Local indigenous businesses; Asquith Workforce, Koiop Connect, Peibri Place and Speaking in Colour have combined to support Surfest’s 2023 Indigenous Classic.

Surfest Organiser, Warren Smith says a call to Speaking in Colour’s Director, Cherie Johnson and 2023 Women’s Pro sponsor was all it took to put wheels in motion to secure sponsorship for the 2023 Indigenous Classic.

“It was just three weeks out from surfers hitting the water and we were still on the hunt for sponsorship for the event,” Warren said.

“A quick phone call to Cherie at Speaking in Colour proved very fruitful, and within days we had local businesses lined up ready to support the event.”

Speaking in Colour’s Director, Cherie Johnson said getting local Indigenous businesses to support Indigenous surfers was a no-brainer, and they jumped at the chance of being involved in Surfest.

“We were really fortunate to be the naming rights sponsor for the 2023 Speaking in Colour Women’s Pro,” Cherie said.

“We wanted to make sure that the Indigenous Classic was able to secure the same kind of support.”

Long time Surfest supporter and Asquith Workforce Director, Jillian Asquith said Asquith Workforce has been a major supporter of Surfest Women’s Pro Crowdfunding since it began.

“This year we will have the privilege of supporting the Surfest Indigenous Classic,” Jillian said.

“This is such a great event for our community and emerging Indigenous sports men and women.”

Koiop Connect and Peibri Place have also signed as a sponsor.

Director of Koiop Connect, Jacob Chatfield said that supporting their community is what they do.

“Supporting Surfest and our Indigenous surfers is no different and we a really proud to be able to make this happen with other local Indigenous businesses.”

Plans are afoot for a silent auction to help support the 2024 Indigenous Classic, which will be announced shortly via social media channels.

IMAGE | Warren Smith, Cherie Johnson, Jilian Asquith, and Jake Chatfield.