Storm wait yields money for mental health

THE waiting period for this year’s 50 Year Storm Invitational in Memory of Shaun Brooks ended on August 31.

Although there was significant swell on Saturday June 24, the event organisers didn’t deem the size large enough for the Storm Event to run.

Several notable performances did occur on June 24 and were recognised with specialty awards for the 2017 season, including the Stand Out of the Winter award given to Tim Stevenson.

Even through competition itself didn’t run, through sponsors and fundraising, the 50-Year Storm event raised $10,000 for advocate groups Headspace and One in Five.

Event director Troy Brooks said he was honored to work on the event with his mates to pull together a concept that remembered his brother Shaun Brooks who took his own life in 2012, and raised awareness around mental health.

“We had an opening ceremony at Bells in May that my parents and grandmother attended and it was just great to see everyone sharing stories and remembering Shaun.

“We’re looking forward to next year and the years to come and hope one of these days we’re going to get a swell that will truly be remembered.”