A land of regional reign

THE Gold Coast is set to become synonymous with swimming in the runway to the Brisbane Games with today’s announcement that the biggest event on Swimming Australia’s domestic swimming calendar will call the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre home in 2026, 2028 and 2030.

The Australian Age and MC Age and Open Swimming Championships – which double as the starting blocks for so many Olympic and Paralympic medals – will be held at the Southport venue every second year for the next six years.

Last year, the event – which attracts more than 3500 athletes from around the country – generated more than $13 million into the local economy and with a climate that is given for excellence, the April scheduling is a perfect fit for the open-air competition pool.

Paris Paralympic gold medallist Tom Gallagher, 25, and Junior Dolphin Hayley Mackinder, 17, today welcomed the announcement that will see Generation Now and Generation Next compete side by side in their backyard.

Gallagher, who competes for Somerset College program on the Gold Coast, said: “Any meet here at Southport is like having a home crowd advantage – I love it. It’s a fantastic facility and to see where our sport is now – and where it will be by 2030, the last year of this agreement … is exciting and inspiring.”

Mackinder added: “My first Age Nationals was here in 2021 and then I moved up from Geelong with my family a few years ago to train at this pool with Griffith (University) … and I still have to pinch myself that I get to swim at such a great facility.”

Swimming Australia Executive General Manager of Commercial Jodie Hawkins said: “We’ve had a lot of success hosting this event previously on the Gold Coast and four pools at the venue and the Easter school holidays is a perfect fit for the 3500+ athletes and the swimming community.”

“The long-term commitment also provides our community the certainty to plan their calendars and the 2026, 2028 and 2030 National Championships events will provide a glimpse of the emerging talents who will compete at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, 2028 LA Olympics and Paralympics and 2032 Brisbane Games.

“This long-term commitment wouldn’t be possible without the support of Tourism and Events Queensland, the Queensland Government, Experience Gold Coast and the City of Gold Coast. They are great supporters of swimming and we look forward to continuing the collaboration.”

Minister for the Environment and Tourism and the Minister for Science and Innovation Andrew Powell said: “It’s a huge win to have these championships locked in for three more years, as we host the best swimmers in the country at the jumping off point for their Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic dreams.”

“The Gold Coast Aquatic Centre is steeped in swimming history and we anticipate these three events will generate as much as $46 million for the state economy in overnight visitor expenditure and 250,000 direct visitor nights.

“It’s also a golden opportunity to showcase our world-class facilities and reinforce Queensland’s position as the sporting capital of Australia.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate added: “We’ve hit the trifecta jackpot with Swimming Australia locking in these major championships for three years.”

“The championships bring us closer to 2032 and importantly, allow our city to showcase what we can deliver in the pool and through world-class support facilities including sports science, our universities, accommodation and technical expertise.

“I look forward to developing a strong relationship with Swimming Australia today, and on to 2032.”

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said: “We are proud to support Swimming Australia to secure the Australian Age and MC Age and Open Swimming Championships for the Gold Coast and look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and supporters for three outstanding editions of these championships.”

“This long-term commitment reinforces the Gold Coast’s reputation as a premier sporting destination, delivering significant tourism benefits while providing a world-class stage for Australia’s emerging swimming talent.”