Surfing Australia has announced that Southern Cross University is the exclusive university partner and official major partner for 2026.
Announced in Casurina, orgaisers said SCU will ‘support and activate across 11 of Surfing Australia’s major events, spanning boardrider club events, women’s and girls’ surfing, high school and junior pathways, and the Australian Surfing Awards.’
A further pillar of the partnership will see Surfing Australia host students through immersive short-term placements and internships across key departments.
Professor Julie Jomeen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at SCU said, ‘A core focus of the partnership is giving students access to real‑world industry experience. This provides sport and exercise science, health and business students with hands-on learning opportunities within a national sporting organisation.’
Luke Madden, Chief of Sport & Partnerships at Surfing Australia, said the partnership strongly supports Surfing Australia’s investment in the future of the sport and its athletes.


For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling.