Current ASP World Surfing Champion Joel Parkinson swapped his surfboard for books today when he visited Barrenjoey High, on Sydney’s northern beaches, as the newest ambassador for the SurfAid Schools Program.
Parkinson, 32, addressed an assembly of enthralled students before joining a classroom group for a SurfAid lesson on geography. ‘Parko’ was the first at his table to find Bali on the map. “I used to love geography – it was my favourite subject,” he said.
Parkinson said he was stoked when SurfAid asked him to be an ambassador. “It's a huge honour, especially for something that does so much good. It was a no-brainer for me to jump on board. I want to raise awareness around the world as much as I can and show the world what SurfAid do."
The SurfAid Schools Program, which is supported by Billabong, is an international education program that aims to develop global citizenship values. It uses the humanitarian challenges and achievements of non-profit organisation SurfAid as an educational example for action. ...read more
World's best surfer goes back to school
Current ASP World Surfing Champion Joel Parkinson swapped his surfboard for books today when he visited Barrenjoey High, on Sydney’s northern beaches, as the newest ambassador for the SurfAid Schools Program.
Parkinson, 32, addressed an assembly of enthralled students before joining a classroom group for a SurfAid lesson on geography. ‘Parko’ was the first at his table to find Bali on the map. “I used to love geography – it was my favourite subject,” he said.
Parkinson said he was stoked when SurfAid asked him to be an ambassador. “It's a huge honour, especially for something that does so much good. It was a no-brainer for me to jump on board. I want to raise awareness around the world as much as I can and show the world what SurfAid do."
The SurfAid Schools Program, which is supported by Billabong, is an international education program that aims to develop global citizenship values. It uses the humanitarian challenges and achievements of non-profit organisation SurfAid as an educational example for action.
surfaidschools.org
“One of the best things about the program is the way it engages both teachers and students on important global issues,” SurfAid Schools Program Manager Milton Brown said.
Addressing the students, Brown said: “The real message behind this program is about being a good global citizen, about how you perceive the world, and about what contributions you are going to make to the world as you move forward. That is the choice that you will need to make as individuals.
“It's about making you think about what it means to really help other people in an educated and meaningful sort of way, not in a self-pitying or sad kind of way,” he said.
Brown said it was a privilege to share the space with Parkinson today. “To honour him as world champion first of all, and also to accept him as an ambassador for the SurfAid Schools Program is really a great honour.
“Having one of the most popular and recognisable surfing athletes in your corner only enhances the program’s buy-in and popularity. Joel is a terrific role model for young students and we greatly appreciate his endorsement," Brown said.
Of the visit, Parko said he especially enjoyed the interaction with the students where they asked questions ranging from why it’s important to support SurfAid to who is the most annoying surfer on the ASP world tour.
“The students’ questions were really refreshing - totally open and honest, no filters,” Parkinson said.
World's best surfer goes back to school
Current ASP World Surfing Champion Joel Parkinson swapped his surfboard for books today when he visited Barrenjoey High, on Sydney’s northern beaches, as the newest ambassador for the SurfAid Schools Program.
Parkinson, 32, addressed an assembly of enthralled students before joining a classroom group for a SurfAid lesson on geography. ‘Parko’ was the first at his table to find Bali on the map. “I used to love geography – it was my favourite subject,” he said.
Parkinson said he was stoked when SurfAid asked him to be an ambassador. “It's a huge honour, especially for something that does so much good. It was a no-brainer for me to jump on board. I want to raise awareness around the world as much as I can and show the world what SurfAid do."
The SurfAid Schools Program, which is supported by Billabong, is an international education program that aims to develop global citizenship values. It uses the humanitarian challenges and achievements of non-profit organisation SurfAid as an educational example for action. ...read more
SurfStitch SurfAid Ball Raises $133,000
Nearly 600 guests enjoyed a huge night of entertainment at the SurfStitch SurfAid Ball in March, which raised more than $133,000 for SurfAid.
ASP world surfing champions Mark Richards, Damien Hardman, Tom Carroll and Martin Potter, and other top pro surfers, mixed it with the Australian corporate world at the new Star Entertainment Centre. The event was a sellout with 570 guests.
A highlight of the night was two-time world champion Tom Carroll and big wave legend Ross Clarke-Jones exchanging banter on stage over the making of their critically acclaimed Storm Surfers 3D film.
Mark Seymour (formerly of Hunters & Collectors) and internationally regarded as one of Australia’s best singer/songwriters, played an epic three-piece acoustic set, closing with his famous hit Throw Your Arms Around Me.
Damien Lovelock (of Celibate Rifles fame) had everyone on their feet with a rollicking tribute to the Rolling Stones.
MCs for the evening were actor/author/television personality Andrew Daddo and surfing journalist/author Sean Doherty and there were live and silent auctions featuring some rare and exclusive items and experiences.
