The Sunshine Coast has a very special reason – a hundred in fact – for wanting to host the 2023 and 2024 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.
This year’s event, which concluded in spectacular fashion on Saturday, has been hailed as “one of the best in history’’.
It drew 6000 athletes, injected an estimated $16 million into the economy and gave local competitors a rare opportunity to perform – with great success – on home beaches.
With perfect skies and a festive vibe after COVID-19 cancelled the 2020 event, it showcased the region’s tourism attributes and is sure to inspire attendees to return with family and friends for holidays into the future.
Perth is expected to host the 2022 event, with arrangements for the ensuing 10-year period soon to be considered by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA).
Sunshine Coast Council will on Thursday consider a plan to back bids for three Aussies in the next decade.
The partnership between three clubs – Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba – has worked extremely well and should give the region the inside running to gain more championships.
Spicing up a Sunshine Coast bid is the fact Mooloolaba SLSC will celebrate its Centenary during the 2022-23 season and Alexandra Headland club turns 100 in 2024. Hosting the movement’s premier event again would be the ultimate way to celebrate the achievement.
Mooloolaba president Darryl Johnson said his club fully supported joining collectively with Maroochydore and Alex, Council and businesses in the area to bring the event back as often as possible.
“I think everyone from competitors to spectators and our accommodation providers, hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and takeaways will agree what a fantastic event, such as the Aussies, does for a community such as the Sunshine Coast,’’ Mr Johnson said.
“The vibe around the Maroochydore, Alex and Mooloolaba strip was unbelievable – with everyone out and about enjoying the competition and our beautiful beaches and surrounds,’’ he said.
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“The event itself has significant benefits to both surf lifesaving and the community in which it is held. To be able to recognise our own lifesavers on their home beaches is powerful; however, the economic gain to our local businesses is one we should promote and leverage from when hosting an event like this.’’
Maroochydore Life Governor and former Queensland president Ralph Devlin said the latest showcase ranked among the best ever held.
Mr Devlin said Perth was locked in for 2022, but after that there was a whole decade of venues to be decided.
“In terms of the Sunshine Coast’s chances, I would think our stocks are very high to get two or three events, depending on a few things, such as Council support,’’ he said.
Mr Devlin said many officials, some with several decades of experience when it came to national titles, had commented that this latest carnival was among the best they had experienced.
“I’d say it was one of the most successful … it was certainly special,’’ he said.
Sunshine Coast Council on Thursday will consider a recommendation to forge ahead with sponsorship for three Aussies between 2023 and 2033.
Its support for the latest championships totalled a little over $400,000 and this included a beach replenishment program.
The Aussies usually comprises more than 400 events and attracts more than 310 clubs. The championships generate $16-17m for host economies, including accommodation, food and beverage.
The Sunshine Coast’s main competitor when it comes to vying for the titles is the Gold Coast.
