Tuesday, July 24, 2018

Phillip Island has secured the World Surfing League Phillip Island Pro QS1000 and a $10,000 funding boost announced today from the Andrews Labor Government’s Significant Sporting Events Program.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing today announced the event is one of 31 recently locked in for the state thanks to the latest round of the Victorian Government’s $17.7 million Significant Sporting Events Program.

The World Surfing League Qualifying Series event featuring competitors from Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. The Event incorporates a junior competition and indigenous invitational. The event is open to male and female competitors, and is the only WSL Qualifying Series event in Victoria. It will be held between 2-6 November at Phillip Island and is expected to attract the cream of the world’s best surfers.

Competitors and spectators can look forward to an action-packed competition and a great atmosphere with something for everyone.

The event provides an opportunity for the people of Gippsland to showcase our local talent, sports facilities and attractions, and to enjoy the best of the best competing in our own backyard.

More than 460 events have been funded since the introduction of the program in 2010. More than half of these events were held in regional Victoria, boosting local jobs and economies.

The Significant Sporting Events Program supports organisations to deliver sporting events that are national or international in focus, or have regional significance and are recognised by a relevant sporting body. Supported events include the National Masters Road Cycling Championships in East Gippsland, the 2018 Wheelchair Tennis Open, the 2018 Women’s Ice Hockey League Finals and the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles. Sporting events are a vital contributor to Victoria’s tourism economy, which generates 214,000 jobs and more than $26.4 billion.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing

“Congratulations to Surfing Victoria on securing the World Surfing League Phillip Island Pro QS1000 for Gippsland”

“I encourage all locals to come along and enjoy what promises to be an action packed sports spectacle.”

“Victoria is proud to be Australia’s sporting capital. The Significant Sporting Events Program is one of the many ways the Victorian Government ensures all Victorians get to experience the benefits that sport brings and Victoria continues to attract the top sporting events from across the world. I’m proud Gippsland can be part of that.”