New South Wales
Life on the Northern Beaches is characterised by a strong surf, beach and sports culture and a deep affinity for the land and seascape. Following extensive public consultation meetings with the Council, and engaging closely throughout the process with a community working group from the Club, our solution for Mona Vale’s new Surf Life Saving Club was a world-class but genuinely local design. Reflecting and celebrating Indigenous connection to Country and the land on which it sits, Aboriginal artists Michael Glasheen and Leslie McLeod developed works for the indoor and outdoor spaces. Particular consideration and care was given to accessibility, cross-generational support and migrant populations. Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club has been patrolling the same stretch of beach for 100 years. Its latest iteration has exceeded all stakeholder expectations in its scope to boost membership revenue, secure the club’s future and create an enduring legacy for the community.
“As the Life Saving and community needs have grown exponentially over the past 40 years, a new building was long overdue. The building design, through club and community consultation, has provided massive improvements both operationally and commercially. The club now has fit-for-purpose spaces – with each space providing excellent layout and access, enabling the Club to operate in multiple areas at the same time in an efficient, effective and safe manner. Previously the club was not able to support the community as it can today.” Paula Tocquer, President Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
