Top surfers from Australia and New Zealand will compete in front of a global audience in the final Australian Qualifying Series on the World Surf League (WSL) calendar at Tweed Heads next month, thanks to NSW Government funding.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is providing funding support for the 2021 Tweed Coast Pro, which will be broadcast around the world from 19 - 25 June on Kayo Sports, 7 Plus and the WSL App.
"Some of Australia's best and emerging surfers and around 10,000 supporters are expected to attend the event, which follows on from the two successful WSL Championship Tour competitions held in Narrabeen and Newcastle in April 2021," Mr Barilaro said.
"Amid COVID lockdowns overseas last year the NSW Government was approached to host an international surfing event, but now a year on we've managed to secure all three and I'm delighted another event will be hosted in Tweed, bringing in much needed tourism dollars and leveraging off the success of the recent NSW WSL events.
"Attracting large events like the Tweed Coast Pro is helping communities in regional NSW recover from the impacts of floods, bushfire and COVID-19 by putting heads on the beds of local motels and bringing more visitors to local restaurants and cafés."
Member for Tweed Geoff Provest said hosting the Tweed Coast Pro will help stimulate the local economy and shine a spotlight on all the region has to offer.
"This exciting event will showcase some of the best beaches and hinterlands on the NSW North Coast and will see the region receive valuable tourism dollars and encourage future competitions to be held on the Tweed Coast," Mr Provest said.
World Surf League Asia Pacific General Manager Andrew Stark said the NSW Government's ongoing support of WSL events in NSW is a major boost for Australian professional surfers and up-and-comers as they progress towards other international competitions.
"WSL is expecting over 200 of Australia and New Zealand's best up-and-coming talent to descend on the region for the event which will play a massive role in qualifying surfers to the Challenger Series to run later this year," Mr Stark said.
"Qualifying Series events are a key part of the pathway for aspiring competitive surfers and the Tweed Coast Pro will be the most pivotal event on the 2021 calendar for emerging talent."
