Surfing Victoria is recognised by the State Government of Victoria and the Victorian surf industry as the governing and organising body for surfing in Victoria. Surfing Victoria conducts a range of age and discipline events, as well as educational programs to coaches, instructors, recreational surfers and competitors. Our services are delivered by a key network of regional coaches, affiliated clubs and surf schools. Benefits and Insurances are provided to our members, affiliated clubs and surf schools.
PURPOSE
To enrich Victorian communities through surfing.
OUR VALUES
Real
We have a passion for surfing
Respectful
We are appreciative of and celebrate our community, environment, indigenous culture and surfing history
Progressive
We are inclusive, innovative and embrace change
STRATEGIC PILLARS
Participation and Community
Grow an inclusive, safe and active Victorian community through surfing
Governance
Maintain a stable and compliant organisation focused on the delivery of our vision and values.
Indigenous
To be a leader in Indigenous sport participation of Victorian communities while fostering a love and understanding of waterways
Events
Deliver a portfolio of innovative and inclusive events in Victoria
Women and Girls
Support a diverse and inclusive surf culture and community with equality in and out of the water.
Sport Development
Supporting Victorian athletes to become the world’s best surfers and people
OUR OPERATING PRINCIPLES
- We build and value positive and respectful relationships
- We are focused on core programs whilst staying flexible
- We are proactive and strive to be at the forefront of surfing innovation
- We connect through storytelling using digital media
- We design for inclusivity and positive community and environmental impact
- We promote care for Victoria’s coastline
- We have fun
View our full Strategic Plan here
Staff
Adam Robertson
CEO
Adam is a former professional surfer hailing from Portland in Victorias far south west. Robbo is best known for his power surfing at Bells culminating in a runner-up finish at the 2009 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach against Joel Parkinson.
Appointed the CEO at Surfing Victoria in 2015, he has coached some of the best in the world including world champions Kelly Slater and Carissa Moore whilst also guiding Surfing Victoria events and programs to commericial viability.
Elley Harrison
General Manager
Elley Harrison is an experianced and respected sports administrator who has been at Surfing Victoria since 2002. Growing up in Cape Paterson, Elley graduated from Victoria University with a Bachelor of Sports Adminstration/Business Management. Elley manages the day to day operations of Surfing Victoria with a focus on finance, administration and governance.
Liam Robertson
Marketing and Comms Manager
Liam started with Surfing Victoria in 2008 as a trainee before obtaining a Bachelor of Sports Management / Business at the University of Ballarat. Liam started full time with Surfing Victoria in 2013 as the Marketing and Comms manager.
He currently works across all aspects of the organisation including events, programs, partnerships and government.
Cahill Bell-Warren
High Performance Manager
Growing up on the hill at Bells Beach, Cahill’s surfing has been honed on the long right hand waves in the area. As a junior Cahill was not astand out, but developed into one of Victoria’s top Pro Junior surfers, finishing the WSL series as the highest rated Victorian in 2008. One of Cahill’s career highlights was winning the Rip Curl Pro Trials and surfing in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach mainevent in 2014.
Post surfing career, Cahill worked under the tutelage of Adam Robertson to become Surfing Victoria’s High Performance Coaching Director. Since starting in the role Cahill has worked with athletes such as Carissa Moore, Ethan Ewing, Jarvis Earle, Connor O’Leary, Morgan Cibilic, Ellie Harrison, Mia Huppatz, Kehu Butler and more.
Peter Murphy
Operations Manager
Pete (or Murf has he is known), started with Surfing Victoria on the Rip Curl Pro site crew in 2005, before coming on full time as our Operations Manager in 2007. Before arriving at Surfing Victoria, Murf had an extensive career in government and the surf industry.
Murf leads the Rip Curl Pro site build and operations each year whilst also working on Surfing Victoria events, risk management, Surf School compliance and Boardrider Club compliance.
Jordie Campbell
Indigenous Aquatics Manager
Jordie is a Muna Muna man, who grew up on Boonwurrung Country at Sandy Point. Before starting with Surfing Victoria in 2015, Jordie participated in the Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program whilst also completing a carpentary trade.
Since starting with Surfing Victoria as our Indigenous Aquatics Manager, Jordie has led the Indigenous Surfing Program expansion whilst also working on events and in the coaching team.
Simon Parsons
Events Manager
Simon started with Surfing Victoria in 2017 in a casual role working and judging at events across the state. In 2019, he moved into a full time role as Events Manager. Prior to being a Surfing Victoria, Simon worked across the Surf Industry.
Simon manages our calendar of state, national and international events throughout the year.
Chad Butterworth
Programs Coordinator - Surfers Rescue 24/7
Chad leads the Surfers Rescue 24/7 Program for Surfing Victoria, delivering the program across the state to Boardriders Clubs and Schools.
Chad started a Surfing Victoria in 2018 and came to Surfing Victoria from the AFL. Chad has a Bachelor in Sports Management from Federation University.
Ali Deane
Programs Coordinator - Multicultural / Women and Girls
Ali is the newest member of the Surfing Victoria team, starting in 2022. Ali joins us after working in the Surf Industry and Media organisations across Victoria.
Ali helps deliver on our Multicultural program as well as our Surf Her Way Startegy and Programs. Ali has a Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from Deakin University.
James Wilson-Browne
Administration and Membership Manager
James hails from Phillip Island and started with Surfing Victoria as a volunteer at the Rip Curl Pro in 2018. James came to Surfing Victoria with a Bachelor of Human Movement.
James manages Administration and Membership for Surfing Victoria whilst also working closely with Surf Schools, Boardriders Clubs and Coaches.
Linda Morris
Bookkeeper (Part time)
Linda Morris is the stalwart of Surfing Victoria, having been with the organisation since 2000. Linda manages the day to day finances and previously worked in law firms as a Legal Secretary. Linda resides on the Mornington Peninsula with the majority of her work conducted from her home office.
