Australian Surf Life Saving Championships secured for Queensland with 10 year deal

An agreement which locks in eight Australian Surf Life Saving Championship events for Queensland between 2023 and 2032 has been secured between Tourism and Events Queensland  in partnership with Major Events Gold Coast (MEGC) and Sunshine Coast Council. The decade-long deal is anticipated to deliver more than $100 million for the Queensland Government’s COVID Economic Recovery Plan. 

Queensland Tourism and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe notes “over the years, the championships - affectionately known simply as The Aussies - have become an iconic Queensland event, bringing more than 7,000 competitors annually from more than 315 Australian clubs.

“Competitors come with family and friends, making The Aussies an incredibly important event for tourism operators and our Economic Recovery Plan for the tourism industry.”  

This year, the Australian Championships were held on the Sunshine Coast, generating more than 78,000 visitor room nights, and $16 million for local businesses.

“The experience on the Sunshine Coast this year demonstrates the value of this event to our visitor economy, particularly now the championships are locked in for Queensland over the next decade.”

Local State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said Australian Surf Life Saving Championships events from 2023 to 2032 would be shared between the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.

“We saw how important this year’s Aussies were for the Sunshine Coast’s Economic Recovery Plan with $16 million added to our visitor economy,” said Hunt.   

“I would like to think the Sunshine Coast will be a strong contender for the 2024 championships to mark the Alexandra Headland surf club’s centenary celebrations.”

Surf Life Saving Australia President John Baker said he is looking forward to the eight editions of The Aussies in Queensland from 2023 to 2032.

Baker commented “we are deeply grateful to our major sponsors in Tourism and Events Queensland who, without their support, an event the size of The Aussies simply can’t go ahead.

“To be able to lock in eight editions of The Aussies, our membership will be looking forward to returning to the sunny beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in Queensland again.”

Image: Surf Life Saving Australia