SurfAid Country Director Anne Wuijts gave an update of SurfAid’s field programs and why our help was needed in the islands off Sumatra and in Sumbawa. “I want to thank each and every one of you who came here tonight,” Wuijts said. “You are saving lives in more than 50 villages in the Mentawai, Nias, Banyaks and Telo. On behalf of all these communities and the SurfAid team in Indonesia – terima kasih banyak.” ...read more
Nearly 600 guests enjoyed a huge night of entertainment at the SurfStitch SurfAid Ball in March, which raised more than $133,000 for SurfAid.
ASP world surfing champions Mark Richards, Damien Hardman, Tom Carroll and Martin Potter, and other top pro surfers, mixed it with the Australian corporate world at the new Star Entertainment Centre. The event was a sellout with 570 guests.
A highlight of the night was two-time world champion Tom Carroll and big wave legend Ross Clarke-Jones exchanging banter on stage over the making of their critically acclaimed Storm Surfers 3D film.
Mark Seymour (formerly of Hunters & Collectors) and internationally regarded as one of Australia’s best singer/songwriters, played an epic three-piece acoustic set, closing with his famous hit Throw Your Arms Around Me.
Damien Lovelock (of Celibate Rifles fame) had everyone on their feet with a rollicking tribute to the Rolling Stones.
MCs for the evening were actor/author/television personality Andrew Daddo and surfing journalist/author Sean Doherty and there were live and silent auctions featuring some rare and exclusive items and experiences.
SurfAid Country Director Anne Wuijts gave an update of SurfAid’s field programs and why our help was needed in the islands off Sumatra and in Sumbawa. “I want to thank each and every one of you who came here tonight,” Wuijts said. “You are saving lives in more than 50 villages in the Mentawai, Nias, Banyaks and Telo. On behalf of all these communities and the SurfAid team in Indonesia – terima kasih banyak.”
“We have netted just over $133,000 which is a big achievement in these times. This will provide bedrock support for our mother and child programs in the coming year.”
SurfStitch SurfAid Ball Raises $133,000
Nearly 600 guests enjoyed a huge night of entertainment at the SurfStitch SurfAid Ball in March, which raised more than $133,000 for SurfAid.
ASP world surfing champions Mark Richards, Damien Hardman, Tom Carroll and Martin Potter, and other top pro surfers, mixed it with the Australian corporate world at the new Star Entertainment Centre. The event was a sellout with 570 guests.
A highlight of the night was two-time world champion Tom Carroll and big wave legend Ross Clarke-Jones exchanging banter on stage over the making of their critically acclaimed Storm Surfers 3D film.
Mark Seymour (formerly of Hunters & Collectors) and internationally regarded as one of Australia’s best singer/songwriters, played an epic three-piece acoustic set, closing with his famous hit Throw Your Arms Around Me.
Damien Lovelock (of Celibate Rifles fame) had everyone on their feet with a rollicking tribute to the Rolling Stones.
MCs for the evening were actor/author/television personality Andrew Daddo and surfing journalist/author Sean Doherty and there were live and silent auctions featuring some rare and exclusive items and experiences.
SurfAid Country Director Anne Wuijts gave an update of SurfAid’s field programs and why our help was needed in the islands off Sumatra and in Sumbawa. “I want to thank each and every one of you who came here tonight,” Wuijts said. “You are saving lives in more than 50 villages in the Mentawai, Nias, Banyaks and Telo. On behalf of all these communities and the SurfAid team in Indonesia – terima kasih banyak.” ...read more
Tairua Paddle for Humanity Raises $6,500
The Paddle for Humanity in Tairua, New Zealand, this year was the best yet. In spite of the pre-event nerves caused by shark activity, 200 people took to the water in support of the Mentawai people and the rest pioneered the Tairua Walk for Humanity.
The Manager of the SurfAid Schools Program, Milton Brown, was very impressed with the turnout. “Tairua is a great example of a small surfing community with a very big heart,” Brown said. “The way they join together to help another community in need is living proof that local action creates global citizenship." ...read more
The Paddle for Humanity in Tairua, New Zealand, this year was the best yet. In spite of the pre-event nerves caused by shark activity, 200 people took to the water in support of the Mentawai people and the rest pioneered the Tairua Walk for Humanity.
The Manager of the SurfAid Schools Program, Milton Brown, was very impressed with the turnout. “Tairua is a great example of a small surfing community with a very big heart,” Brown said. “The way they join together to help another community in need is living proof that local action creates global citizenship."
Tairua School Principal Brendan Finn said he was completely overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm shown by the students, parents and community for the Paddle for Humanity. “This event was once again a huge success for everyone involved and the new format worked exceptionally well,” Finn said. “There is an old saying - 'through crisis comes opportunity'. We had a difficult preparation for this year’s paddle due to the shark activity in and around the harbour, and as a result we introduced the Walk for Humanity, which was a gem of an idea and has provided us with the vehicle to further grow and develop this event.”
