The Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program is the key initiative of Surfing Victoria’s Indigenous Strategic Pillar and is one of the longest running Indigenous engagement programs in the country.
Now in its 23rd year, the program uses Surfing as a way to connect Indigenous Victorians with the ocean whilst learning new skills, water safety knowledge and healthy habits. Strong Aboriginal community leadership and engagement in culturally safe and engaging environments that are inclusive, respectful and flexible are they core values of the program to ensure its success.
The program is headed up by Surfing Victoria Indigenous Aquatics Manager, Jordie Campbell and utilises an extensive group of role models across the state to run programs. In 2020/21, the program saw over 650 Indigenous Participants.
Upcoming Schedule:
10th – 12th Sep – Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles @ Bells Beach
Contact Jordie Campbell for bookings: jordie@surfingvic.com
Meet the Mentors
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Jordie Campbell
- Surfing Victorian’s Indigenous Aquatics manager
- 11x Victorian Indigenous Champion
- Was first introduced to the program in 2006
“Its been amazing to see the programs grow and change over the time I have been involved, starting off in the program as a participants, becoming and mentor and now managing the program has been amazing. I have been able to not only create life long friendships but also grow and learn more about my culture through the people I have met along the journey.”
Corrina Eccles
- Wadawurrung Traditional Owner
- Surfing Victoria Board Member
- Was first involved in the program 15 plus years ago
Cormach Evans
- Founder and CEO of Strong Brother Strong Sister
- Started as a participant of the Indigenous Surfing Program in the early 2000’s
“The Indigenous Surfing Program has done so much for me during my time involved, from waiting for the bus to go to programs as a child to Surfing Victoria supporting me in an scholarship at Strapped Surf and now being able to work together with Strong Brother Strong Sister teaching young ones about the ocean.”
Deegan Searle
- Program Mentor
- Started as a participant in 2014
“The opportunity and support Surfing Victoria has shown me has really helped me grow as a person, I never through it would be possible for me to be a surf coach a judge and be involved in so many different programs and events. Having the chance to now support and help participants grown as I was really means a lot to me.”
Anthony Hume
- Program Catalyst in 1998
- Former Indigenous Aquatics Officer
“With out the program I wouldn’t be who I cam today, from getting a scholarship as a teenager to do my Level 1 Surf coach, working for Surfing Victoria for many years and continuing to work for them as a mentor. It allows me to combine both my love for surfing and my love for my culture while passing on knowledge to the next generation.”
Over the past 2 years, the program has expanded from coastal location to inland, with the inclusion of a Stand-Up Paddleboard program which has been able to reach new communities in regional inland locations.
Programs are run across the state between October to May with locations covering the regions of the Surf Coast, Western Victoria, Ballarat, Bendigo, Metro Melbourne, Bass Coast, Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota.
For more information or to discuss the program further please contact Jordie Campbell on (03) 5261 2907 or jordie@surfingvic.com.
The Victorian Indigenous Surfing Program is proudly supported by VicHealth, the Victorian Government, Play it Safe by the Water, Vitality Brands, Kieser Australia and Hutchinson Builders – Statim Yaga
