Premier Mike Baird announces “Volleyfest” is coming to Manly’s shores

Manly Beach is set to become home to the country’s biggest beach Volleyball competition since the Sydney Olympics.

NSW Premier Mike Baird joins Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medalists, Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook(R), for the media announcement of the biggest beach volleyball event in Australia since the Sydney Olympics. Also pictured from left are Mariafe Artacho del Solar, and Nicole Laird. Picture: Braden Fastier

• Cool summer, hot cocktails
• Despite high drink-driving rate, cops fear speed factor too
• Have a say on mergers

Manly Beach is set to become home to the country’s biggest beach volleyball competition since the Sydney Olympics.

Premier Mike Baird today announced the State Government’s support for an international beach volleyball contest – called Volleyfest – to be held this March at Manly Beach.

“Volleyfest will attract some of the world’s best players to Australia’s best beach across nine days of top quality international competition,” Mr Baird said.

“It brings together sport, it brings together communities, and it brings together an event which is great for the local community.”

NSW Premier Mike Baird faced some protesters at the launch. Picture: Braden Fastier

The announcement this morning was not without controversy, with an anti-amalgamation lobby group ambushing the Premier over the NSW Government’s local government reform proposals

Mr Baird was surrounded by the group, with members carrying signs and shouting at him.

“I’m here to tell Mr Baird that he’s not being transparent, we don’t have all the important information and without that, an evaluation of the merger proposal is impossible,” said local resident Brian Halstead.

Locals Nicole Laird and Mariafe Artacho del Solar, who are hoping to qualify later this year to represent Australia in Beach Volleyball at the Rio Olympics. Picture: Braden Fastier.

The sporting event – which will take place for the next three years – is expected to attract more than 8000 domestic and international visitors who are expected to spend over $6 million.

The Premier said events like these had significant local benefits.

“What we’ve seen with the Australian Open is when these events come, they are great for the local community who get to enjoy them, but they’re also great for local businesses because it attracts visitors and as the events are running it feeds into our businesses,” he said.

Mr Baird was joined by Manly Mayor Jean Hay, and professional beach volleyball players and Olympic gold medallists Kerri Pottharst and Natalie Cook.

Volleyfest will run over three weekends from March 18 until March 28.