Surfing Victoria received the ultimate break today – a $500,000 Brumby Labor Government funding boost to help secure the peak organisation’s headquarters in Torquay. Sports Minister James Merlino visited Surf City Plaza, the new base for Surfing Victoria’s education and administration, to announce funding for the new project.

“Torquay and nearby Bell’s Beach is synonymous with world surfing and with more than 15,000 participants taking part in Surfing Victoria programs, the sport is booming,” Mr Merlino said.

“What better place to establish a dedicated office and education facility for all things surfing than in the heart of the Surf Coast, which is close to some of the best breaks in Australia.”

“The new Torquay base will further boost the growing popularity and demand for the sport by providing more pathways for local participants to get active and involved.”

Mr Merlino congratulated the Surf Coast Shire for its support which will enable Surfing Victoria to build on their existing Sports Development Program and develop programs that will increase participation in surfing.

“The new facility provides a bigger, modern space for the growing sport to plan and deliver major events throughout Victoria, including marquee events like the Rip Curl Pro,” Mr Merlino said.

“Surfing Victoria also has a number of great local programs, including the Victorian Indigenous Surfing Programs acknowledged as a finalist in last year’s Sport and Recreation Awards, which have gone a long way to breaking down barriers to participation.

“The new Torquay base will further boost the growing popularity and demand for the sport by providing more pathways for local participants to get involved.”

Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield said the new project would provide a major boost to the sport, particularly along the revered surfing destination.

“Our Government is committed to investing in sporting pathways at both the elite and grassroots levels through associations like Surfing Victoria,” Mr Crutchfield said. “We’re proud to support the Rip Curl Pro and events like the Victoria Place To Be Trials which provide up and comers a chance to compete at the Pro.

“By working together we can further Victoria’s reputation in the world of surfing and as a breeding ground for great surfing talent.”

Mr Crutchfield said Surfing Victoria would join the Surf World Museum, Surf Coast Shire Library, and Visitor Information Centre at the Surf City Plaza complex.

Mr Crutchfield commended the Surf Coast Shire Council for their commitment to retaining Surfing Victoria in Torquay.

Surf Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Libby Coker, said “the State Governments announcement of a $500,000 grant to Surfing Victoria will allow them to move into larger and permanent offices in the Surf City Precinct; and will keep Surfing Victoria at home here in Torquay – at our surfing capital.”

“This is a great result that will enable Council to strengthen our long-standing partnership with Surfing Victoria and help ensure surfing has a viable and ongoing home in Torquay,: Cr Coker said. “This is great news for surfing and for the Surf Coast in general.”

Surfing Victoria Executive Director, Max Wells, believes this is a great day for the sport of surfing in Victoria.

“This boost from the government is an exciting day for Surfing Victoria and for the sport of surfing within Victoria.”

“It allows Surfing Victoria to provide bigger and better programs to develop the sport of surfing within the state”

Council will take over the building from October and the fit-out of the space will commence shortly thereafter.