The Tairua community raised $6,500 this year, with a total of $14,500 raised over the past three years. Finn is proud of the financial contribution they have made to the building of a new school in Masokut, on Sipora Island, after a tsunami devastated the original village in 2010.
He is equally excited by the effect the students’ initiative is having on the local community, with people working creatively to further develop the concept of Global Citizenship on a larger community scale.
“Already businesses and sponsorship have been endorsed for 2014 and we will be reviewing this year’s event with our students to ensure next year’s is bigger and better,” Finn said.
Tairua School would like to thank the following sponsors who contributed towards the 2013, Paddle for Humanity, On A Mission, Anderson Surfboards, Punters Bar and Grill, 8 Club Holdings, Sea Escape, Billabong, RPM, Beyond the Blue and Puka Park.
Tairua Paddle for Humanity Raises $6,500
The Paddle for Humanity in Tairua, New Zealand, this year was the best yet. In spite of the pre-event nerves caused by shark activity, 200 people took to the water in support of the Mentawai people and the rest pioneered the Tairua Walk for Humanity.
The Manager of the SurfAid Schools Program, Milton Brown, was very impressed with the turnout. “Tairua is a great example of a small surfing community with a very big heart,” Brown said. “The way they join together to help another community in need is living proof that local action creates global citizenship." ...read more
Bilbie Dan Solicitors win Lawler SurfAid Cup
The team from Bilbie Dan Solicitors has won the Lawler SurfAid Cup in solid 6-8 foot (2.5m) surf at Newcastle’s Stockton Beach. The charity event, which is part of Surfest Newcastle, was moved from the original venue of Dixon Park due to dangerous surf conditions.
Bilbie Dan scored 52.07 in the tag team final, with Sanbah second on 47.77, Beilby Consulting third (24.87) and People Fusion fourth (18.00).
City of Newcastle and Lawler Financial placed equal fifth; Hunter Readymix and Lawler Partners were equal seventh; Michillis, Mullane, Perpetual and Coffey Projects equal ninth; and BT Financial, NIB Health, Maccas and Bennelong Boardriders equal 13th.
Sixteen teams raised more than $56,000 for humanitarian organisation SurfAid. The Bennelong Boardriders team won the fundraising trophy by raising $7,410.
A Surfest charity breakfast held on the same morning, sponsored by PRD Nationwide, and presented by the Hunter Business Boardriders, raised more than $16,000 – with Newcastle raising a total of more than $73,000 for SurfAid on the day.
Charlie Lanchester, a board member of SurfAid, and the Deputy Head of Australian Equities at Perpetual, said it was a great day.
“It was a privilege to take part in the PRD Nationwide breakfast and also the Lawler SurfAid Cup all on the one day,” Lanchester said. ...read more
The team from Bilbie Dan Solicitors has won the Lawler SurfAid Cup in solid 6-8 foot (2.5m) surf at Newcastle’s Stockton Beach. The charity event, which is part of Surfest Newcastle, was moved from the original venue of Dixon Park due to dangerous surf conditions.
Bilbie Dan scored 52.07 in the tag team final, with Sanbah second on 47.77, Beilby Consulting third (24.87) and People Fusion fourth (18.00).
City of Newcastle and Lawler Financial placed equal fifth; Hunter Readymix and Lawler Partners were equal seventh; Michillis, Mullane, Perpetual and Coffey Projects equal ninth; and BT Financial, NIB Health, Maccas and Bennelong Boardriders equal 13th.
Sixteen teams raised more than $56,000 for humanitarian organisation SurfAid. The Bennelong Boardriders team won the fundraising trophy by raising $7,410.
A Surfest charity breakfast held on the same morning, sponsored by PRD Nationwide, and presented by the Hunter Business Boardriders, raised more than $16,000 – with Newcastle raising a total of more than $73,000 for SurfAid on the day.
Charlie Lanchester, a board member of SurfAid, and the Deputy Head of Australian Equities at Perpetual, said it was a great day.
“It was a privilege to take part in the PRD Nationwide breakfast and also the Lawler SurfAid Cup all on the one day,” Lanchester said.
All teams in the Lawler SurfAid Cup had the pick of a pro surfer and Drew Courtney was outstanding for Bilbie Dan in the final as he consistently attacked the lip in the heavy conditions, scoring 26.67 out of 30 points for his team. Other winning team members were Rob Faraday, Luke Sessions, Brad Garrard and Heath Podmore.
Pros who donated their skills to compete included 1989 world champion Martin Potter, Luke Egan, Simon Law, Craig Anderson, Jake Sylvester, Travis Lynch, Craig McMillan, Ryan Callinan, Jye Byrnes, Jackson Baker, Louis Stackhouse, Luke Hamilton and Simon Le Rougetel.
