Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP has announced a grant boost of $37,500 for a new women’s surf event to take place on the Surf Coast.

Ms Coker said the latest round of Play Well participation grants would launch the new event on the region’s sporting calendar and help support sport participation.

“I am thrilled to announce this funding that will help elevate women’s surfing to new heights,” Ms Coker said.

“This festival is more than just a sporting event – it is a celebration of women’s achievement and a platform for inspiring the next generation of female surfers.

“The Albanese Government’s commitment to this initiative underscores our dedication to providing equal opportunities for women in sports. The festival will be a landmark event that showcases the strength skill and spirit of women athletes.”

Ms Coker said the Great Ocean Road Women’s Surf Festival was an all-inclusive surfing festival celebrating everything about women's surfing.

She said the festival would provide opportunities for surfers from all backgrounds and experiences to come together and celebrate their love for surfing and the ocean.

Opportunities for participation included learn-to-surf lessons, sunrise yoga, team event and longboard individual surfing event, live podcast recordings, movie night and guest speakers.

The festival would also involve local board-rider clubs to encourage ongoing participation in the sport post-festival.

The latest federal government grant rounds will see 69 projects greenlit.

Sports including surfing, golf, badminton, table tennis, AFL, rugby league, softball and orienteering will receive funding through the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) Play Well grant program.

The announcement will build on the 500,000 participants that have already benefited from the program.

Last weeks’ Federal Budget reaffirmed the Australian Government’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of Australians with a funding boost of $494.2m to sport, helping more than 2 million Australians continue to have access to free sports programs each year.