Young talent time: Surfing siblings receive Rising Star honour

CHARLIE and Delilah Chisholm recall being on the surfboard with their mum Angela as one of their earliest memories.

As the Torquay siblings have grown, so has their love of surfing. It’s a sport that has taken the pair to new heights this year.

The teenagers took out the open men’s and women’s divisions in the Woorrangalook Victorian Koori Surf Titles at Urquhart Bluff in February, earning a wildcard entry for the Rip Curl Pro Trials.

Charlie and Delilah’s latest honour is being named the Surf Coast Shire council’s Rising Star Award winners, as the top two young local First Nations surfers.

“I’m very honoured to be getting the award and representing Indigenous surfers with my sister,” said 15-year-old Charlie, who also shared his excitement about the trials at Djarrak (Bells Beach).

“It’s such an awesome opportunity,” he said.

“Thanks to everyone who supports us and for holding an epic Victorian Koori titles event every year.

“It’s always cool to get together with all the mobs from around Victoria and connect through surfing on Wadawurrung Country.”

Delilah, 13, has always had a love for surfing.

“Since I can remember, I’ve been on the front of my mum’s board, surfing heaps of different spots,” she said.

“I really got into it around 10 years old, when I started competing in state rounds.

“Winning a wildcard entry from competing at the Koori titles was so meaningful because the event is so special. The opportunity to represent Indigenous surfers is cool.”

The Rising Star Awards will be presented during the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach window.

Congratulations to the other 2026 Rising Star Award winners who have performed exceptionally over the past 12 months: Heidi Abetz, Chloe Muscroft, Cedar Davie, Jarvis Barrow, Remy Filer and Jack Lindsay.

The winners will feature in the Australian National Surfing Museum’s exhibition alongside other surfing legends.

The council-run museum in Torquay celebrates the story of Australian surfing and its champions, culture and characters through permanent displays and temporary exhibitions.

Deputy mayor Tony Phelps said the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach was a standout major event on the Surf Coast Events calendar.

“The Rip Curl Pro transforms the Surf Coast each year, creating a huge buzz and delivering a significant economic impact of $8 million,” he said.

Cr Phelps encouraged both locals and visitors to save surfcoastevents.com.au to their favourites for quick and easy access to a huge range of events.

“Whether it’s attending one of the many community-run markets on the Easter long weekend, visiting an art exhibition or planning your next cycling or running adventure – there’s so much to choose from,” he said.

“We’re proud to be a top events destination and host various events that bring people together across our stunning coast and hinterland.

“Events held between the Easter weekend and Christmas are vital as they attract overnight visitors, supporting our goal that tourism delivers more consistent economic and social benefits year-round for our communities.”

//SPONSORED CONTENT