Big wave rider Mark Yazbeck was the proud winner of the Lawler Best Wipeout Award for a committed backhand floater on a solid wave that ended in a faceplant on the flats.
Rob Faraday-Bensley, a Partner with Bilbie Dan Solicitors and Attorneys, said it was a great day.
“It was fantastic to score some decent-sized waves and to get the chance to surf alongside some amazing surfers, in particular our allocated pro Drew Courtney who absolutely ripped,” Faraday-Bensley said.
“Thanks again to SurfAid and the committee of Hunter Business Boardriders. Seeing Luke Sessions carve it up was also a unique thrill for all of our team. We can't wait for next year. “
Tim Bolger, Director Distribution, Bennelong Funds Management, said they were proud to win the fundraising component by raising $7,410.
Artwork by Nick Pont
“Bennelong Funds Management and our boutique asset management teams, Avoca Investment Management and Bennelong Australian Equity Partners, were very pleased to be a part of the Lawler SurfAid Cup,” Bolger said.
“We were particularly pleased that donations from our personal and professional networks, along with a generous donation from the Bennelong Foundation, resulted in the Bennelong Boardriders taking out the fundraising prize.
“SurfAid is an inspiring organisation, and we admire the passion and enthusiasm that Dr Dave and the rest of the SurfAid crew bring to their work with Indonesian communities. We look forward to sharing a wave and a laugh with the SurfAid crew in the future, in support of a very worthy cause.”
Chris Davis, the head of wealth protection at Lawler Financial Services, said Lawler Financial Services were extremely proud to partner with SurfAid and Surfest to make the event happen.
“We want to thank all the teams involved in the first SurfAid Cup in Newcastle. The waves were ordinary, the weather was worse but everyone had a great time. We are already looking forward to another huge fundraising event next year,” Davis said.
With Lawler Financial Services as presenting sponsor, supporting sponsors for the Lawler SurfAid Cup were: Surfest, Sanbah, Beach Hotel, Subway, Coastalwatch and Surfing World.
ABOUT LAWLER FINANCIAL SERVICES
Lawler Financial Services is part of the Lawler Group of business advisers and accountants. We believe in “Total Financial Care”, working with clients to identify their goals and then assisting them to reach them. We make complex financial information easy to understand, and importantly, we take the stress out of your financial decisions.
Bilbie Dan Solicitors win Lawler SurfAid Cup
The team from Bilbie Dan Solicitors has won the Lawler SurfAid Cup in solid 6-8 foot (2.5m) surf at Newcastle’s Stockton Beach. The charity event, which is part of Surfest Newcastle, was moved from the original venue of Dixon Park due to dangerous surf conditions.
Bilbie Dan scored 52.07 in the tag team final, with Sanbah second on 47.77, Beilby Consulting third (24.87) and People Fusion fourth (18.00).
City of Newcastle and Lawler Financial placed equal fifth; Hunter Readymix and Lawler Partners were equal seventh; Michillis, Mullane, Perpetual and Coffey Projects equal ninth; and BT Financial, NIB Health, Maccas and Bennelong Boardriders equal 13th.
Sixteen teams raised more than $56,000 for humanitarian organisation SurfAid. The Bennelong Boardriders team won the fundraising trophy by raising $7,410.
A Surfest charity breakfast held on the same morning, sponsored by PRD Nationwide, and presented by the Hunter Business Boardriders, raised more than $16,000 – with Newcastle raising a total of more than $73,000 for SurfAid on the day.
Charlie Lanchester, a board member of SurfAid, and the Deputy Head of Australian Equities at Perpetual, said it was a great day.
“It was a privilege to take part in the PRD Nationwide breakfast and also the Lawler SurfAid Cup all on the one day,” Lanchester said. ...read more
Glenfield college's map-a-thon fundraiser for surfaid
Year 9 students hard at work on their Map-a-thon fundraiser for SurfAid
Year 9 students at Glenfield College in Auckland, New Zealand participated in a fundraiser and awareness raising activity to support SurfAid. The class had been studying SurfAid as part of their Social Studies course and took part in a map-a-thon that raised $160. ...read more
Year 9 students hard at work on their Map-a-thon fundraiser for SurfAid
Year 9 students at Glenfield College in Auckland, New Zealand participated in a fundraiser and awareness raising activity to support SurfAid. The class had been studying SurfAid as part of their Social Studies course and took part in a map-a-thon that raised $160.
Glenfield college's map-a-thon fundraiser for surfaid
Year 9 students hard at work on their Map-a-thon fundraiser for SurfAid
Year 9 students at Glenfield College in Auckland, New Zealand participated in a fundraiser and awareness raising activity to support SurfAid. The class had been studying SurfAid as part of their Social Studies course and took part in a map-a-thon that raised $160. ...read more
SurfStitch SurfAid Ball 2013
Newly crowned ASP world champion Joel Parkinson will be a special guest at the SurfStitch SurfAid Ball at the Star Entertainment Centre in Sydney on Friday 15 March in what promises to be an epic evening.
