Aussies registrations open for competitors

City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin joined Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism Hon Roger Cook MLA, Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) Representative John Brennen and Surf Life Saving (SLS) WA President Craig Smith-Gander this week at a media launch to announce the opening of registrations for the 2023 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (‘The Aussies’).

Between 25 March and 2 April 2023, competitors from 314 clubs nation-wide will compete in over 480 events across nine intense days of competition at Scarborough and Trigg Island in three major categories – Youth, Masters and Opens.

Supported by the State Government through Tourism WA, the world's largest Surf Life Saving event has the potential to attract more than 8,000 competitors, visitors, spectators and support crew to WA and boost businesses through visitor spend.

Mayor Mark Irwin said when Western Australia last hosted the event in April 2018 at Scarborough and Trigg Beaches, it generated about $15.8 million, nearly 69,000 visitor nights and brought in more than 8,500 interstate and international visitors.

“We’re incredibly excited to have The Aussies back in Scarborough and Trigg in 2023. We can’t wait to welcome competitors, visitors and locals alike to our amazing beaches to enjoy the event and the festival atmosphere,” he said.

“Massive investment in the Scarborough foreshore precinct over the past decade has meant it can accommodate major events, and the City is currently trialling a closure of The Esplanade during peak periods and events to make the area even more conducive to community events.

“The Aussies is just one of the major sporting events the City is supporting this summer. Perth Glory recently confirmed their Men’s and Women’s A-League teams will play 19 games of their summer season at Macedonia Park. The City is also funding AusCycling to deliver part of the 2023 BMX National Series at Westside BMX.

SLSA National Sport Manager Wayne Druery said everyone was delighted to be bringing ‘The Aussies’ back to Western Australia.

“COVID-19 prevented us returning this year, so we are very much looking forward to returning to Perth next year, for the first time since we successfully held the event in Western Australia in 2018.

“The Aussies is the pinnacle event on the Surf Life Saving sports calendar, but it is more than a sporting event. It is an opportunity for our volunteer lifesavers to come together across the country to showcase their rescue ready skills in a competitive environment, showcase the movement and celebrate together.”

Register for the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships 2023.

The Aussies are delivered by SLSA, sponsored by the Government of Western Australia as major event partner (through Tourism WA), with the City of Stirling proud to be an event partner alongside BRP and FINZ Swimwear. Event supporters include NutriGrain, SportAus, THF Hire and major national partners Ampol, DHL, Isuzu and Westpac.

Comments attributed to Hon. Roger Cook MLA Minister for Tourism
“It is terrific that this extremely popular event on Western Australia’s sporting events calendar will be returning to WA in 2023, and registrations are now open,” he said.

“The Aussies provides a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase one of Western Australia’s best tourism assets to participants and spectators – our world-class beaches and our fantastic weather, at one of the best times of the year to visit.

“I encourage visitors from out-of-state to come to WA during this time to experience all the adrenalin and excitement that this mass participation event has to offer, soak up the sun, and take in some of our unique coastal tourist attractions during their stay.”