The Aussies brings nation's best surf lifesavers to Perth beaches

• Australian Surf Life Saving Championships kick off on Scarborough and Trigg beaches
• Nine days of beach and ocean competitions from 25 March to 2 April
• More than 5,000 entrants to compete in more than 480 events
• Supported by the McGowan Government through Tourism WA
  

Australia's best surf lifesavers have descended on Scarborough and Trigg beaches today for the start of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, known as "The Aussies."

Over the next nine days of intense and exhilarating competition, 314 national clubs will compete in more than 480 events at Scarborough and Trigg beaches, showcasing their skills across Youth, Masters and Open categories.

Returning to Western Australia for the first time in five years, The Aussies was last held in WA in 2018 with more than 5,100 competitors from local and national clubs.

The 2018 event attracted more than 8,500 visitors from outside of WA, generating more than $15 million in visitor spend.

More than 5,000 competitors have registered to take part in this year's event, plus over 700 entrants for the Aussies Ocean Swim event, which is open to members of the public.

The theme of this year's contest is 'Rescue Ready' - a nod to the origins of the annual competition, which was first held in 1915 to challenge the skills of the nation's surf lifesavers.

Scarborough Beach will also host a festival zone for the duration of the competition, which will include a wide range of activities to add to the event experience including festival markets, live music and alfresco dining.

The Aussies will be broadcast nationally in two two-hour packages on SBS in May that will incorporate iconic imagery of some of Western Australia's favourite tourism attractions in Perth and surrounds. It will also be live streamed on Surf Life Saving Australia's Facebook page.

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Roger Cook:

"The WA Government is delighted to welcome back 'The Aussies' to our State for the first time in five years, along with thousands of visitors from out-of-State who are here in Western Australia for the event.

"The festival zone atmosphere at Scarborough Beach invites families and people of all ages to come and witness some of the incredible athleticism on display as part of The Aussies competition, as well as participate in some of the fun activities themselves.

"Mass participation events like The Aussies form an important part of WA Government's events strategy to attract thousands of out-of-State visitors to our State."

Comments attributed to Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman:

"We're delighted to once again host this fantastic national competition in Perth, which brings some of Australia's top athletes to our shores.

"Events such as The Aussies raise the profile of ocean and beach sporting events and promote the important work of Australia's surf lifesavers.

"Western Australia's Surf Life Saving Clubs have more than 24,000 members, and we appreciate the efforts of each and every one of them to keep our beaches safe for swimmers."

Comments attributed to Scarborough MLA Stuart Aubrey:

"The Aussies is a fantastic opportunity for Scarborough to showcase to the nation why WA is the dream State."

"Alongside the action of The Aussies, Scarborough is activating the area with nine days of markets, including food trucks, alfresco dining, live music and a festival atmosphere.

"I encourage the Scarborough community to come down, get amongst the festival atmosphere and support our local clubs of Trigg Island and Scarboro Surf Life Saving clubs. Let's show WA and the nation why we are Perth's premier beachside destination!"

Tourism Minister's office - 6552 6500

Sport and Recreation Minister's Office - 6552 5400