Parko will give an insight into his world title run against 11-time world champ Kelly Slater and their epic December showdown at Hawaii’s Pipeline.
Two-time world champion Tom Carroll will treat guests with a behind-the-scenes account of his critically acclaimed Storm Surfers 3D film, which also stars big wave legend Ross Clarke-Jones.
Internationally regarded as one of Australia’s best singer/songwriters, Mark Seymour (formerly of Hunters & Collectors) will join with friends to play a three-piece acoustic set.
Damien Lovelock (of Celibate Rifles fame) has pulled together a hard-rocking band to do a tribute to the Rolling Stones that is guaranteed to have you dancing. ...read more
Newly crowned ASP world champion Joel Parkinson will be a special guest at the SurfStitch SurfAid Ball at the Star Entertainment Centre in Sydney on Friday 15 March in what promises to be an epic evening.
Parko will give an insight into his world title run against 11-time world champ Kelly Slater and their epic December showdown at Hawaii’s Pipeline.
Two-time world champion Tom Carroll will treat guests with a behind-the-scenes account of his critically acclaimed Storm Surfers 3D film, which also stars big wave legend Ross Clarke-Jones.
Internationally regarded as one of Australia’s best singer/songwriters, Mark Seymour (formerly of Hunters & Collectors) will join with friends to play a three-piece acoustic set.
Damien Lovelock (of Celibate Rifles fame) has pulled together a hard-rocking band to do a tribute to the Rolling Stones that is guaranteed to have you dancing.
| VIP TABLES 10 places per table - $5,000 |
STANDARD TABLE 10 places per table - $2,500 ... $250 per ticket. |
VIP bar with pro surfers and special guests; access to VIP bar during the evening.
MCs for the evening will be actor/author/television personality Andrew Daddo and surfing journalist/author Sean Doherty.
There will be live and silent auctions featuring some rare and exclusive items and experiences.
The newly opened Star Entertainment Centre boasts breathtaking views across Sydney Harbour and the city skyline, and is impressively positioned on the rooftop of The Star in Pyrmont, Sydney.
Tickets are selling fast so we hope to see you there to celebrate our humanitarian work in the islands off Sumatra and raise much-needed funds.
Many thanks to our ball principal sponsor SurfStitch and supporting sponsors Fuel TV and NAB.
Last year's inaugural SurfAid Ball in Sydney was a massive night not to be missed.
SurfStitch SurfAid Ball 2013
Newly crowned ASP world champion Joel Parkinson will be a special guest at the SurfStitch SurfAid Ball at the Star Entertainment Centre in Sydney on Friday 15 March in what promises to be an epic evening.
Parko will give an insight into his world title run against 11-time world champ Kelly Slater and their epic December showdown at Hawaii’s Pipeline.
Two-time world champion Tom Carroll will treat guests with a behind-the-scenes account of his critically acclaimed Storm Surfers 3D film, which also stars big wave legend Ross Clarke-Jones.
Internationally regarded as one of Australia’s best singer/songwriters, Mark Seymour (formerly of Hunters & Collectors) will join with friends to play a three-piece acoustic set.
Damien Lovelock (of Celibate Rifles fame) has pulled together a hard-rocking band to do a tribute to the Rolling Stones that is guaranteed to have you dancing. ...read more
Newy steps up for SurfAid
Artwork by Nick Pont
Former world champion surfers are lining up to take on Newcastle’s business community in the Lawler SurfAid Cup at Dixon Park, Merewether, on Friday 22 February. The charity event is part of Surfest Newcastle.
Four-time world champion Mark Richards and 1989 world champion Martin Potter will be pulling on the coloured singlet to help raise money for humanitarian organisation SurfAid.
Sixteen teams have entered the SurfAid Cup, with Lawler Financial Services coming on as presenting sponsor. The top fundraisers get to pick a pro surfer to join their team of four surfers in a tag team contest that will be held at Dixon Park, next to the main Surfest site.
“I am stoked to be part of the first Lawler SurfAid Cup in Newcastle,” Mark Richards said. “I have enormous respect for SurfAid for the amazing work they do in remote villages in the islands off Sumatra, Indonesia, especially their education and prevention programs focusing on malaria, water and sanitation, emergency preparedness, and mother and child health issues. ...read more
Artwork by Nick Pont
Former world champion surfers are lining up to take on Newcastle’s business community in the Lawler SurfAid Cup at Dixon Park, Merewether, on Friday 22 February. The charity event is part of Surfest Newcastle.
Four-time world champion Mark Richards and 1989 world champion Martin Potter will be pulling on the coloured singlet to help raise money for humanitarian organisation SurfAid.
