TONIC | WELCOME
CEO’S WELCOME
HI AND WELCOME TO THE SUMMER 2014/15 ISSUE OF TONIC.
With Christmas just around the corner, hopefully you are
relaxing in the company of friends and family ready for the
holiday season ahead. Although the past few months have seen
fairly dismal surfing conditions across the State, this hasn’t
dampened the spirits of the surfing community with a host of
programs and events being activated by Surfing Queensland.
As majority of you will be aware, Stephanie Gilmore claimed
her 6th ASP Women’s World Surfing Title in another amazing
conclusion to the ASP World Title race, and as I write this
introduction, another Queensland athlete, Mick Fanning, is
fighting for his forth World Title sitting just behind young-gun
Gabrielle Medina and 11-time World Champion, Kelly Slater.
At a domestic level, the focus throughout the final stages of 2014 has
been on Australian Title events for stand up paddle, paddleboarding,
and of course the Australian Junior Surfing Titles. Congratulations to
all who represented Queensland gallantly and a full wrap up can be
found within this issue.
The Queensland Government continues to provide Surfing
Queensland with vital support to assist with the activation of various
sporting development programs. The Surfing Queensland ‘Rookie
to Shredder’ program has proved a major step in strengthening and
developing boardriding clubs’ junior surfers and no doubt more
champions in the future.
As we round out the year that was 2014, I would like to take this
opportunity to thank all or our members, boardriders clubs, surf
schools, corporate partners and of course the dedicated staff that
have made 2014 an immense success. I would also like to extend
thanks to our Board of Directors and various stakeholders who
provide invaluable support to Surfing Queensland. Lastly I would
like to thank previous CEO of Surfing Queensland, Scott Gillies
for the dedication and passion he devoted to the organisation and
wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
AN EXCITING PERIOD APPROACHES FOR SURFING WITHIN
QUEENSLAND AS WE CONCLUDE 2014 AND ENTER A
NEW YEAR UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF CEO ADAM YATES.
WHAT IS KNOWN AS A PROMINENT SWELL WINDOW AND
QUEENSLAND’S MAJOR EVENT SEASON, IT WILL AGAIN NO
DOUBT BE AN EXCITING START TO THE YEAR.
Enclosed within is one item which I have been able to spend
considerable time overseeing which was the creation of Surfing
Queensland’s 50 Year Documentary. It has been an absolute
pleasure working with each and every contributor and interviewee
and I am sure you will be able to enjoy the history that has been
captured. I have witnessed firsthand the amount of effort that
has gone into this initiative and I applaud Surfing Queensland for
bring this amazing story to fruition and for all to see.
In breaking news, I can announce that Surfing Queensland
have been able to bring back an ASP star rated event to the iconic
Burleigh Heads, scheduled for early 2015. The Burleigh Pro
will feature a 1 star men’s and 1 star Women’s World Qualifying
Event and you can expect the world’s elite will once again hit
Queensland’s shores to warm for the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro
beginning in late February.
Each of the major events mentioned provide some outstanding
opportunities for our Queensland athletes, which are outlined
within this issue. I will be watching closely as all of the action
unfolds and I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our
Queensland athletes the very best of luck.
Again it has been a pleasure being involved with Surfing
Queensland in the role of Chairman of the Board of Director’s
for 2014. I would like to acknowledge the great effort and high
degree of excellence by the staff of Surfing Queensland and I
wish all Surfing Queensland members, staff and stakeholders a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
John Charlton
Surfing Queensland Chairman
All that’s left to do is to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope
Santa delivers the perfect ground swell. Enjoy!
Adam Yates
Surfing Queensland Chief Executive Officer
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SUMMER ISSUE – 3