58-Years and 14 boats

The Breen family has donated its 14th surf boat to Elouera Surf Life Saving Club, marking another milestone in a remarkable partnership that has spanned nearly six decades and multiple generations.

The new boat, Charlotte Breen XIV, was officially presented at a morning tea ceremony at the club’s Washington Lounge, bringing together past and present boat crew members, surf lifesaving representatives, and community supporters. Like its 13 predecessors, the boat is named in honour of Charlotte Breen, wife of company founder Thomas Breen Snr, who passed away in 1968.

A Legacy of Community Support

The Breen family’s support of Elouera SLSC began in 1966 when the company founder donated the first Charlotte Breen surf boat. Since then, the family has maintained an unwavering commitment to beach safety and the local surf lifesaving community, with total contributions exceeding $400,000. This includes not only the boats themselves, each worth well over $30,000, but also significant funding for boat shed construction, equipment, and other vital facilities.

“It’s a privilege for our family to continue supporting such a proud and passionate part of Elouera and our local community,” said Tom Breen, Director of Breen Resources, at the presentation ceremony.

Championship Success

The donation comes at a time of significant competitive success for Elouera’s boat crews. The masters crew, known as “The Greatmen,” rowing the Charlotte Breen XIII, has claimed multiple gold medals across major championships including Sydney Branch, ASRL, and NSW State Titles, along with a silver medal at the Australian Championships.

Deep Community Roots

The Breen family’s connection to the Kurnell Peninsula extends beyond their support of surf lifesaving. For more than 75 years, the family has been integral to the region’s development, initially through sandmining and landfill operations, and now as leaders in resource recovery and circular economy solutions. Despite the evolution of their business, the family’s commitment to supporting the communities that have shaped their success remains steadfast.

Elouera Surf Life Saving Club, originally known as Elouera Police Citizens Boys Surf Life Saving Club, was founded in 1966. The tradition of replacing boats every few years ensures crews have access to competitive equipment, with older boats being passed down to smaller clubs, extending the Breen family’s impact throughout the surf lifesaving community.