World championships coming to Mulwala

These major events will shine an international spotlight on Yarrawonga Mulwala and deliver a significant economic boost to the local community.

The club is no stranger to hosting top-tier competitions.

Over the years, it has hosted numerous national titles along with the Junior World Championships, World Disabled Championships, World Barefoot Championships, and most recently, the highly successful Show Ski World Championships earlier this year.

The upcoming championships will feature the world’s best skiers representing countries from Europe, North America and Australasia.

Mulwala Water Ski Club president Matt Holgate said the club was founded with a mission to support water skiing and nurture junior talent into world-class athletes.

“World championship events are the pinnacle of any sport, and within five years we will have hosted all disciplines,” Mr Holgate said.

“These events attract international competitors and global exposure, putting Mulwala on the world stage.”

He credited the club’s board for its unwavering commitment to the sport.

“Our board members have a deep connection to water skiing, either as active competitors or through their families.

“Our focus and achievements over the past five years are unmatched in the club’s history.

“The vision of our founding board, management, and members to become the home of water skiing in Australia is now a reality.”

In 2019–20, the club invested more than $800,000 to develop the Max Kirwan Ski Park into a “turnkey” world-class competition venue.

The upgraded facility now provides members with elite-standard lakes for training and competition, earning its status as the best water ski facility in Australia.

Further cementing its commitment to the sport, the club signed a three-year primary partnership agreement in 2023 with Waterski and Wakeboard Australia (WAWA).

This agreement acknowledged the need for a world-class, accessible, competition-ready venue, complete with accommodation, event spaces, and athlete facilities.

The club also continues to host its popular summer Ski Shows in the lagoon, drawing tens of thousands of spectators each year.

Beyond events, the club is committed to developing young local talent, providing access to boats, equipment, and coaching through a full-time ski professional.

In January 2024, Matt O’Dwyer was appointed manager of the Max Kirwan Ski Park, with a focus on increasing revenue, securing sponsorship, and raising the facility’s national and international profile.

This investment supports not only events and promotion but also junior development and the ongoing maintenance of the park.

Mr Holgate praised the efforts of ski professional and co-ordinator Pete O’Neill, local ski team members, and the club’s dedicated volunteers.

“Their commitment and volunteer spirit are vital to the success of the world-class events we continue to host,” he said.

Club’s $15 million community commitment

Mulwala Water Ski Club is renowned for promoting the sport of water skiing, but its commitment to support the broader community remains just as strong.

Over the past five years, the club has reinvested more than $15 million back into the community, reinforcing its mission as a community-owned, profit-for-purpose organisation.

“The club is proud to be owned by the community,” club president Mr Holgate said.

“Every dollar we earn is reinvested to improve the lives of our members and the wider region.

“In the last financial year alone, we provided employment to 129 local residents, paying out $4.15 million in wages.”

The club contributes through grants, donations, sponsorships, and by supporting local businesses and health initiatives.

Its ongoing commitment is reflected in its investments and generous community programs.

The club hosted 190 live and free entertainment events, attracting more than 237,000 club visits, contributing significantly to local tourism and the economy.

“We’re strong supporters of events that drive tourism,” Mr Holgate said.

“Visitor spending creates a ripple effect that benefits all businesses in the twin towns.

“The majority of our board members are born-and-bred locals who understand the needs and aspirations of our community. “We are committed to remaining a leading community club, now and into the future.”