Sunshine Coast Major Events & Sport

🌟 Event Spotlight: The Aussies Bring Big Waves of Impact 🌟 From 13–21 April, the Sunshine Coast became the ultimate playground for The Australian Surf Life Saving Championships – better known as The Aussies! This incredible 9-day event organised by Surf Life Saving Australia spanned Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, and Coolum, welcoming 15,000+ visitors and contributing an estimated $20.7 million to our region’s economy! With live music, entertainment, and exhibitors, The Aussies weren’t just about sport – this national-scale event brought a festival atmosphere to the coast, connecting the local business community to regional and industry opportunities. Plus, the event shone a spotlight on our region, reaching over 19 million people, helping the Sunshine Coast maintain its reputation as Australia’s premier regional events destination. #SunshineCoast #MajorEvents #SunshineCoastMajorEvents #PremierRegionalEventDestination #TheAussies24 #SurfLifeSavingAustralia

👏 Congratulation to Atlas Events on raising an incredible $130,000 for the Sunshine Coast Marathon charity partner, Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland

The global growth in ocean swimming is a fascinating trend, reflecting a broader movement towards outdoor and adventure sports. This surge in popularity can be attributed to several factors: Health and Wellness: As people become more health-conscious, they are seeking activities that offer both physical and mental benefits. Ocean swimming provides a full-body workout, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces stress. Environmental Awareness: There's a growing appreciation for natural environments and a desire to engage in activities that are eco-friendly. Ocean swimming allows individuals to connect with nature and promotes environmental stewardship. Accessibility and Inclusivity: Advances in swimwear technology and safety measures have made ocean swimming more accessible to a wider audience. Events and clubs are increasingly inclusive, encouraging participation from people of all ages and abilities. Community and Social Connection: Ocean swimming often involves group activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Many swimmers join clubs or participate in events, creating social networks and support systems. The Mooloolaba Mile is the Sunshine Coast's premier ocean swimming event. With registrations for 2025 open, now is your chance to experience this growing trend. #OceanSwimming #Mooloolaba John Guise https://lnkd.in/ggfMdURa

📣Celebrating Major Events delivering major results📣 The recently released Sunshine Coast Events Board 2023-24 annual report marked a record-breaking year of events for the region. The Major Events Sponsorship Program achieved an estimated $112.6 million in economic impact – the highest to date! 🎟 72 major events hosted and supported by Council 📈 $112.6 million in economic impact 👪 178,000+ event visitors welcomed to the Sunshine Coast 👩💻 Supported 1,250 full-time equivalent jobs 🚚 Gained 52 new local suppliers on industry directory EventsConnect Thank you to our Board including Chairman John Williams, Stacey Buckley, Kim McCosker, Ultan O Dwyer GAICD, Scott Hoskins, David Ryan AO B.Bus FCPA FAICD, Terry Landsberg and Jason OPray #SunshineCoast #MajorEvents #SunshineCoastEventsBoard #SunshineCoastMajorEvents #PremierRegionalEventDestination #ReturnOnInvestment

🌟 Exciting News for Food Lovers! 🌟 We are thrilled to share that the acclaimed Sunshine Coast chef, Peter Kuruvita, has been appointed as the Culinary Director for The Curated Plate food and drink festival 2025! 🎉 Join us from July 25 to August 3, 2025, as we celebrate the best of the Sunshine Coast's local produce, restaurants, chefs, and craft brewers and distillers. With Peter's extensive experience and passion for culinary excellence, this year's festival promises to be an unforgettable experience set against the stunning backdrop of our beautiful region. 🌊🍴 Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to indulge in a feast of flavours and creativity! 🍽️✨ https://lnkd.in/gFAZUTjQ #TheCuratedPlate #FoodFestival #SunshineCoast #PeterKuruvita #CulinaryExcellence #LocalProduce #FoodieEvent

The AFL Pacific Cup is coming to the Sunshine Coast, and it’s a testament to the incredible growth and passion for Australian Rules Football in the Pacific region. This event highlights the dedication of players, coaches, and communities who have embraced the sport and are driving its expansion beyond traditional strongholds. The Pacific nations have shown remarkable talent and enthusiasm, contributing to a vibrant and competitive AFL landscape. The upcoming tournament is not just a showcase of athletic prowess but also a celebration of cultural exchange and unity through sport.

The Curated Plate is a delicious celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s local produce, producers and chefs, and unique natural assets from the sea to the hinterland. The program is developed through collaboration between local producers, suppliers and businesses who come together to tell their stories not only through food but experiences. We’re excited to announce The Curated Plate is back for another year of delicious food, local brews and unforgettable experiences from 25th July - 3rd August 2025. Can you add some spice to this culinary spectacular? Expressions of interest are now open to participate. A few things worth knowing 1. The Curated Plate is FREE for businesses to participate 2. As the event owner you will retain all ticketing and other event related revenue 3. Collaboration opportunities with other businesses in the region including local producers, restaurants, cafes and tourism operators are welcomed. Sunshine Coast Council will promote the Festival through a broad marketing campaign, as well as PR and communication activities. 4. Your event listing will be included on The Curated Plate website, in The Curated Plate e-newsletters and social media channels, as well as being listed on Council’s What’s On calendar 5. You will be supplied with a digital TCP Toolkit, including a suite of marketing assets so you can create and promote your event with TCP branding and messaging. 6. Receive regular EDM communications with updates and information on the program, and support from our Festival media and marketing team. 7. You will have the opportunity to partner with Cerge – an accessibility app to help your business become more accessible. To put in an expression of interest, head to Industry Partner Expression of Interest Form | The Curated Plate https://lnkd.in/gvMRz_Sk

The Curated Plate 2023 : A Triumph for the Sunshine Coast The Curated Plate (2023) has been honoured with the prestigious Best Small Regional Event award at the 2024 Australian Event Awards. This accolade is a testament to the event’s significant impact on the Sunshine Coast and its pivotal role in the food and agri-tourism industry. The Curated Plate has been a game-changer for the Sunshine Coast since its inception in 2019, driving significant awareness of the Sunshine Coast as a food and drink destination. The event has already attracted thousands of visitors from across Australia and beyond, leading to a significant boost in local tourism. More than just a food festival, The Curated Plate is a celebration of the Sunshine Coast’s rich agricultural heritage and a platform for innovation in the food industry. The event brings together producers, chefs, and food enthusiasts to explore new culinary trends and this collaboration fosters a deeper connection between producers and consumers, promoting a greater appreciation for locally sourced, high-quality produce. The Curated Plate also serves as a vibrant cultural event that brings the local community together. It features a diverse range of activities, including cooking demonstrations, farm tours, and immersive experiences, all designed to engage and educate attendees. The event celebrates the Sunshine Coast’s unique culinary identity and fosters a sense of local pride among residents. Sustainability is also at the heart of The Curated Plate. The event promotes environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing food waste, using biodegradable materials, and supporting sustainable farming methods. These initiatives not only minimise the event’s environmental footprint but also inspire attendees to adopt more sustainable practices in their daily lives. The future of The Curated Plate is incredibly bright, with the event set to continue to evolve and contribute to the growth of our region. The Curated Plate will return in 2025 from July 25 – August 3 and expressions of interest for the 2025 event will open shortly – subscribe to receive all the latest updates https://lnkd.in/dekHdp_v Tourism and Events Queensland Sunshine Coast Council Visit Sunshine Coast Food Agribusiness Network (FAN) Shane Purss Natalie Polizzi, Nicole McNaughton, Anna Carrick, Zoe Sparks

The 2024 EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival has provided a major economic uplift to the Sunshine Coast region, injecting nearly $9 million into the local economy!