Ready to rock: revamped Surf Coast Events ready to expand

THE revamped online Surf Coast Events calendar is preparing to expand, with more venues able to add their own event listings from early 2025.

The popular local events calendar at surfcoastevents.com.au will work in perfect harmony with a broader range of local venues, like Bird Rock Jan Juc.

The website welcomes an average 5000 visitors a month, showcasing the variety of events on the Surf Coast – from markets and major sporting events, to carols, concerts and exhibitions.

Bird Rock venue manager Olly Cook said the Jan Juc establishment was excited to list its gigs on Surf Coast Events.

“Having another free promotional tool like the expanded Surf Coast Events website will be invaluable for a small local live music venue like us,” he said.

“It will help us reach a broader local and tourist audience while keeping promotional costs low, allowing us to invest more in creating memorable experiences.

“Being featured on a trusted platform would also enhance our credibility and attract new patrons who might not have discovered us otherwise.”

The Surf Coast Shire’s events calendar is diverse, ranging from the global Rip Curl Pro at the iconic Bells Beach to boutique community-run fairs in the hinterland.

Events support the council’s goals to foster a thriving, connected, healthy community and a sustainable local economy.

Mr Cook said Bird Rock events attracted a mix of locals and visitors.

“Music has an amazing ability to bring people from all walks of

life together, creating community,” he said.

“We have local live vinyl DJs locked in for every Friday night until late January, and we’ll start Saturday nights in January.

“We’re always keeping our ear to the ground for new acts coming to town that we can host. It’s all about creating a fun, lively atmosphere.”

Surf Coast Shire councillor Libby Stapleton encouraged local event organisers to make the most of the expanded Surf Coast Events calendar.

“Surf Coast Events started with a focus on promoting council-supported events but now that it’s grown in popularity, it’s an ideal time to open it up for commercial venues and art galleries to add their own events,” she said.

“I’ve got Surf Coast Events saved in my favourites and regularly check to see what’s happening – whether it’s a local art exhibition to check out or a music event.”

If you are a commercial venue wishing to promote your event via the Surf Coast Events website, head to surfcoastevents.com.au/subscribe to subscribe to the newsletter to be one of the first to know when it goes live.