The country’s biggest surf lifesaving carnival is expected to give the local economy an almost $15 million boost, when it returns to the region on Saturday.
More than 7500 competitors are set to take part in the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, also known as The Aussies, at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba and Coolum from April 13-21.
Many competitors, officials and supporters are set to stay on to enjoy the region’s warmer waters, food and hospitality after the competition season comes to an end.
Black Bunny Cafe and Bar owner Glen Elliott is among the local business owners who are getting excited about the wave of visitors.
“Having thousands of hungry athletes and their families on our doorstep at a time when it is usually a bit quieter after the Easter school holidays is huge for us,” he said.
“Because many are from out of town, they are happy to spend more on eating and drinking. It is part of their experience.
“We think about how we can best cater to them to maximise revenue – for example, food that is ready to go to refuel between races.
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“The vibe is great, too. No matter who wins or loses, everyone is always in high spirits.
“We have a large group of lifesavers who booked in quite a while ago to celebrate at the end of the competition. We love groups like that.”
Councillor Joe Natoli said the event was expected to deliver an economic contribution of nearly $15 million to the local economy.
“Competitors come with family, friends and supporters, boosting accommodation occupancy, enjoying cafes and restaurants and staying on after the event to explore other areas of the region,” he said.
“We have so much to experience around the region, I want to encourage all our visitors to show their support for local businesses by getting out and enjoying them.
“The timing of the event in 2024 is very fortunate. The Aussies fall just after school holidays, boosting local business outside our peak holiday period.
“We benefit from being the backdrop to this world-class event in the longer-term as well.
“Our beautiful home is broadcast around the globe, encouraging others to experience the Sunshine Coast for themselves.
“These opportunities strengthen our economy now and in the future.
“There is also Surf Life Saving Australia’s expenditure associated with holding an event of this scale, for example extra equipment and service hire to ensure a safe, seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors and locals alike.”
Cr Natoli said The Aussies was more than just a major sporting event.
He said the skills the surf lifesavers developed during years of training were for a higher purpose: to save lives.
“The Sunshine Coast has a long and proud history of involvement in the surf lifesaving movement,” he said.
“And although the athletes have come to compete against each other, most weekends they can usually be found on our beaches volunteering their time to keep us safe.
“It is an honour to be able to showcase their skills and dedication on our beaches.”
This is the fourth time the Sunshine Coast has hosted The Aussies (1980, 2016, 2021, 2024) and the region will host the event twice more before 2032.
When the event was first held on the Sunshine Coast, in 1980, it produced one of Australia’s greatest moments in sport when a young local called Grant Kenny won the junior and open ironman.
This year, the youngest competitor is 12 years old and the oldest is 87 years old.
What spectators need to know
The Aussies is free to watch. Spectators can view the beach events at Mooloolaba, ocean events at Maroochydore, surf boats at Alexandra Headland and board riding at Coolum.
A festival zone will be set up at Pierce Park, Maroochydore, each day from Friday from 7am to 6pm. Live action will be shown on the big screen. Fans can also get up close and personal with the stars of the event as they collect their medals or enjoy live music food and a bite to eat.
A free shuttle bus will be running from Maroochydore SLSC to Mooloolaba every 15 minutes between 6.30am and 5pm.
The first two days of the event will be the youth championships, for the next generation to shine. Monday and Tuesday will be the Masters championships, followed by five days of open competition.
The main day of competition will be Sunday, April 21, with the U17, U19 and open finals. All eyes will be on the open ironman and open ironwoman races, but also prestigious board, ski and surf race finals.
For the first time, The Aussies will include dedicated adaptive surf sports events for competitors with a disability. So far there are 35 competitors.
All event details, including event timetables and local resident information, can be found at The Aussies.
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