PORT Macquarie will host a vibrant celebration of inclusion, pride and community when “Rainbow Beaches 2026” takes over the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club (PMSLSC) at Flynns Beach.
Nominated as National Launch Club for the event and Surf Life Saving Australia’s NSW Club of the Year 2025, PMSLC will join 165 other surf clubs across Australia on Valentine’s Day weekend.
The multi-day event will bring together lifesavers, locals and visitors to highlight that everyone is welcome at the beach.
Local PMSLSC member and Lifesavers with Pride Chairperson Jake Little told News Of The Area, “it was only 1980 when women were allowed into surf clubs.”
“And so surf life saving has been on a journey, in the past 30 years to inform everyone that no matter your background, what you look like and who you like, the beach is for you.
“The event is very much linked to the core mission of Surf Live Saving, which is saving lives.”
Activities spanning panel discussions, a record-breaking paddle out, family-friendly events and a youth party will be held to highlight the inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“For Port Macquarie Surf Club, this event is about signalling to the local community that everyone and anyone is welcome at the surf club,” Jake affirmed.
Festivities begin at 6.30pm on Friday 13 February with a Pride Panel titled “Serving the community you represent.”
The panel will explore inclusion, representation and community leadership within surf lifesaving and beyond, setting the tone for the weekend.
SLSA President, Peter Agnew AM ESM, SLSA NSW CEO, Adam Weir and Dr Amanda Cohen, a diversity and inclusion advocate will join the panel.
Jake said, “The panel discussion is an informal conversation around how surf clubs…not only surf clubs…but any sporting club, can tap into their local community and get more reach.”
The discussion will attempt to answer the question of how clubs and organisations can get more people involved, particularly those that have been excluded in the past.
For PMSLSC and the Port Macquarie community the benefit lies in the “event attempting to get more people on our beaches to patrol,” explained Jake.
Saturday 14 February, will see the action move onto the sand and into the water.
The Rainbow Beaches Paddle Out will take place at Flynns Beach from 8am, aiming to be the world’s largest Pride Paddle Out and coinciding with Valentine’s Day.
From 9am, the Rainbow Beaches Pride Patrol will be held at the PMSLSC, followed by the inaugural Colour Fun Run at 10am.
Surf Life Saving Australia and Lifesavers with Pride promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQIA+ community across all surf clubs.
Out, Loud and Proud Port Macquarie, a group of volunteers who are passionate about bringing visibility, equality and awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community to the Mid North Coast have promoted the event on their social media channels.
Out, Loud and Proud Port Macquarie, Facebook Page Administrator Rackas Robinson told News Of The Area, “Rainbow Beaches is about making a clear statement that our beaches, and our surf clubs (and the surrounding areas) are places where everyone belongs.
“The event goes beyond visibility; it’s about building understanding, strengthening connections with the LGBTQIA+ community, and empowering allies to actively create safer, more inclusive spaces.”
“This weekend is about celebration, education and reminding people that the beach should always be a place of welcome for all,” said Rackas.
The weekend will conclude with a Valentine’s Day youth party at the PMSLSC from 6pm, with free pizza and drinks, and a focus on creating a safe, welcoming and fun environment for young people.
Registrations are now open for all events with organisers at the PMSLSC encouraging the community to get involved by registering via the link on their Facebook page @pmslsc.
By Sis HIGGINS
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