Support grows in political circles for surfing museum at Cronulla

Sutherland Shire has a rich surfing history, starting in 1915 with the first recorded board riding demonstration in the area by Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku at North Cronulla.

Since then, the shire has produced several world and national surfing champions.

The idea of establishing a surfing museum at Cronulla was first mooted about 20 years ago, but the political will, together with the leadership of the organisation now named Surfing Sutherland Shire, have never been as strong as they are today.

Sutherland Shire A Ward councillors Michael Forshaw (Labor) and Carol Provan are both strongly committed to making the museum a reality and the response from federal and state MPs has been encouraging.

Surfing Sutherland Shire president Andy Britton said, "Before COVID, we had an opening with [Prime Minister and Cook MP] Scott Morrison's office, which Carol Provan set up.

"We sent a proposal and we were were getting a positive response," he said.

"We have also received a lot of support from Mark Speakman's office.

"We are very clear that we don't see it a static display as you have with a traditional museum," he said.

"We see it as a modern, interactive space where people can learn and while they are there also enjoy a coffee, or have a yoga class...

"It could be somewhere where school students could learn about the ocean and beach ecology.

"The model could be similar to Hazelhurst, with ownership by a government body.

"It would provide the local surfing community with a home and also bring tourism to the shire."

Cr Forshaw said, "A surfing museum is not a dream. I think it can be a reality and we are talking to Surfing NSW about it and it is in the council's forward strategy.

"I see Hazelhurst as an example. At the time, some people on the council didn't like that idea and said it would cost too much to run, but now it is probably one of the preeminent regional galleries in the country."

The Southern Swell surfing exhibition, held at Hazelhurst from November 2019 to February 2020 was the most successful ever held at the gallery.

This exhibition included contemporary and historic photographs, surfboards, films, memorabilia and artworks from 15 southern Sydney artists, photographers, filmmakers that highlighted key surfers, influential characters, iconic surf breaks, competitions and clubs over the past decades.

Lifetime Cronulla surfer and Leader chief photographer John Veage co-curated the exhibition with Carrie Kibbler from Hazelhurst Arts Centre.