19 March 2006

The dedication of Maroubra Beach as a National Surfing Reserve was a very special event and the culmination of a great deal of time and effort from all those involved.

As patron of Surfing NSW I was pleased to host the inaugural Reference Group meeting in my office. After seeking nominations and considering the criteria it was unanimously decided that Maroubra, with its long historical and cultural links to the surfing community, should be nominated as the first National Surfing Reserve in NSW.

I am really pleased and proud that Maroubra has now been awarded this honour. The support of Randwick City Council, Surfing NSW and other members of the original Reference Group, as well as the local surfing community, has been instrumental in achieving this worthy status. At the dedication ceremony, the Maroubra Beach Surfing Walk of Fame was also launched recognising some of Australia’s surf legends including C.J. ‘Snowy’ McAlister, Bernard ‘Midget’ Farrelly, Robert ‘Nat’ Young and local waterman Barry Rodgers.

As one of the foundation surf cultures in the country, it is truly fitting that Maroubra Beach – its history, beauty and living tradition of connection with surfing – is now recognised.