Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club did its bit to support fellow lifesavers at Mallacoota Surf Lifesaving Club on Saturday night.

The Mallacoota township has been one of the worst affected by the bushfires, the town’s lifesaving club losing various pieces of equipment and resources that they require to provide patrols and also educate their next generation of lifesavers.

On Saturday night, Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club raised more than $13,000 for its fellow club from a silent auction fundraiser, all funds being directly donated to Mallacoota Surf Life Saving. The clubrooms were packed with members and guests, those attending treated to entertainment from locals Tiah Guillot and Jess Porter.

Local MP, Darren Chester, who is also a member of the club, opened proceedings by announcing mining magnate, Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest, had donated $5000 to the Mallacoota club as well as a temporary caravan shell to operate from for its patrolling season.

“As a club, we’re extremely grateful to all the local and Victorian businesses that generously donated,” fundraiser organiser, Jess Woodward, said.

“We also appreciate those who came along on the night and gave generously. With your help, we were able to raise a considerable amount of money that will assist Mallacoota Surf Lifesaving to rebuild their operational and training services.”

Some of the auction items included: Polymer clay jewellery by Mellow & Star; milkshake vouchers from Gippsland Jersey; a Stress Less package from Illuka Day Spa; ceramic serving platter from Bulmers Gifts; a week’s stay at Smiths Beach, Phillip Island, in a single storey two bedroom, one bathroom house on a large flat block located midway between seasonal patrolled surf beach and YMC beach; Sally Hepworth novels and a $50.00 plant voucher from Just Books; 3x double passes to the Bairnsdale Speedway; voucher for two players, 18 holes and one ride-on cart at the Lakes Entrance Golf Club; $500 voucher from Coopers Travel, Bairnsdale, to be spent within the community of Mallacoota; seven nights’ accomodation for two people at the Villa Cabana, Umalas Bali, situated between Seminyak and Canggu, the villa sits on tropical gardens. All rooms have a king bed, aircon, walk-in robes and en suite and terrace facing the swimming pool.

IMAGE: Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club’s clubrooms were packed on Saturday night as the club raised more than $13,000 for Mallacoota Surf Lifesaving Club, which had its caravan (clubroom) destroyed by bushfires. (PS)