Aussies flag arrives on the Coast
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson undertook an important mission to the Gold Coast on Sunday, receiving the official Australian Surf Life Saving Championships flag from Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate ahead of the 2016 Aussies on the Sunshine Coast on April 16-24.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson undertook an important mission to the Gold Coast on Sunday.
In a formal handover ceremony at North Kirra Surf Club, Mayor Jamieson received the official Australian Surf Life Saving Championships flag from Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate ahead of the 2016 Aussies on the Sunshine Coast on April 16-24.
“The last national championships here on the Sunshine Coast were at Maroochydore 35 years ago,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Now, following the 2015 Aussies at the Gold Coast – which marked the centenary of the event since it was first held at Bondi Beach in 1915 – the flag is in our care, and ready to fly overhead at the 2016 Aussies right here on the Sunshine Coast.”
The 1980 event saw a young Grant Kenny from Alexandra Headland take out the Australian Junior and Senior Ironman ‘double’ – one of the most remarkable achievements in the 100-year history of the titles.
“Alexandra Headland Surf Club will join with Maroochydore and Mooloolaba clubs to host what will be the 101st Aussies and their mission – as is ours – is to ensure the 2016 Aussies are the most successful since 1980,” Mayor Jamieson said.
The 2016 Australian titles are expected to attract more than 7000 competitors, as well as around 15,000 officials and supporters.
The event is expected to deliver an estimated $20 million in economic benefits to the Sunshine Coast.
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said: “2016 will mark the centenary of surf lifesaving on the Sunshine Coast and what better way to celebrate that milestone than by hosting a grand event like the Aussie titles.
“We’re confident it will reinforce the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as Australia’s leading regional major events destination.”
Local businesses can capitalise on the business benefits of the 2016 Aussies, and other major events that are held in the region, through the events+ program.
An initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and the Sunshine Coast Events Board, events+ aims to provide local businesses with the tools to leverage major and regional events.
“Now is time for the business community to get on board and start planning on how they are going to capitalise on this great opportunity,” Cr O’Pray said.
Join events+ at https://www.facebook.com/#!/eventsplussc or register for a Events+ masterclass by calling 5458 5600.
Picture: Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson receives the SLSA flag from Gold Coast counterpart Tom Tate on Sunday.