Breakthroughs meet wave breaks

Professor Julie Jomeen, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Southern Cross University, said the partnership reflects a natural connection between the University’s coastal identity, its strategic purpose, and the opportunities it creates for students, researchers, and industry. 

"It embeds Southern Cross University into Surfing Australia’s national ecosystem through education pathways, student placements, research collaboration and community impact within the surf and sport sectors," Professor Jomeen said. 

The new partnership is set to open valuable learning opportunities for students across multiple disciplines. 

Surfing Australia will host students for immersive short‑term placements and internships across key departments, including high performance and commercial operations, and marketing and events, students also gain exposure to Surfing Australia events throughout the year. These include boardrider club competitions, women’s and girls’ surfing festivals, high school and junior pathways, and the Australian Surfing Awards.  

The first supported event will be the Australian Interschools Surfing Championships at the Southern Cross University, Gold Coast campus from 13 to 15 May 2026. 

Luke Madden, Chief of Sport and Partnerships at Surfing Australia, said the partnership strengthens connections between education and the athlete pathways. 

“Surfing Australia is proud to partner with Southern Cross University, an institution embedded in one of the country’s most iconic surf regions.    

“With a strong track record of alumni progressing through Surfing Australia events and pathways, and some having been part of our High Performance Program, Southern Cross University understands the demands and opportunities of the sport,” said Luke.  

“Together, we’re creating a genuine pathway that supports surfers in and out of the water, from grassroots through to elite competition and into life beyond surfing.”