Sixteen teams have entered the SurfAid Cup, with Lawler Financial Services coming on as presenting sponsor. The top fundraisers get to pick a pro surfer to join their team of four surfers in a tag team contest that will be held at Dixon Park, next to the main Surfest site.
“I am stoked to be part of the first Lawler SurfAid Cup in Newcastle,” Mark Richards said. “I have enormous respect for SurfAid for the amazing work they do in remote villages in the islands off Sumatra, Indonesia, especially their education and prevention programs focusing on malaria, water and sanitation, emergency preparedness, and mother and child health issues.
Photo by @boskophoto
“Lawler Financial Services are to be congratulated for their contribution to this important fundraising and community event,” Richards said.
Martin “Pottz” Potter said he was also very excited about the Lawler SurfAid Cup. “My team had a disappointing show at the SurfAid Cup in Sydney last November, so I’m looking to redeem myself in this event,” Pottz said.
“I’m super stoked to be rubbing shoulders with one of my heroes, Mark Richards, and one of my best friends, Matt Hoy, is also competing. I hope we get some good waves so the boys can show their stuff.”
The 16 fundraising teams that will compete are: City of Newcastle Boardriders, Hunter Readymixed Concrete, Beilby Consulting, BT Financial Group, Bennelong Funds Management, People Fusion, nib health funds, Team Maccas, Team Michilis, Team Mullane, Lawler Financial Services, Lawler Partners, Team Perpetual, Coffey Projects, Bilbie Dan Solicitors and Sanbah Surf.
You can support the teams HERE >>
Chris Davis, the head of wealth protection at Lawler Financial Services, said they were very proud to sponsor the SurfAid Cup in Newcastle.
“A lot of our clients are keen surfers who are in senior management or are successful business owners, and we see this as a great opportunity to link the two together and raise some money for the great cause of SurfAid,” Davis said. “The boys from the Hunter Business Boardriders, who have brought this event to Newcastle, are frothing and can’t wait for the day.”
The Lawler SurfAid Cup will run from 9am - 5pm at Dixon Park on Friday 22 February. The afterparty will be held from 5pm - 7pm at The Beach Hotel, cnr Frederick St and Ridge St, Merewether.
With Lawler Financial Services as presenting sponsor, supporting sponsors are: Surfest, Sanbah, Beach Hotel, Subway, Coastalwatch and Surfing World.
Newy steps up for SurfAid
Artwork by Nick Pont
Former world champion surfers are lining up to take on Newcastle’s business community in the Lawler SurfAid Cup at Dixon Park, Merewether, on Friday 22 February. The charity event is part of Surfest Newcastle.
Four-time world champion Mark Richards and 1989 world champion Martin Potter will be pulling on the coloured singlet to help raise money for humanitarian organisation SurfAid.
Sixteen teams have entered the SurfAid Cup, with Lawler Financial Services coming on as presenting sponsor. The top fundraisers get to pick a pro surfer to join their team of four surfers in a tag team contest that will be held at Dixon Park, next to the main Surfest site.
“I am stoked to be part of the first Lawler SurfAid Cup in Newcastle,” Mark Richards said. “I have enormous respect for SurfAid for the amazing work they do in remote villages in the islands off Sumatra, Indonesia, especially their education and prevention programs focusing on malaria, water and sanitation, emergency preparedness, and mother and child health issues. ...read more
Aquabumps wins BlackBerry SurfAid Cup
The Aquabumps Gallery team has taken out the BlackBerry SurfAid Cup with a commanding victory in 2-3 foot waves at Sydney’s Queenscliff Beach.
Aquabumps scored 55.53 points in the one-hour, tag team final with Shaw Brothers second on 40.93, defending champions CBA 2 third (30.80) and Australian Lawyers Surfing Association (ALSA) fourth (28.77).
Four former world champion surfers – Tom Carroll, Layne Beachley, Damien Hardman and Martin Potter - plus a string of top pros including ASP women’s number two Sally Fitzgibbons, Mark Mathews, Laura Enever, Matt Hoy, Simon Anderson and Matt Bemrose, joined with Sydney’s corporate world to fundraise for SurfAid. ...read more
The Aquabumps Gallery team has taken out the BlackBerry SurfAid Cup with a commanding victory in 2-3 foot waves at Sydney’s Queenscliff Beach.
Aquabumps scored 55.53 points in the one-hour, tag team final with Shaw Brothers second on 40.93, defending champions CBA 2 third (30.80) and Australian Lawyers Surfing Association (ALSA) fourth (28.77).
Four former world champion surfers – Tom Carroll, Layne Beachley, Damien Hardman and Martin Potter - plus a string of top pros including ASP women’s number two Sally Fitzgibbons, Mark Mathews, Laura Enever, Matt Hoy, Simon Anderson and Matt Bemrose, joined with Sydney’s corporate world to fundraise for SurfAid.
