Saturday night, 6th December, 2025
Surfing Australia today hosted the 2025 Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (QLD)
Graham “Sid” Cassidy’s induction into the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame headlined a spectacular celebration of Australian surfing talent at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, QLD.
An influential journalist, promoter, and event director, Graham “Sid” Cassidy was instrumental in shaping professional surfing throughout the 1970s and 1980s — not just in Australia, but across the global sport.
As a lifelong surfer, Graham first used his platform to elevate the sport and attract major corporate sponsorships, including the long-running 'Coca-Cola Surfabout'. Graham was there when the APSA (Australian Professional Surfing Association) was formed, pre-dating the IPS (International Professional Surfers) organisation. An expert in PR and marketing, Graham was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to putting surfers at the heart of everything he did.
When the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP, now the World Surf League: WSL) World Tour idea was conceived, Sid was on board from day one and pivotal in bringing other key events into the ASP fold. Cassidy went on to serve as Executive Director of the ASP from 1987 to 1994, where he helped establish the tiered competition structure that underpins the modern World Tour. In the early 1990s, Sid was instrumental in linking the ASP and the 'Bud Surf Tour', creating what is globally recognised as the World Qualifying Series.
The night also celebrated Australia’s elite surfing achievements, with Olympians and World Tour surfers Dane Henry and Molly Picklum named Male and Female Surfer of the Year, respectively. Locana Cullen received the Mick Fanning Rising Star Award presented by Boost Mobile, while Leihani Kaloha Zoric was honoured with the Stephanie Gilmore Rising Star Award presented by the AIS. Annie Goldsmith and Joel Taylor were recognised as the Female and Male Para Surfers of the Year, respectively.
After an incredible year and claiming her maiden world title, Molly Picklum was deservedly crowned the Female Surfer of the Year, presented by NRMA Insurance:
“To come off the back of that season and the world title victory, then go straight home to North Shelly Boardriders Club on the Central Coast was amazing. The warm welcome I received really made it feel real, just like moments like this, standing here in front of everyone.'' Molly said
This year, Hawaii was a big focus for us, especially performing well at Pipeline. We really worked on heavy-water surfing, and the results paid off. For the rest of the year, we travelled so far from home. You know, we talk a lot about culture and community, and I just didn’t want to let this Aussie down on the other side of the world. When I had a few runner-up finishes, I had to stay true to myself, and when I finally cracked the win in Brazil, it tasted even sweeter.
In Fiji, for the WSL Final Five, after the first heart-breaking loss, I felt that dream to win burn even stronger. That loss didn’t put it out. I knew I hadn’t surfed how I wanted in that first heat, so I went back out, stuck to my game plan, and surfed my own way.
I haven’t really thought about next year yet, I’m just trying to enjoy the off-season and soak it all in. But I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of my surfing yet, and I’m so excited for the future. I want to thank Surfing Australia and everyone here for their support. I feel so welcome and supported by all of you—thank you so much for having me.”
Back-to-back ISA Gold Medallist Dane Henry etched his name into an elite list with his victory in this year’s Open Men’s division. Henry was awarded Male Surfer of the Year, presented by Dometic:
“I couldn’t be more honoured. It’s been a massive year, full of ups and downs. I’d like to dedicate this to my mum and dad, I owe everything to them. Their dedication to me is so special. My mum is also my manager and the greatest woman on this earth; she’s my biggest inspiration.'' Dane said
I also want to make a special mention of my coach, Adam Dufner. I’ve been training with him since I was 10 years old, and to see him win Coach of the Year is incredibly special. Thank you to everyone for their support, and thank you, Surfing Australia. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Shaping the boards of 2025 World Champion Molly Picklum, Darren Handley won the Shaper of the Year Award, presented by Thermos:
“It’s fantastic to be here in this room, and it’s amazing to see what Surfing Australia has done for surfing over the years. I absolutely love what I do, working with the world’s best surfers to push the boundaries of surfboard design. Mick Fanning, Molly Picklum, Ethan Ewing, Joel and Hughie Vaughan, and many others, I feel so proud to work with these surfers and to receive this award. These athletes are helping create better surfboards for everyone by constantly pushing the limits.”
