MORE than 200 people gathered across the Valentine’s Day weekend for a vibrant celebration of pride, inclusion and surf lifesaving at Flynns Beach, Port Macquarie.
Hosted by the Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club (PMSLSC), “Rainbow Beaches 2026” brought the community together to celebrate a “love is love” theme.
The weekend placed a spotlight on a thriving community club that has grown stronger by embracing diversity, kicking off with a panel discussion.
PMSLSC member and Lifesavers with Pride Chair Jake Little said the discussion theme was “serving the community you represent”.
“The panel examined how inclusion and diversity support not only disadvantaged groups, but also the whole community,” he said.
“It examined the barriers and supports that influence why people from disadvantaged groups may or may not engage with sport.”
The event was led by Lifesavers with Pride in collaboration with PMSLSC, recently named NSW Club of the Year, alongside Surf Life Saving NSW and Surf Life Saving Australia.
“[PMSLSC] showcased how inclusion is not only a value, but a practical strength that supports membership growth, volunteer engagement and community resilience,” Jake said.
Among the key guests were Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer and Greens LGBTQIA+ spokesperson Amanda Cohn.
Representatives from both Surf Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving NSW were also present.
Local support was provided by Mid North Coast Local Health District and headspace Port Macquarie.
The weekend’s events were supported by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, with more than 165 clubs participating in Rainbow Beaches 2026 across Australia.
The colour fun run, sponsored by Regional Australia Bank, drew strong participation.
By Sis HIGGINS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
