Unwavering support: Rip Curl Pro benefits local club

A major international event has invaluable benefits for a local sports club.

The Jan Juc Cricket Club Sharks have taken on the car park management role for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach since 2008. More than 60 club members lend a helping hand, raising vital funds for the Sharks.

“We set-up the parking areas and install barriers with support from the team at disability services organisation genU,” Jan Juc Cricket Club life member Phillip Smith said.

“We then direct incoming traffic into the appropriate parking areas and manage vehicle and pedestrian movement to and from the parking area.”

The role has enabled the club to raise more than $10,000 in recent years.

“These funds have been critical in the expansion of our junior cricket program and the recent establishment of our women’s and girls’ cricket. We were also able to reduce our membership fees during the COVID-19 period, which ensured people were still able to participate.”

Phillip was full of praise for the Rip Curl Pro, describing it as “iconic”.

“The event attracts thousands of people from all around Australia and many international visitors, and is great for local businesses,” he said.

“The Bells contest is of particular interest to the club as we have had a number of players surfing in recent Rip Curl Pro events, including Xavier Huxtable who reached the final 16 last year.”

2024 Rip Curl Pro
The 61st running of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will be held 26 March to 5 April. It is the most significant event on Council’s events calendar, delivering an estimated $8 million economic benefit for our region. The event helps cement Torquay’s status as Australia’s surfing capital, and Bells Beach as the spiritual home of surfing in Australia. It usually attracts 35,000 to 40,000 attendees each year. The Council-run 2024 Rising Star Awards are held in the lead-up, to recognise the top local young surfers.

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