Organisers are now extremely confident one of Australia’s greatest and most historic sporting showpieces will be staged on the Sunshine Coast in April.
The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, colloquially known as “The Aussies’’, will be held on the Coast for only the third time in more than 40 years, from April 16 to 24 next year.
In a major coup for business and tourism, it is expected to deliver a multimillion-dollar boost to the region, provide a rare and stunning spectacle for residents and allow Coast athletes to compete at the highest level on home beaches.
Events including ironman, ironwoman, board, ski, surf race, surfboats and beach sprint and flags will be spread across Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba beaches.
Some disciplines, such as the first aid competition and board riding, will be held as far north as Coolum and south to Dicky Beach
The Aussies traditionally attract 7000 competitors and 20,000 supporters, but post-COVID, 6000 competitors and 15,000-plus supporters loom as more realistic numbers.
The event previously was held here in 2016 and before that in 1980, which propelled a young ironman named Grant Kenny into the national spotlight when he won both the junior and senior ironman finals.
Get more local stories direct to your inbox by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register
Maroochydore SLSC Life Governor and historian, Ralph Devlin, told sunshinecoastnews.com.au that due to the cancellation of the 2020 Aussies, there would be “pent-up demand’’ for the 2021 event.
Mr Devlin said competitors had used lockdown to strengthen their bodies and improve their fitness and skills and this would ensure the Sunshine Coast titles were hotly contested.
“It is going to be a much-anticipated event and at this stage there is a high level of confidence it will proceed,’’ he said.
“Our beaches are in fantastic condition and we will be ready to host The Aussies.’’
The man who pulled the unique three-club hosting bid together, Tim Ryan, said he was excited about the potential to host even more Aussies in the future.
Mr Ryan said a surprising number of people who attended the 2016 carnival had reported that it had been their first visit to the Sunshine Coast.
“For them it was a hidden gem and many said they would be returning in the future for holidays,’’ he said.
“This shows how important these events are for tourism and business and how they can be the gift that keeps on giving.’’
Alexandra Headland SLSC general manager Ashley Robinson said the 2021 championships would be very special for the lifesaving community as it would serve as a festive reunion after the 2020 cancellation.
“It will be a reunion because we missed out this year, so that should bring a good carnival atmosphere,” Mr Robinson said.
“It will also be a rare chance for our athletes to compete at the highest level on their home beaches.’’
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said that hosting The Aussies again in 2021 was a great opportunity for the Sunshine Coast.
“Our Sunshine Coast is one of the homes of surf lifesaving, with a number of our clubs dating back more than 100 years,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Our beaches provide the perfect stage for The Aussies, being home to three of our country’s premier surf lifesaving clubs, with a strong history of success and participation,’’ he said.
“Competitors who took part in The Aussies 2016 told us how much they enjoyed racing at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba, so we are really pleased to have the national championships back on our beaches in 2021.”
The event is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council, Visit Sunshine Coast, host surf clubs and the business community.
10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT THE AUSSIES:
- In 1915, there were only two championship events – the Rescue and Resuscitation (R and R) and the Surf Race Championships. Today there are more than 380 events.
- Did you know that from 1937 until 1979 The Aussies hosted a Pillow Fight Event?
- Did you know that a number of stars from The Aussies appeared in an episode of Baywatch? Ironman great Trevor Hendy even beat the Hoff in the sprint finish! The episode also featured Phil Clayton (Kurrawa), Dwayne Thuys (Surfers Paradise), Matt Rees (Swansea-Belmont), Brett Tyack (South Curl Curl), Michael King (Mooloolaba) and Scott Thompson (North Bondi).
- The first ever Australian Ironman championship was won by Hayden Kenny at Coolangatta beach in 1966.
- In 1967, Graham Lawson beat his identical twin brother Greg to win the Open Beach Sprint. Greg had beaten him all year but Graham pipped him at the post in the Championship.
- Does anyone remember competing in the Chariot Race? This was another one of the more ‘novelty’ competitions that the titles held as a way for lifesavers to demonstrate their skills.
- After snapping his board in two on the paddle out to sea in the 1981, ironman Greg Allum paddled half a board to qualify for the final. He subsequently finished second to Grant Kenny (pictured right).
- In 1989, Craig Riddington was the only swimmer to finish the surf race course due to cyclonic conditions at Burleigh.
- Legendary footballer Ken Wright competed at The Aussies between 1970 and 1976 for Coogee and then again in the 80’s for Bondi. During his time, he won gold medals in the Beach Flags and Beach Relay events. He then went on to play Rugby Union for the Wallaby’s between 1975-1978, before switching codes and playing for the Roosters from 1979-1981 and the Rabbitohs from 1982-1983.
- Major surf carnivals have been attended by members of the royal family over the years. The Queen and Prince Philip in 1954 and 1963, Queen Mother in 1958 and Prince Philip flying solo in 1962.