Thirteen teams raised more than $70,000 for the humanitarian organisation and Perpetual won the fundraising trophy for the second year in a row by contributing more than $12,000. Other corporate teams included: Citi, Toyota, Westpac, Adconion Media, KFC and brandsExclusive.
Each team fielded four surfers and then selected a pro surfer to join their team in order of their fundraising totals. Aquabumps had Paul Borrud, Matt Griggs, Mark Eymes and Eugene Tan and they selected former top pro Richie Lovett.
“We are stoked to win the BlackBerry SurfAid Cup and we’ll be back next year to defend our title,” Tan said. “Our team went on a Mentawai boat trip this year. It’s a great place and SurfAid do such a good job.”
Top fundraising team Perpetual included Sean Cunningham, Nick Corkill, Stuart Dunn and Charlie Lanchester. They picked 1989 world champion Martin Potter as their pro.
Lanchester, Perpetual’s Deputy Head of Australian Equities, said the team was delighted to take out the fundraising title again. “We would like to thank our colleagues, friends and family who were so generous with their donations,” Lanchester said. “It was such a privilege to surf with Pottz who really fired up the team. I can't wait to get involved again next year.”
Coastalwatch and Surfing World publisher Doug Lees won the prestigious BlackBerry Wipeout Award for a spectacular re-entry that went wrong. “I made the reo but was so surprised that I made it, I fell off,” Lees said.
Contest director Steve Harrison said he was very impressed with the performances of Matt Hoy (ALSA) and Sally Fitzgibbons (Shaw Bros) who both helped carry their teams to the final.
“And Martin Potter’s 18.5 was an explosive performance in the solid five foot conditions in the morning,” Harrison said. “There was a really good vibe at the event. It was a good blend of legends and pros and corporate weekend warriors – just a great day all-up.”
SurfAid founder Dr Dave Jenkins said the event was a true reflection of how SurfAid has successfully saved and helped tens of thousands of people in the islands off Sumatra, Indonesia.
“It’s one of the most remote locations in the world and our work is all about partnerships and persistence, combined with the determined application of professionalism and the shared goal of saving children’s lives,” Dr Jenkins said.
“We would like to thank BlackBerry and the corporate teams on behalf of all the children and people of the Mentawai and nearby islands.”
With BlackBerry as presenting sponsor, supporting sponsors were: Manly Wine, Carlton Dry, Spectrum Healthcare, DeStress Express, Nando’s, Rockstar Energy Drink, Coastalwatch, Surfing World and Australasian Surf Business.
Photos: Murray Fraser | Sprout Daily
Aquabumps wins BlackBerry SurfAid Cup
The Aquabumps Gallery team has taken out the BlackBerry SurfAid Cup with a commanding victory in 2-3 foot waves at Sydney’s Queenscliff Beach.
Aquabumps scored 55.53 points in the one-hour, tag team final with Shaw Brothers second on 40.93, defending champions CBA 2 third (30.80) and Australian Lawyers Surfing Association (ALSA) fourth (28.77).
Four former world champion surfers – Tom Carroll, Layne Beachley, Damien Hardman and Martin Potter - plus a string of top pros including ASP women’s number two Sally Fitzgibbons, Mark Mathews, Laura Enever, Matt Hoy, Simon Anderson and Matt Bemrose, joined with Sydney’s corporate world to fundraise for SurfAid. ...read more
Preparing for the future
SurfAid volunteer Yusran and his four-year-old son Pandu Aska. Photo: Kirk Willcox
It’s just over two years since the Mentawai tsunami in October 2010 and it’s inspiring to see the resilience of the local people who have managed to pick themselves up and move forward.
The disaster killed more than 500 people and left thousands homeless. SurfAid embarked on a one-year recovery program to help them get back on their feet.
Communications director Kirk Willcox returned to the field recently with a filmmaker Sascha Ettinger Epstein. He writes:
One place we visited was Sioban, which is the main town in South Sipora serviced by a local ferry. We caught the ferry from Tua Pejat with our Mentawai Emergency Preparedness program manager Mario.
In Sioban, we met up E-Prep field officer Joni and a local SurfAid volunteer, Yusran Yunus. Yusran, 43, is a construction contractor and he also owns a warung (shop).
The 2010 tsunami didn’t affect Sioban but the devastation on the other side of Sipora, and down in the Pagais to the south, really put Yusran into action. First he did a five-day training course in psychological first aid and then he set about building a temporary village up in the hills – a safe place for the locals to live in case their village is wiped out by earthquake or tsunami.
The temporary village will hold 600 people and there are free range chickens, banana trees and water. And they were building a helipad. ...read more
SurfAid volunteer Yusran and his four-year-old son Pandu Aska. Photo: Kirk Willcox
It’s just over two years since the Mentawai tsunami in October 2010 and it’s inspiring to see the resilience of the local people who have managed to pick themselves up and move forward.
