Bass Coast Shire Council is proud to support events right across the Shire and as part of this, has a longstanding commitment to hosting surfing events in the region.
The Phillip Island Pro was held over the weekend (10 to 13 February) at Cape Woolamai, home to some of the best beach break waves in Australia.
This year's event saw 88 Qualifying Series surfers, 33 Open competitors and eight Indigenous Invitational competitors take part, including local competitors Carl Wright, Harry de Roth, Sage Goldsbury, Sophie Fletcher and Poppy Corbett.
Congratulations to Jacob Willcox, from Margaret River and Sunshine Coast surfer Sophie McCulloch, who were crowned champions at the event.
The Phillip Island Pro has been held annually on Phillip Island in November since 2017 and is an important event for Bass Coast, due to its cultural significance and the destination brand awareness.
Council has been a major sponsor and presenting partner of the event since its inception, and in November 2021, Council entered into a partnership agreement with Surfing Victoria to secure the Phillip Island Pro for another three years, until at least 2024.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said that Council is proud of its longstanding partnership with events like the Phillip Island Pro.
"We are delighted to be the major sponsor and presenting partner of an iconic event for our region," Cr Whelan said.
"After cancelling in 2020 and postponing the 2021 event to February, we're glad to see this event back on our shores."
The estimated economic benefit of the 2019 Phillip Island was $217,300 over the four days of the event, providing significant economic benefit to the region. This year, around 2,000 spectators attended over the four-day event.
"It's great to see events making a comeback post COVID - they play such an important role in Bass Coast, both culturally and economically," Cr Whelan said.
"For this year's event, Newhaven and Cape Woolamai businesses were able to offer competitors and event staff gift vouchers to use at local businesses, as part of the Phillip Island Pro QS1000 event voucher program, which was funded by the State Government.
"These vouchers, which are valid until 26 February will help to boost the economic impact of the event and raise awareness of how our local businesses can capitalise on our significant events calendar," Cr Whelan concluded.
The Phillip Island Pro will return to Cape Woolamai in November.
