Surf City here we come – new Surfing Victoria headquarters opens for business in Torquay

Victoria’s peak surfing body Surfing Victoria was riding high today (14 December 2011) after the launch of its new headquarters at the Surf City Precinct in Torquay.

Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty joined Surfing Victoria Executive Director Max Wells to officially open Surfing Victoria’s new Administration, Education and Training Centre in Torquay.

Mr Delahunty said the Victorian Government had provided $500,000 towards the new centre.

“For over half a century, Victoria’s Surf Coast has been the centre of Australia’s surfing scene; home to Bells Beach, the famous Rip Curl Pro and the birth place of iconic Aussie brands including Quicksilver and Rip Curl,” Mr Delahunty said.

“What better place for Surfing Victoria to set up its base and continue the great work it does each year catering for over 15,000 Victorian juniors and adults, from a range of backgrounds and abilities so they can hit the waves and enjoy this fantastic sport.”

The new modern facilities will help provide staff and volunteers the perfect place to continue building on award winning programs; train, educate and develop surfers; as well as coordinate and promote big events such as the Rip Curl Pro.

Mr Delahunty said the Victorian Coalition Government was committed to supporting Surfing Victoria in their efforts to increase participation in the sport, develop pathways and build on big events.

“This support includes our sponsorship of the Championship Moves Trials which provides young up-and-comers the opportunity to win a coveted wild-card spot to compete at the Rip Curl Pro,” Mr Delahunty said.

“The relocation of Surfing Victoria’s headquarters to the Surf City Precinct ensures the organisation is well placed to assist a whole new generation of Victorians to come on board and ride a whole new wave of surfing success.”

Click here to read about the G21 Surf Culture Pillar Project