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The NSW Government’s Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program is supporting the Surfest Indigenous Classic this weekend in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surfers will compete and during which Surfest organisers will be connected with Aboriginal businesses and mob.

The two day event, set to take place at Newcastle’s Merewether Beach on 9^th and 10^th  March, will showcase the talent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander surfing sensations via Open Mens, Open Womens, Pro Junior Mens, Pro Junior Womens and Open Masters’ divisions.

Between heats, surfers and spectators can visit a temporary Aboriginal business hub on the corner of John Parade and Watkins Street and enjoy all ages activities all weekend, including arts, crafts and textiles stalls which share the rich history and culture of the local Awabakal and Worimi peoples.

12-time surf champion at the Indigenous Classic, Russ Molony shared “It’s so important to involve the wider community when spreading awareness about Aboriginal culture and knowledge.

“My advice to fellow Aboriginal surfers is to give Surfest a go, have fun, connect with your mobs and enjoy our connection to the ocean.”

“The Indigenous comps are always a good reminder to gather, connect, share stories, surf, listen and inspire each other and I encourage everyone to get involved.”

Aboriginal competitors and fans will also have the opportunity to drop into the hub’s Aboriginal services pop-ups to meet and yarn with prospective employers and training providers who will offer an exciting range of employment and upskilling pathways.

As part of the $84,077 sponsorship, Surfest will also provide additional support to regional Aboriginal communities by setting Aboriginal business and procurement targets with competitor trophies sourced from Aboriginal businesses, and vendors encouraged to meet Aboriginal employment targets to boost job opportunities for local people.

The Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program, is the lead regional-focused program to support outcomes under the NSW Closing the Gap Priority Reform 5, which seeks to strengthen culture and identity and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within NSW to access pathways through education, training, employment and business support to reach their aspirations.

NSW Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley shared “Surfing is part of our story in the Hunter and Surfest is a huge reason why. This is the beach, at Merewether, that Mark Richards made famous with his four world titles. To celebrate First Nations surfers like this is a fantastic part of Surfest.

“The Indigenous Classic has come a long way in 26 years. It started as The Kooris V The Cops and today it’s among the premier Indigenous sports competitions in Australia.”

NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, David Harris added “The Department of Regional NSW has worked closely with Surfest organisers to connect them with Aboriginal businesses and mob to create new employment and training pathways in a culturally appropriate way, while championing the importance of regional social, cultural, and economic causes.

“Initiatives within the NSW Government’s Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program are planned through community consultation and collaboration and I am proud that it helps to strengthen Aboriginal communities and Close the Gap by creating additional opportunities for Aboriginal people.”

More information on the Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program.

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