WANDA Surf Lifesaving Club's new Founders Room and clubhouse were officially opened by its members on Saturday.
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The building, which replaces the northern half of the club, includes a new multi-purpose area with bars and a large verandah offering spectacular views of Wanda beach.
The upper level is a popular wedding venue and every Sunday afternoon is open to the public.
The original clubhouse at Wanda was formed after the war in 1946 by returned servicemen.
The founding members started patrolling from a tin shed in the sandhills but over the years, as Sutherland Shire and its membership grew, the clubhouse was extended many times.
The first major rebuild of the old clubhouse was completed in 2006.
Members and volunteers were instrumental in raising the initial funds for the building projects to proceed and fundraising began when Wanda ran the very successful Australian titles in 1981.
Not only did Wanda win the Australian Champion Club title, but they finished with a $50,000 profit.
From this starting point, and every Sutherland 2 Surf event since, the members' hard work and fundraising has resulted in one of the best surf clubhouses in Australia, offering excellent facilities for members and visitors.
"The members worked and borrowed to build this new club and the members will work to pay it off," said new club president Mark Sargeant.
Mr Sargeant and club patron Ernest "Solly" Stephens had the honour of officially raising the new club's colours.
Mr Sargeant hopes the new building will encourage new members to join the club and to help them serve their growing community and continue to protect the beach they love.
