COOLANGATTA, Queensland, AUS (Thursday, May 29, 2025) - The Mutual Bank will join forces with the World Surf League ahead of Stop No. 1 of this season's Challenger Series, becoming the Official Bank of the Burton Automotive Newcastle SURFEST presented by Bonsoy.
"We are thrilled to be partnering with The Mutual Bank for this year's Challenger Series event in Newcastle," said WSL APAC President Andrew Stark. "They are a locally based business with a great history of getting behind great causes in the Hunter Region, from grass-roots to international events like the Burton Automotive Newcastle SURFEST. We look forward to working with them at this year's event."
In addition to event support at the Challenger Series level, Mutual Bank was also the major sponsor of the Mutual Bank High-School Teams Challenge, which saw the best surfers from schools in the region battle it out for ultimate bragging rights as the best school team in the Hunter.
"The opportunities and benefits Surfest brings to our region are truly unmatched. We're thrilled to partner with Warren, the Newcastle Surfest team, and the WSL to bring this world-class event to our community," said The Mutual Bank Chief Member Officer Matthew Dunnill. "Supporting the next generation of surfers through The Mutual Bank High School Teams Challenge for another year is aligned with our commitment to help regional communities thrive. We were incredibly impressed by the talent on display this year and the ongoing pathways Surfest provides for young people to develop and achieve."
The Mutual Bank will have a strong presence on the ground in Merewether with on-site activations and plenty of branding both in person and on the international live broadcast.