AGL gives $600,000 to support Surf Life Saving

AGL Energy has announced it will donate $600,000 across three years to Surf Life Saving Western Australia (SLWA) to provide new equipment and funding to 31 clubs across the state.

The announcement follows AGL’s decision to launch into the WA gas market in July.

AGL head of WA, Natalie Edwards, said the SLSWA performed a valuable role as the state’s major water safety rescue authority.

“We’re passionate about supporting organisations that are important to West Australians and we’re excited to be supporting one of the largest volunteer organisations in the country,” she said.

SLSWA president Craig Smith-Gander said with summer around the corner, SLSWA was grateful for the support across its busiest rescue season.

“SLSWA performed 1,215 rescues and 3,553 first aid treatments last summer season, with our 19,000 members clocking in an impressive 141,000 hours patrolling the beach,” he said.

“Having AGL as a partner will help us to ensure the beach is as safe as possible, which is always our number one priority, and the provision of more than 200 surf rescue and junior rescue training boards through this partnership will go a long way in helping us achieve this.”

Perth artist and North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club member, Jacob Butler, has created the design for the rescue boards donated by AGL, which will be distributed in 2018.

AGL’s other local commitments extend to sponsorship of the West Coast Eagles Aboriginal Leadership Program and the recent Forrest Place BBQ breakfast fundraiser, which raised $10,000 for Telethon.