Tom Myers, who took the world by storm in 2025, has won the Heavy Water Award, presented by Better Beer.
“It’s been a year beyond my wildest dreams. A year being a dad, a year going surfing, a year surfing big waves simply because I love it. I can’t believe everything that’s happened; I’m so stoked to be here. It’s strange that it’s all happening at home. I’m a Freshwater local, and we try to claim the Queenscliff bombie as our own. I’ve pretty much stayed in the postcode all year.”
Current President of Freshwater Boardriders, Tom took out the Men's Ride of the Year in 2024/25 Big Wave Challenge earlier this year. As an added bonus to top off that wave and this year, the Surfing Australia Surf Clip of the Year presented by Celsius Energy Drinks went to Simon 'Sky Monkey5' for his clip of Tom.
Simon and Tom - a great way to close a great year. Photo: Surfing Australia / Ethan Smith
In the Participation and Community categories, the Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award was won by Long Reef Boardriders Club.
The Simon Anderson Club Award recognises the Australian boardrider club that excels not only in outstanding surfing performances but also for making significant community contributions, blending competitive success with positive local impact. A strong emphasis is placed on a club's positive involvement and support for its local area, beyond just surfing.
Long Reef Boardriders have been busy in recent months. Current President Natasha Gee led the organisation of a massive paddle-out at Long Reef Beach to honour Mercury Psillakis in late September 2025, with over 1,000 surfers coming together from throughout the community to follow Merc's twin brother Mike into the water.
Over the past few weeks they've been championing for surfers get a fair listen regarding Shark Mitigation, Sand Dunes and Community use of Surf Clubs. On Friday, before heading north, members and Surfing SW's Luke spoke to NSW Minister for Agriculture The Hon Tara Moriarty (protector of NSW's State Fish, the Eastern Blue Groper) and came away with the impression that the government is listening and things look positive so that no other family can go through what Mercury's family are going through and that ''Merc's legacy to bring safety to the water will live on.''
See last week's report: Jacqui Scruby - Council - Long Reef Boardriders - Maria Psillakis Call for Expanded Drone Surveillance to Improve Safety at Beaches
And Sunday December 7 announcement: Minns Government announces $2.5 million boost to summer beach safety with immediate extra shark surveillance drones
LRSA said: ''It’s been a tough year for Longy, and the wider Long Reef community, however we’ve proven why both current and past members are a testament to this club’s spirit and the pride it means to be from LRSA!''
Long Reef Boardriders Association (LRSA) was established in 1973, and have been fostering surfing talent, promoting environmental stewardship, and building a strong community spirit for all of those 52 years.
Recent NSW Hall of Champions inductee Mark 'Mono' Stewart was tonight named honouree of the Greater Good Award presented by Kennards Hire. Stewart reflected on his experience captaining the Irukandji Para Team at the 2025 ISA Para Surfing Championships and expressed how humbled he is to receive such a prestigious honour:
“I was extremely proud to captain the Australian team at the ISA World Para Championships this year. We finished fourth overall, but the whole team—especially the women—truly excelled and did an incredible job.
To receive the Greater Good Award is such an honour. I’m humbled to be recognised alongside so many inspiring nominees, and proud to be part of the adaptive surf community.”
'Friction Of Perception' from Liam O'Brien and Darcy Ward was awarded Surf Film of the Year presented by Channel 9. Director Darcy Ward praised Liam and fellow nominees:
“It’s pretty special working with Liam—he’s one of the most creative people I’ve had the privilege to work with. He’s got his fingerprints all over this film.
