August 1 - 31, 2025: Issue 645

 

2025 Irukandji's Australian Surfing Team Announced: Pittwater's Milla Brown to represent Australia again

August 20, 2025

Surfing Australia is proud to unveil the 2025 Irukandjis team representing Australia at the ISA World Surfing Games, to be held from September 5th - 14th, 2025 at El Sunzal, Surf City, El Salvador!

The ISA World Surfing Games is one of the sport’s most prestigious international events, marking a critical chapter in the global surfing calendar, but most importantly, it forms part of the official qualification pathway to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Irukandjis team departed from Brisbane this afternoon, Wednesday August 20, with time to surf and prepare ahead of the competition and the ISA Opening Ceremony. 

2025 Irukandjis Squad

Sally Fitzgibbons (NSW) - One of Australia’s most decorated surfers, with more than a decade on the Championship Tour, an Olympic appearance in Tokyo 2020, and a 4X ISA World Champion.

Ellie Harrison (VIC) - A rising star and 4X Australian Junior Champion, known for her explosive turns and strong performances on the WSL Challenger Series.

Milla Brown (NSW) - Current U18 Australian Champion making her debut on the senior Irukandjis team after a breakout year on the WSL Qualifying Series. Air specialist and WSL Pro Junior standout.

Morgan Cibilic (NSW) - 2021 Championship Tour Rookie of the Year, celebrated for his powerful rail game and outstanding performance under pressure. A strong performer on the WSL Challenger Series.

Callum Robson (NSW) - Past World Championship Tour surfer, renowned for his composure and clutch heats.

Dane Henry (NSW) - 2024 Junior ISA World Champion. An exciting young talent who earned his place in the squad through consistent results across the Qualifying Series and Pro Junior ranks. 

Milla Brown. Credit: Surfing Australia

About the ISA World Surfing Games 2025

The 2025 ISA World Surfing Games will be staged at La Bocana and El Sunzal, two world-class breaks on El Salvador’s coastline. The event draws the best surfers from over 50 nations, competing for individual titles and national team glory.

Since 2022, the ISA Worlds have been integrated into Olympic qualification, making them a direct pathway for surfers aiming to compete at the Games. 

Athlete Selection Reactions

Sally Fitzgibbons

"It’s a deep-rooted feeling of pride representing my country, my community, and everyone who has contributed to my journey throughout my career. What excites me most is the chance to connect with a fresh group of athletes in this team. Together, I believe we can bring an incredible amount of sting to the world stage."

"When you represent your country and the mighty Irukandjis, it becomes about more than just individual goals. It’s a collective vision of achieving ultimate team success. Each of us will be digging deep to contribute, and together we can be the rising tide that lifts the Irukandjis back to the top."

Callum Robson

"Watching the Olympic Games as a kid, it was always a dream of mine to represent Australia. With Brisbane set to host in 2032, Olympic qualification is something I think all Australians are excited about. Getting those valuable reps in at the ISA Worlds is a really important stepping stone towards achieving that goal."

"After falling off tour, I’ve focused on ramping up my skill development. I’m pushing to improve my surfing as much as possible so I can go head-to-head with the world’s best."

Ellie Harrison

"I competed at the ISA Open Worlds in 2023, so being selected again to represent Australia is really special. I’m really looking forward to spending time with the incredible team and making the most of the sick waves El Salvador has to offer."

Dane Henry

"It's pretty surreal to go from winning the ISA Junior World Title straight into the Open Irukandjis team. Last year, our junior team had one of its best runs ever, finishing with Gold, and to captain that team was incredible. I’m keen to get back into that team mindset, while stepping up my surfing at the same time."

"I’m excited to go in with no pressure and test myself against the older guys. La Bocana is such a high-performance wave, and I can’t wait to show my full repertoire and everything I’ve been working on."

Milla Brown said

"I’m so stoked! I’ve been to two junior ISA events now and learned so much from them, so I’m super excited to be heading to the ISAs for the first time as part of the senior squad. To be surrounded by such an epic crew of people I’ve looked up to for years is really special, and I just want to learn as much as I can."

"The Olympics are a major goal for my future, and this ISA event feels like the first real stepping stone towards that. I’m super keen to give it a good crack and test myself against some of the older crew." 

Surfing Australia’s National High Performance Director, Kate Wilcomes, believes the squad has the perfect blend of seasoned champions and hungry newcomers.

"The 2025 Irukandji Opens team is a force to be reckoned with. With the most winning ISA surfer, Sally Fitzgibbons, leading the charge, and rising stars like World Junior ISA champions Dane Henry and Milla Brown stepping into the spotlight, this team blends elite experience with the fierce energy of the next generation. Australia is ready to make its mark at the ISA World Championships." 

About the Irukandjis

The Irukandjis name was generously gifted to Surfing Australia by the Yirrganydji people of North Queensland. The team’s tagline — ‘Deadly in the Water’ — comes from the potent Irukandji jellyfish, reflecting both the cultural heritage and fierce competitive spirit of Australian surfers.

All elite Australian surfers, across Olympic, longboard, big wave, adaptive, SUP, junior, and masters disciplines, compete internationally under the Irukandjis banner and colours. 

Follow the Irukandjis via:  www.surfingaustralia.com/irukandjis and @theirukandjis on Instagram