KIAMA’S reputation as a surfing and tourist destination is set to be enhanced, with a series of major surfing events to take place in the region.
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At a recent council meeting, Kiama councillors resolved to enter into a three-year sponsorship arrangement, totalling $36,000, with the state’s chief surfing body, Surfing NSW.
Council’s strategic tourism and marketing manager Lisa Evans said council was excited to be working with Surfing NSW on a co-operative sponsorship deal that will bring five major surfing events to the region.
“Council has proudly sponsored Surfing NSW events since 2010,” she said.
“Since that time, we’ve provided over $40,000 in sponsorship.
“This three-year agreement seals our commitment to encouraging organisations to bring events to our area that benefits our tourism industry and local businesses.”
In return, Surfing NSW will bring five major events and eight education and coaching programs to the municipality, which are expected to inject an extra $370,000 into the area’s economy each year.
“Over 500 participants are expected to visit the municipality for the five events,’’ Ms Evans said.
“Each participant brings with them their family, friends and spectators.”
The five events that will take place throughout the year are: Australian Boardriders Battle in January, NSW Regional Junior Surfing Titles in February, Subway Summer Surf Series in April, NSW Bodyboard State Titles in May, and Wahu Surfer Groms Competition in October.
Surfing NSW is also pursuing the potential of bringing the 2018 World Surf League World Junior Championship to Kiama.
The education and coaching programs include three Surfers Rescue 24/7 courses, three judging and coaching courses and two Indigenous surfing camps.
Council will also provide in-kind support such as accommodation for staff and officials at council’s holiday parks.
Council’s report also noted that some of the events will take place outside Kiama’s peak tourist season.
“This sponsorship deal is a great boost for our tourism industry,” Ms Evans said.
“It will allow us to showcase everything we have to offer in our beautiful region to competitors and spectators from across Australia and from overseas.
“Council will seek to leverage other tourism opportunities and packages that can be built around these events to encourage people to stay in the Kiama municipality for longer and to come and visit our fantastic region again.”
