Jeremy Wilshire, Cruz Air, Leah Fishburn, Lani Cairncross, Oscar Kettle, Alice Hodgson, and Sarah Todd are stoked the Australian Junior Surfing Titles are coming to Wollongong. Photo: Zoe Cartwright.
Groms get ready – the Australian Junior Surfing Titles will be held in Wollongong this November.
The event anticipates more than 250 competitors will take part and bring their families and supporters to the region.
Wollongong’s spectacular breaks weren’t the only reason it was chosen as the location.
The Surfing Australia event is the first to be secured under Destination Wollongong’s newly formed Major Events Acquisition Scheme.
The initiative aims to enhance Wollongong’s already impressive portfolio of major events, which has significantly contributed to the local economy, injecting up to $48 million annually over the past decade.
It’s been supported by partnerships with local accommodation providers who contribute to Destination Wollongong’s war chest.
Destination Wollongong has successfully attracted a diverse range of events, including Yours & Owls, Tribal Clash, Football Australia Youth Championships, Harley Days, Spiegeltent, Crossfit Games, Australian Surf Rowers, National Indoor Hockey Championships, and World Darts Masters.
The city has also hosted signature events such as an Elton John concert, the historic Wigan v Hull Super League match, and the UCI Road World Championships.
This year marks the beginning of a three-year deal with World Triathlon.
Destination Wollongong acting general manager Jeremy Wilshire said the budget boost meant the organisation could increase the number of events the region hosted each year from 18 to about 24.
“The Major Event Acquisition Scheme is crucial for maintaining Wollongong’s competitive edge in the events market, especially as we face increasing competition from other regions post-pandemic,” Mr Wilshire said.
“As an organisation, we’re reliant on significant council funding, so it’s great to see the tourism sector recognising what we do and directly contributing to bringing world-class events to Wollongong.”
The best young surfers in the country will descend on the region from 24 November, with the scheme directly funding acquisition of the Surfing Australia event, which will draw about 270 competitors to the region for up to eight days. The local surf breaks to be featured will be determined by conditions.
Kiama surfer Alice Hodgson said after travelling to Queensland and Victoria to compete she was stoked she would be in front of a home crowd.
“It’s so good to have it locally and have all our mates supporting us,” she said.
“We’ve got the local knowledge.”
She’s also excited to show out-of-town competitors the best places to eat, play and stay in the region.
Surfing Australia’s chief of sport Luke Madden was excited to partner with Destination Wollongong.
“Wollongong’s amazing coastline and world-class waves provide the perfect setting to showcase the talent of our young surfers,” he said.
“This partnership not only highlights the sport but will also attract family, friends, coaches, and spectators to experience all that Wollongong has to offer.
“We can’t wait to host the event in Wollongong and crown Australia’s future potential Olympians and world champions.”
Sage Hotel general manager Oscar Kettle said the scheme was a practical and progressive step.
“It’s great to see the industry coming together collectively to add an extra three or four major events to the city’s annual major events calendar, which not only helps the tourism sector but boosts the local economic footprint more broadly,” he said.
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