The disaster killed more than 500 people and left thousands homeless. SurfAid embarked on a one-year recovery program to help them get back on their feet.
Communications director Kirk Willcox returned to the field recently with a filmmaker Sascha Ettinger Epstein. He writes:
One place we visited was Sioban, which is the main town in South Sipora serviced by a local ferry. We caught the ferry from Tua Pejat with our Mentawai Emergency Preparedness program manager Mario.
In Sioban, we met up E-Prep field officer Joni and a local SurfAid volunteer, Yusran Yunus. Yusran, 43, is a construction contractor and he also owns a warung (shop).
The 2010 tsunami didn’t affect Sioban but the devastation on the other side of Sipora, and down in the Pagais to the south, really put Yusran into action. First he did a five-day training course in psychological first aid and then he set about building a temporary village up in the hills – a safe place for the locals to live in case their village is wiped out by earthquake or tsunami.
The temporary village will hold 600 people and there are free range chickens, banana trees and water. And they were building a helipad.
Research shows that $1 spent in preparation for a disaster saves $10 in recovery. If a large earthquake hits, the local residents will first move to higher ground up clearly marked evacuation paths in case a tsunami follows. If their village is destroyed, they will move further up the hills to the temporary village.
Meanwhile SurfAid is continuing its E-Prep training in Sioban to set up and train disaster management teams. All the villagers involved in the program are volunteers – freely giving up their time so as to serve their community. And the word is spreading.
Preparing for the future
SurfAid volunteer Yusran and his four-year-old son Pandu Aska. Photo: Kirk Willcox
It’s just over two years since the Mentawai tsunami in October 2010 and it’s inspiring to see the resilience of the local people who have managed to pick themselves up and move forward.
The disaster killed more than 500 people and left thousands homeless. SurfAid embarked on a one-year recovery program to help them get back on their feet.
Communications director Kirk Willcox returned to the field recently with a filmmaker Sascha Ettinger Epstein. He writes:
One place we visited was Sioban, which is the main town in South Sipora serviced by a local ferry. We caught the ferry from Tua Pejat with our Mentawai Emergency Preparedness program manager Mario.
In Sioban, we met up E-Prep field officer Joni and a local SurfAid volunteer, Yusran Yunus. Yusran, 43, is a construction contractor and he also owns a warung (shop).
The 2010 tsunami didn’t affect Sioban but the devastation on the other side of Sipora, and down in the Pagais to the south, really put Yusran into action. First he did a five-day training course in psychological first aid and then he set about building a temporary village up in the hills – a safe place for the locals to live in case their village is wiped out by earthquake or tsunami.
The temporary village will hold 600 people and there are free range chickens, banana trees and water. And they were building a helipad. ...read more
The Face Of A Disaster
When an earthquake hits the Mentawai, or surrounding region, their world literally goes upside-down and we go into full-on emergency response mode. For a couple of weeks, it’s a super hectic period as we try to reach the outlying villages with aid – food, shelter, building and hygiene kits - and raise funding at the same time.
After the October 2010 tsunami, we received an email from American photographer Michael Lawrence, who was in Bali at the time. He wanted to help by documenting our work and the people of the Mentawai. He didn’t want to be paid.
...read more
When an earthquake hits the Mentawai, or surrounding region, their world literally goes upside-down and we go into full-on emergency response mode. For a couple of weeks, it’s a super hectic period as we try to reach the outlying villages with aid – food, shelter, building and hygiene kits - and raise funding at the same time.
After the October 2010 tsunami, we received an email from American photographer Michael Lawrence, who was in Bali at the time. He wanted to help by documenting our work and the people of the Mentawai. He didn’t want to be paid.
The first images we received took our breath away. Very poignant, powerful and raw. It moved us so much we ended up basing our whole new website design around Michael’s imagery.
He sent back this note: “Really happy to hear that the images are being received well. It's been my pleasure working with you guys … I'd love to continue. Truth be told, the trip was one of the best things I have ever done ... personally or creatively. Life changing would be an understatement. Affirming. Slightly tormenting. Entirely worth it.”
To raise funds to help people like the communities in the Mentawai, you need to present the reality of their lives so people can feel empathy.
Thank you Michael for helping us achieve that.
You can view more of Michael's work at surfaid.tumblr.com.
The Face Of A Disaster
When an earthquake hits the Mentawai, or surrounding region, their world literally goes upside-down and we go into full-on emergency response mode. For a couple of weeks, it’s a super hectic period as we try to reach the outlying villages with aid – food, shelter, building and hygiene kits - and raise funding at the same time.
After the October 2010 tsunami, we received an email from American photographer Michael Lawrence, who was in Bali at the time. He wanted to help by documenting our work and the people of the Mentawai. He didn’t want to be paid.
...read more
