Central Coast Pro Junior Back Bigger And Better Than Ever

The Central Coast economy is set to receive a stimulus boost with an influx of visitors set to spend up in local shops, cafes and businesses, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Events Acceleration Fund.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said a $63,166 grant for Surfing NSW will ensure the Central Coast Pro Junior event is bigger and better than ever.

“It's exciting that the rising stars in surfing will again have the opportunity to compete in a Pro Junior event here on the Central Coast. It is the perfect location to host future champions in and out of the water,” Mr Crouch said.

“Having hundreds of competitors and spectators descend on Avoca Beach not only showcases our beautiful region to the world, it will inject significant tourism dollars for our local businesses, accommodation providers, restaurants and retail.

“The Central Coast is the perfect location for this event and I look forward to seeing our beaches and incredible local regional talent featured once again.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the Regional Events Acceleration Fund is supporting the growth of existing regional events and attracting new major domestic and international events to regional NSW.

“Money rolling out right across regional NSW is helping local events go from strength to strength, helping put regional NSW on the map,” Mr Toole said.

“We know hosting events in regional areas brings a large number of visitors to towns and they will spend money in local shops, grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant or café, boosting regional businesses and economies.

“Since its inception, the Regional Events Acceleration Fund has supported the delivery and development of 85 events, estimated to result in over 1.1 million visitors travelling to the regional areas where these events are held.”

Surfing NSW CEO Luke Madden says support from NSW Regional Event Acceleration Fund for a fourth Pro Junior event in the Central Coast would help boost the junior surfing pathway but also bring hundreds of people to the region.

“We’re absolutely stoked that we can put this event on thanks to the Regional Events Acceleration Fund,” said Madden.

"The Central Coast Pro Junior event completes the NSW road trip-style series that's the launch pad for Australia's best junior athletes to become confident in an elite competition format. It gives them the experience they need to do well in the WSL QS and many World Champions won these events on their path to the top.

The $40 million Regional Events Acceleration Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centers, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.

For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: nsw.gov.au/Refund.