Since 2019, Indented Head Yacht Club (IHYC) has been steadily working toward a clubhouse rebuild.

A major advancement was announced during our Christmas celebration when the Federal Member for Corangamite, Ms Libby Coker, stated that IHYC has successfully secured an $800k ‘Play Our Way’ grant.

The ‘Play Our Way’ fund, initiated by the Prime Minister and the Ministers for Finance, Women, Public Service, Aged Care, and Sport, aims to promote equitable access to facilities and support grassroots initiatives that engage women and girls in sport and physical activity throughout their lives.

As of 2024, IHYC has become a community water sports club with over 200 members, 58% of whom are women. While our clubhouse is a much-loved space, it now needs replacement.

The process for the ‘Play Our Way’ grant was highly competitive, with over 1,000 applications submitted nationally and only 166 successful applicants. We presented a compelling narrative to the assessors, highlighting several key points:
- Our club is vibrant, with membership exceeding 200 and women comprising 58% of our members.
- The clubhouse is utilised daily, but it presents issues regarding privacy and adequacy.
- Cold-water swimming offers substantial benefits, aiding in recovery and injury prevention, and significantly contributing to mental health.
- IHYC has a strong community presence through initiatives like Salties@IHYC, Wreck2Reef Open Water Swim, Learn2Sail, and the Sail Bellarine regatta.
- Socio-economic metrics show disadvantage for residents in postcode 3223.
- The club has made significant contributions in both cash and volunteer efforts.
- Our governance is strong, supported by an effective Committee and comprehensive policies, including Child Safety and Gender Equity.

The ‘Play Our Way’ grant allows IHYC to initiate Stage 1 of the clubhouse rebuild. More details about Stage 1 are available on our website at https://ihyc.com.au/clubhouse-project, and public consultation took place from July to October 2024.

We have received substantial support from various governing bodies for our clubhouse rebuild project:
- Libby Coker, Federal Member for Corangamite, has provided a letter of support.
- Alison Marchant, State Member for Bellarine, has also supported us with a letter and contributed ideas and suggestions.
- The City of Greater Geelong has contributed $16,700 to partially fund the Conceptual Design phase.
- Bellarine Bayside has included our plans in their Master Strategy for 2020-2025 and advocated for approvals from DEECA.
- The Indented Head Community Association has also provided a letter of support.

Looking ahead, 2025 will primarily be focused on administrative tasks, including funding agreements, Cultural Heritage Management, Marine and Coastal Act approvals, and City of Greater Geelong Planning and Building approvals, along with construction contracts.

Currently, IHYC plans to begin construction in the winter of 2026, with the intent to have the new clubhouse ready for the summer of that year.

For more information about the clubhouse project, please contact any Committee member, email indentedheadyachtclub@gmail.com, or call Peter Ellenby at 0419 898 163.