Paddle Australia activates relationship with Western Sydney Lakes

Paddle Australia has announced the sponsorship of Western Sydney Lakes for the 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships that will continue to build on its water sports legacy that began in the 1990s with the construction of the Sydney International Regatta Centre in preparation for the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

For the first time, Western Sydney Lakes will offer unprecedented access through a series of activations across land and water. These small group experiences will run during September, culminating during the championship events, giving a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the remarkable landscape in Western Sydney.

Western Sydney Lakes is a 2,000-hectare area in Western Sydney located 3km north of Penrith CBD adjacent to the Nepean River and bordering Penrith's Great River Walk, the former quarrying sites have been transformed into dynamic recreational destinations due to extensive work to regenerate the landscape and rehabilitate ecosystems and biodiversity.

Richard Fox, Head of Host Organising Committee, 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships noted “Paddle Australia is looking forward to activating the relationship with Western Sydney Lakes before, during, and after the World Championships, highlighting the great sport and lifestyle opportunities the Lakes precinct, including the Sydney 2000 Olympic venues, continues to provide to the community,”

World Championships attendees can gain unprecedented access to both elite water sports competition and participatory experiences in their own backyard, further showcasing the site as a recreational destination.

Andrew Bondini, General Manager, Western Sydney Lakes advised "by supporting the World Slalom Championships, Western Sydney Lakes continues its transformation journey from industrial quarry to vibrant recreational destination. This partnership celebrates our historical significance in Olympic water sports while creating new opportunities for the community to engage with this remarkable landscape. We're proud to inspire the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts in Western Sydney and beyond,"

Alongside the recent announcement of the Legacy Impact Program that will establish a Western Sydney Paddle Hub, Western Sydney Lakes will continue to showcase premier waterways for paddlers in the region.

The 2025 ICF Slalom World Championships will be held on 29th September – 4th October at the Penrith Whitewater Stadium.
Tickets are on sale now via Ticketek, starting at just $15 for children and $30 for adults.

More information on Western Sydney Lakes 

Image. Credit: Paddle Australia