Opening ceremony back for Bells Beach 50 Year Storm

MORE than 100 people are set to gather this morning (June 3) for the opening ceremony of the 2023 Bells Beach 50 Year Storm surfing event in memory of local legend Shaun Brooks.

The opening ceremony for the event returns for the first time since 2019 and will bring together local surfers, community members and businesses who are supporting the 2023 event for a day of socialising, surfing and spreading positive messaging around mental health and wellbeing.

Festivities are set to kick off at 10:30am and will include a welcome to country and smoking ceremony from Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Corinna Eccles and Anthony Hume as well as the introduction of both event invitees and alternates.

Food is set to be provided by Feed Me Surf Coast and merchandise will also be available on the day.

Bells Beach 50 Year Storm committee member Carlo Lowden said it was very significant to be bringing back an opening ceremony for the community to be involved in.

“It’s super epic that we’ve got the opening ceremony back up and running this year!

“It’s a great opportunity for the community to band together and celebrate the competitors, the local surfing scene and Shaun’s life.

“The opening ceremony will also give us a great chance to acknowledge the custodians of the land, the Wautharong people.

“We will also announce our achievements with our mental health beneficiaries and our plans for the future.

“We look forward to seeing plenty of people down there as we gear up for hopefully a cracking winter of waves.”

The Bells Beach 50 Year Storm thank all their presenting and supporting partners for the event including Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Reef ANZ, One Agency, GBoards, Lost Surfboards and Surfing Victoria.

The key beneficiaries for this year’s event are headspace, One in Five and jumping on board for 2023 is Ocean Mind.

For more information, head to www.instagram.com/bellsbeach50yearstorm/