City of Newcastle keen to keep Surfest on the international stage

As Surfest prepares to make its debut on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in less than two weeks, one of the contest's foundation sponsors is looking to ensure it stays there until at least 2028.

Councillors will vote at Tuesday's Ordinary Council Meeting on whether to commit to a three-year annual investment of up to $250,000 cash and up to $50,000 of in-kind support for the Challenger Series event.

City of Newcastle’s funding would be subject to WSL receiving greater funding from Destination NSW, which is currently considering the proposal to extend the major event's stay at Merewether Beach beyond this year.

In February, Councillors endorsed the investment of up to $2 million annually to attract and retain major events through City of Newcastle's Strategic Event Partnership Program.

Chair of City of Newcastle's Sports Infrastructure Working Party Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said Surfest is a great example of how major events provide economic, cultural, and tourism benefits.

"City of Newcastle is proud to be one of the foundation sponsors of Surfest, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026,” Cr Winney-Baartz said.

"Surfest gives our young athletes the opportunity to see their heroes in their hometown, whether they dream about following in their footsteps or just want to see them at their local beach.

“This iconic contest and other major events enhance our community, strengthen relationships between our organisations and build prosperity through job creation and economic growth.

"In 2024, 26 events, attracting approximately 86,000 local attendees, were delivered through our sponsorship programs, resulting in a total direct economic impact within the Newcastle LGA of more than $18 million.

"Supporting major events demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the Community Strategic Plan, maintaining our reputation as an events destination in a highly competitive market."

Originating in 1985, Surfest was the richest professional surfing event on the international stage and helped Newcastle evolve from its industrial roots and promote its beaches and surf breaks to a new audience.

Surfest founder Warren Smith said City of Newcastle has played a major role in the success and longevity of the event.

"City of Newcastle contributed the initial funding in 1985 to help create Surfest," Mr Smith said.

"It has been onboard ever since as a foundation partner, helping to keep the contest running, turning it into a premier event for the city and involving the community in its development.

"A three-year commitment from City of Newcastle would be a major vote of confidence in our quest to remain part of the Challenger Series."

The Challenger Series is the second highest tier on the WSL calendar and is contested by more than 120 of young and experienced male and female surfers from Australia, North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

It also boasts the men's and women's Junior World Champions, as well as the men and women from the Championship Tour who don't make the mid-season cut, justifying Surfest's newfound status as one of the top 16 events on the planet.

Next month's event is expected to attract approximately 3.2 million live viewers across all digital platforms, and more than 50 million social media impressions, promoting Newcastle as a tourism destination to an international audience.