The Central Coast Surf Academy at Macmasters Beach is set to establish the Surfing Sistas initiative with $598,600 from the Federal Labor Government’s $200M Play Our Way Program.
The surfing organisation prides itself on offering an elite level of surfing tuition to all surfers, from beginners to advanced.
Surfing Sistas is a groundbreaking initiative offering Aboriginal girls an inclusive pathway into surfing.
Central Coast Surf Academy owner and head coach Amee Donohoe, a Yuin woman and elite surf coach, said she looked forward to seeing the program get underway.
“All-female learn-to-surf lessons address the individual needs of participants, while providing free transport and equipment which ensures accessibility,” she said.
“Beyond physical health, the program fosters spiritual connection to land and ocean, strengthens community bonds and creates representation at all levels of surfing through also offering high-performance coaching and competition support at the Hyundai Surfing Australia High Performance Centre.
“This multi-pronged approach ensures sustainable impact and empowerment for Indigenous girls in surfing.”
Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid said the program aimed at dismantling barriers to participation by providing a supportive, culturally appropriate environment as it recognised the under-representation of females, particularly Aboriginal females, in surfing.
“It is incredibly exciting for our region to be the home of the Surfing Sistas which will encourage girls to get involved in surfing,” he said.
“The Central Coast is known for its spectacular surf, and I could not think of a better region of Australia to host the initiative.”
Learn more about the Central Coast Surf Academy at centralcoastsurfacademy.com