As a local bank, we love to support community organisations that make a significant contribution to our region.
In 2022 we are pleased to be getting on board the Surfest Women’s Pro crowdfunding program which aims to increase equality in women’s sport.
Surfest 2022 marks 36 years of the iconic Newcastle sporting event and the sixth year that the region’s business community has joined together to crowd fund a world class professional surfing contest for women.
The crowdfunding initiative means the prize money for the women surfers is the same amount as the prizemoney offered to the men.
Congratulations to AAP Consulting who was announced as the event’s naming rights winner.
In 2019 the World Surf League (WSL) introduced a rule to award equal prize money to male and female athletes for every WSL-controlled event. The crowdfunding initiative helps realise this equality.
Surfest Coordinator Warren Smith said the event was a highlight on the international Surfing calendar and it was wonderful to see The Mutual Bank be involved.
“This event gives fans a chance to see professional surfers and rising stars in action on Newcastle beaches,” he said.
“Importantly, with supporters like The Mutual Bank being involved in the crowdfunding sponsorship, the women, rightly, receive equal prizemoney as the men.”
While COVID-19 saw the cancellation of this year’s Surfest, excitingly next year’s event will be the final leg of the WSL’s Australasian qualifying series.
Surfest 2022 will be held in Newcastle from March 28 to April 3, 2022 and broadcast live on Surfest.com to a large local and international audience.
Image: 2020 Surfest Women's Pro Winners Macy Callaghan and Bronte Macaulay photographed by Paul Danovaro.