It’s an honour to win this award among such strong competition. The first surf film I ever worked on was with Toby Cregan, so it’s amazing to be here tonight, nominated alongside him for the same award.”
Liam O'Brien was nearly lost for words, but praised his team's hard work:
“Man, the other films nominated were absolutely incredible. I can’t believe it, I’m pretty speechless. Winning this award is unreal, and I’m so stoked to get the recognition for this film, the team, and all the hard work that went into it. I’m really lucky to have such an amazing team behind me.”
Byron Bay prodigy Leihani Kaloha Zoric claimed the Stephanie Gilmore Rising Star Award, presented by the AIS:
“It feels incredible. I can’t believe I even got nominated, let alone won! The other girls are so good. I’ve had such an unbelievable year, from the 9.97 at the Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final, to getting second at Stab High Japan, and now winning this award.”
Raising the bar year on year, and consistently redefining what is possible as a junior surfer, Locana Cullen has been awarded the Mick Fanning Rising Star Award by Boost Mobile:
“I can’t believe it — it’s been a crazy year. Winning this award is probably my proudest achievement ever. I’m just so stoked. Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible.” Loci said on Saturday
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Loci with his Award. Photo: Surfing Australia / Ethan Smith
2025 Australian Surfing Awards - Winners
High-Performance
- Female Surfer of the Year presented by NRMA Insurance: Molly Picklum
- Male Surfer of the Year presented by Dometic: Dane Henry
- Stephanie Gilmore Female Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by the AIS: Leihani Kaloha Zoric
- Mick Fanning Male Rising Star Award (Under 18) presented by Boost Mobile: Locana Cullen
- Female Para Surfer of the Year presented by Surfing Australia: Annie Goldsmith
- Male Para Surfer of the Year presented by Surfing Australia: Joel Taylor
- Heavy Water Award presented by Better Beer: Tom Myers
- Shaper of the Year presented by Thermos: Darren Handley - DHD
- Coach of the Year presented by Blackroll: Adam Dufner:
- Surfing Australia Academy Award presented by Bede Durbidge: Mac Brindley
Media
- Australian Surf Photo of the Year presented by Fujifilm Photos & Tracks: Josh Tabone
- Surfing Australia Surf Clip of the Year presented by Celsius Energy Drinks: Simon 'Sky Monkey' of Tom Myers
- Surfing Australia Surf Film of the Year presented by Channel Nine: Liam O'Brien - Friction of Perception
Participation & Community
- Peter Troy Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Surfing Australia: Gail Austen
- Simon Anderson Boardrider Club Award presented by Jim Beam: Long Reef Boardriders Club
- Surf School of the Year presented by Cooee Toys: Surf Camp Down Under
- Greater Good Award presented by Kennards Hire: Mark 'Mono' Stewart
- Breakthrough Surf Brand of the Year presented by The Star: Ritual Vision
- Indigenous Surfing – Community Celebration Award presented by Surfing Australia: Undalup Association
- Sustainability Award presented by ACCIONA: Surfers For Climate
About the Australian Surfing Awards Incorporating the Hall of Fame
First convened in 1985 by the Australian Surfriders Association (now Surfing Australia) to preserve the history of Australian surfing and honour its great achievers. Each year the Australian Surfing Awards incorporating the Hall of Fame are presented to those who have made a significant contribution to the development of surfing in this country.
The Australian Surfing Awards celebrate and honour the people and organisations shaping our surf culture and industry. They recognise excellence across high performance, participation and community, media, and innovation.
The 2025 Australian Surfing Awards will be held on December 6, 2025, at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Broadbeach, QLD and are proudly supported by Jim Beam, ACCIONA, The Star Gold Coast, Thermos, Tracks Magazine, Surfers For Climate, The Australian Institute of Sport, Queensland Academy of Sport, Zuum Energy Gum, Surfing Australia High Performance Centre, Holly Grail Events.
For more information head to https://australiansurfingawards.com/