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Outstanding success with competition surfing returning with Phillip Island Pro 2022 to Bass Coast

Bass Coast Shire Council is proud to support events right across the Shire and as part of this, has a longstanding commitment to hosting surfing events in the region.

By news@gippsland - 14th February 2022 - Back to News

The Phillip Island Pro was held over the weekend (10 to 13 February) at Cape Woolamai, home to some of the best beach break waves in Australia. This year's event saw 88 Qualifying Series surfers, 33 Open competitors and eight Indigenous Invitational competitors take part, including local competitors Carl Wright, Harry de Roth, Sage Goldsbury, Sophie Fletcher and Poppy Corbett.

Jacob Willcox (Margaret River, WA) and Sunshine Coast surfer Sophie McCulloch have been crowned champions at the Phillip Island Pro, held at Cape Woolamai last weekend

Event champions

Congratulations to Jacob Willcox, from Margaret River and Sunshine Coast surfer Sophie McCulloch, who were crowned champions at the event. Congratulations also go to Phillip Island surfer Sophie Fletcher, who was crowned Victorian Open State Champion after the final round of the three-event series was held as part of the Phillip Island Pro.

The Phillip Island Pro has been held annually on Phillip Island in November since 2017 and is an important event for Bass Coast, due to its cultural significance and the destination brand awareness.

Supporting recreational events

Council has been a major sponsor and presenting partner of the event since its inception, and in November 2021, Council entered into a partnership agreement with Surfing Victoria to secure the Phillip Island Pro for another three years, until at least 2024.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said that council is proud of its longstanding partnership with events like the Phillip Island Pro. "We are delighted to be the major sponsor and presenting partner of an iconic event for our region. After cancelling in 2020 and postponing the 2021 event to February, we're glad to see this event back on our shores." Cr Whelan said.

Phillip Island surfer Sophie Fletcher was crowned Victorian Open State Champion after the final round of the three-event series was held as part of the Phillip Island Pro

Boost for economy

The estimated economic benefit of the 2019 Phillip Island was $217,300 over the four days of the event, providing significant economic benefit to the region. This year, around 2,000 spectators attended over the four-day event.

"It's great to see events making a comeback post COVID - they play such an important role in Bass Coast, both culturally and economically. For this year's event, Newhaven and Cape Woolamai businesses were able to offer competitors and event staff gift vouchers to use at local businesses, as part of the Phillip Island Pro QS1000 event voucher program, which was funded by the State Government. Cr Whelan said.

"These vouchers, which are valid until 26 February will help to boost the economic impact of the event and raise awareness of how our local businesses can capitalise on our significant events calendar," Cr Whelan concluded. The Phillip Island Pro will return to Cape Woolamai in November.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
  Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community input on priorities and spending ahead of 2027/28 Budget Development and financial planning process
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback to help shape its 2027/28 Budget, with residents encouraged to share priorities, ideas and concerns through Have Your Say by November 1.
• Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
  Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth.
• Latrobe City Council endorses updated community amenity local law following extensive community consultation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed an updated Community Amenity Local Law, strengthening rules around property upkeep, waste, animals, burning, vehicles, public spaces and permits.
• Latrobe City Councillors recognised for years of dedicated service and commitment to local communities and regional leadership
  Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson received the Mayor Emeritus Award, while councillors Dale Harriman and Darren Howe marked 15 and 10 years of service. Council also secured adoption of five regional policy motions.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
  East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants.
• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• Latrobe City Council invites community feedback on Moe Town Centre future through draft plan exhibition and consultation sessions
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on Moe’s draft town centre plan, guiding future development, transport, public spaces and economic growth. Submissions close 24 November 2026, with community information sessions scheduled.
• Willow Grove recreation reserve secures $360,000 lighting upgrade to improve safety and support local sport
  Willow Grove Recreation Reserve will receive a $360,000 lighting upgrade by 2028, improving safety, supporting local sporting clubs, expanding female football opportunities and assisting emergency services during critical events.
• Latrobe City Council seeks experienced artists to create vibrant community-inspired mural at Churchill Monash way underpass
  Latrobe City Council invites experienced mural artists to transform Churchill’s Monash Way underpass with community-inspired artwork. Expressions of Interest close 6 November 2026, with completion planned for early 2027.
• East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
  East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently.
• The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
  The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis.
• Gippsland Water increases basin cover cleaning to annual schedule to protect drinking water quality across service area
  Gippsland Water is increasing drinking water basin cover cleaning from every 18–24 months to annually, helping prevent damage, reduce contamination risks and protect water quality.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.
• Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
  Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.