Industry surfing body rebrands ahead of annual awards

AUSTRALIA’s peak surf industry association has rebranded ahead of its big annual awards night in Torquay this month.

The former Surf and Boardsports Industry Association (SBIA) will debut its new name of the Australian Surf Industry Association (ASI) at its Surf Industry Honours Night.

ASI president Anthony “Macka” Wilson said he looked forward to the business evolving under the new name.

“It [the new name] is more reflective of who we are and what we do, it’s the first of our new initiatives and events for our association – it’s exciting times ahead.”

Executive officer Lyndall Browning also welcomed the change and said it had “unanimously passed” at its special general meeting.

The ASI Surf Industry Honours Night will be held at The Sands Resort Torquay and recognise the achievements, innovations, and passion of the surf industry.

It will not only crown three worthy award recipients, but also raise funds for three key charity partners.

Ethan Ewing (Surfer of the Year), SurfAid (Environmental and Social Impact) and Geoff Backshall (Service to the Industry) are slated to secure top honours.

Youth Focus – a not-for-profit organisation delivering innovative and accessible mental health services, SurfAid and a yet-to-be-disclosed organisation will be the three benefactors of raffles and auctions on the evening.

Youth Focus chief executive officer Derry Simpson said the organisation was thrilled to be a charity partner of the awards.

“We are incredibly honoured to be chosen by Geoff [Backshall] (Service to the Industry recipient) as his charity of choice, and we wish him our heartfelt congratulations on his outstanding contribution and leadership.

“These funds will make a very real difference for the young people we work with.”

Tickets are still available for the awards on March 27 and can be purchased at sbia.com.au/buy-tickets