'Huge for us’: event’s healthy boost for region

More than 7500 surf sports competitors are set to roll in – and it’s not just gold medals they are hungry for.

The Sunshine Coast is busy preparing to host one of the nation’s most iconic sporting events – the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, better known as The Aussies.

Similar in size to the Commonwealth Games in terms of competitor numbers, the titles will be held across four beaches – Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba and Coolum – from April 13-21.

Many competitors, officials and supporters will stay on to enjoy our region’s warmer waters and great food and hospitality after their competition season comes to an end.

Among the business owners getting excited about the wave of visitors is Glen Elliott from Black Bunny Café & Bar at Alexandra Headland.

“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,” Glen 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.

“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.”

Multimillion-dollar boost for region

Sunshine Coast Council proudly supports The Aussies and Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the event was expected to deliver an economic contribution of almost $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,” Cr Natoli 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.

Supporting our surf lifesavers

Councillor Natoli highlighted that the Aussies is more than just a major sporting event. The skills the surf lifesavers have developed during years of training are for a higher purpose – to save lives.

“The Sunshine Coast has a long and proud history of involvement in the surf lifesaving movement. 

“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.”

How you can enjoy the action

The Aussies is a free event for everyone to enjoy. Watch the beach events at Mooloolaba, ocean events at Maroochydore, surf boats at Alexandra Headland or board riding at Coolum.

A festival zone will be set-up at Pierce Park, Maroochydore, open daily from Friday 12 April, 7am-6pm. Live action will be shown on the big screen. 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.

All event details, including event timetables and local resident information can be found at sls.com.au/aussies/

Fast facts

• This is the fourth time the Sunshine Coast has hosted the Aussies (1980, 2016, 2021, 2024).
• The Sunshine Coast will host the event twice more before 2032, sharing the Queensland hosting honours with the Gold Coast.
• 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.
• In 2024 the youngest competitor is 12 years old and the oldest is 87 years old. The oldest competitor is representing Alexandra Headland Surf Club.
• For the first time, The Aussies will include dedicated Adaptive Surf Sports events for competitors with a disability. So far there are 35 competitors.