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Southern Cross University will host the 2026 World Surfing Conservation Conference on the Gold Coast campus, it was announced today.
Organised by the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve (GCWSR) Inc., the WSCC 2026 will be held from 23-26 February 2026 to coincide with a major surfing event at nearby Snapper Rocks, bringing together international experts on the surfing industry, tourism and ocean conservation. Speaking at the launch event for WSCC today, Southern Cross University Professor Kirsten Benkendorff highlighted the importance of this partnership and its relevance to Southern Cross University’s research impact clusters.
“It’s really exciting that Southern Cross University is supporting the WSCC conference. Not only are our three main campuses located within easy access to beautiful beaches with popular surf breaks, but many of our academics and students share a common interest in working to protect our coastal and marine environments.
“Researchers within the University’s Catchments, Coasts and Communities research impact cluster are currently working alongside citizen scientists to understand and manage the impacts of land-based activities on water quality, which is critical for a healthy marine environment, while researchers in the Reefs and Oceans cluster are investigating innovative solutions to protect and restore our reefs in the face of climate change,” said Professor Benkendorff.
“Researchers within the University’s Catchments, Coasts and Communities research impact cluster are currently working alongside citizen scientists to understand and manage the impacts of land-based activities on water quality, which is critical for a healthy marine environment, while researchers in the Reefs and Oceans cluster are investigating innovative solutions to protect and restore our reefs in the face of climate change”
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Southern Cross alumnus, Andrew McKinnon (aka AndyMac), President of GCWSR Inc., chair organiser of WSCC 2026 and former World Longboard Champion (1988) said: “We are super excited to be hosting this major international surfing conservation event with up to five hundred delegates including the best and brightest surf conservationists and coastal planners.
“There are so many impacts on our surfing environment that will be addressed by seeking sustainable solutions and better environmental outcomes. It is such a critical time for all the leading groups to come together and present and exchange workable ideas for the future of our surfing resources.”
Global and national surfing and conservation groups will present their research at the Conference.
“It’s an exciting prospect to host a group of like-minded professionals from around the world here on the Gold Coast. With the common interest of working to safeguard our coastal environments at heart, surfers, beachgoers, visitors, and residents can unite to better understand practices to maintain beautiful coastal areas like we have here in Queensland, for now and into the future,” said Surfing Queensland CEO Mark Flanagan.
The WSCC 2026 is the second event organised by GCWSR Inc. at Southern Cross University. The Gold Coast campus hosted sixth biennial Global Wave Conference in 2020.
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Along with Southern Cross University, the Conference is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Business Events Program, Experience Gold Coast, the City of Gold Coast Division 14 & 13, EMRO and Brazilian Style Imports.
“As the Chair of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve Stewardship Committee and on behalf of the City of Gold Coast, I applaud the conference initiatives of bringing the best and brightest ocean conservationists and coastal planners to present sustainable ideas and workable solutions for our magnificent beaches and protecting our surfing ecosystems,” said Gail O’Neil, Councillor for Division 14, City of Gold Coast.
Interested participants, students, speakers and sponsors are invited to visit wscc2026.com.au for enrolments, registrations, and all other enquiries.