“The Navy Australian Open is a prestigious event for the South Coast and is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors to the region, generating an estimated $2 million in visitor spend,” Mr Ward said.
“This event is the pinnacle of the Navy Australian Surf Rowers League Series and teams from around 100 surf lifesaving clubs are set to compete over three days of competition.
“In addition to delivering an economic benefit for the local community, hosting the Navy Australian Open is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Shellharbour and the South Coast to visitors from across Australia,” he said.
“NSW is also the birthplace of the Australian Surf Rowers League with the formerly-named International League of Australian Surfboat Rowers established here in the early 1990s.
“Our State is a fitting location to host this event and I encourage everyone to get along this weekend,” Mr Ward said.
The NSW Government is proud to support this event through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
The Navy Australian Open will be held at Shellharbour from Friday 20th February to Sunday 22nd February.
For more information, please visit: www.visitnsw.com/events/navy-australian-open-surf-boat-championship
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