dip in the several ocean pools on offer. However, with this newfound love of swimming came challenges concerning public safety. Following several drowning incidents, residents were starting to ask an important question: who was in charge of determining whether or not the beach was safe to swim in? It soon became clear that there needed to be a dedicated body responsible for keeping swimmers safe.

In January 1908, a public meeting took place in the council chambers. The purpose and ultimate outcome of this meeting was the formation of the Wollongong Surf Bathing and Life Saving Club. More than 100 people were in attendance, 57 of whom enrolled as members that same day.

Only a few months later, an additional meeting was called to discuss the construction of dressing sheds on the North Beach. These dressing sheds would go on to form the basis of the clubhouse that we’ve come to enjoy today.

The club’s early days weren’t without its challenges. A group of avid life savers, self-titled the ‘Water Rats’, broke away from the club and began to conduct rescues on their own. The group would go on to call themselves the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club, eventually merging with original surf club.

In 1936, almost 30 years after the Wollongong Surf Bathing and Life Saving Club was established, the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club was officially opened. Finally, after countless rescues and hours spent patrolling, the dedicated members of the surf club had a place to call home.

And now, after more than 85 years since the clubhouse was first built, the building is finally getting a much-needed facelift. As part of a $10 million dollar upgrade, the clubhouse has recently undergone substantial renovations, with the upstairs transformed into a beautiful commercial space including restaurant facilities.

To ensure the safety and longevity of the club moving forward, a new seawall is currently under construction. The seawall will ensure the building is protected from costal erosion and will provide a space for residents and visitors alike to sit and experience the North Wollongong sunrise. Most importantly, the seawall means the surf club will continue to live on for many years to come.

There are now over 6,000 members across all surf lifesaving clubs located within the Illawarra, a phenomenal group of people who donate their time, energy and expertise to keep our oceans safe to swim in.

The North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club might be changing, but it’s historical and community significance will continue to endure. The next time you happen to stroll by the club, take a moment to reflect on the hundreds of individuals that have fought to keep swimmers safe and the continuing privilege we have to enjoy these great oceans.