Nippers take off as Sunshine Coast Airport and Jetstar join forces in sponsorship deal

The Sunshine Coast Airport, in a new partnership arrangement with Jetstar, has unveiled a $40,000 sponsorship deal to help support the 15 nippers’ clubs throughout the Sunshine Coast Region.

The sponsorship will be used to fund much needed beach equipment and uniforms for Surf Life Saving Queensland’s nipper’s clubs from Redcliffe to Rainbow Beach. The Surf Life Saving Clubs train thousands of local children in water safety education each year.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council Deputy Mayor Tim Dwyer said the nippers and what they stand for in terms of a fun, energetic, safe and smart lifestyle activity matches the brands of both the council owned Sunshine Coast Airport and Jetstar.

“I am involved in a local surf lifesaving club and I know how important this type of sponsorship is for local clubs,” Cr Dwyer said.

“Surf lifesaving plays a critical role in educating future generations of the importance of beach safety. These youngsters are that future and if we can get behind them today we will be able to continue to shape the outstanding men and women who help to keep our beaches safe for all of us.”

Jetstar Executive Manager, Commercial, David Koczkar ,said the airline was delighted to be supporting the local Sunshine Coast community, and the region’s many visitors, through sponsorship of the Nippers’ clubs.

“Jetstar has offered flights into the Sunshine Coast Airport since we started operations more than five years ago and it remains a very important destination for us,” Mr Koczkar said.

“Many of our passengers, whether they be visiting for work or holidays, are also likely to enjoy the wonderful local beaches. This sponsorship is a great way for us to be actively involved in supporting an important local community activity.”

John Thorpe, Sunshine Coast Branch President, Surf Life Saving Queensland, said the nippers clubs help to build self esteem and confidence in children while also embracing the Coast’s healthy beach culture.

”We’re thrilled to have two strong brands such as the Sunshine Coast Airport and Jetstar offer their support to all of the local nippers clubs. This sponsorship will play an important role in ensuring we continue to educate and train youngsters in a safe and fun environment,” Mr Thorpe said.

Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager, Peter Pallot, said the airport was proud to be supporting such an iconic community activity – one that is truly a part of the Sunshine Coast.

“We are very much part of the fabric of the Sunshine Coast and this partnership allows us the opportunity to support the volunteer surf life saving movement, which plays an important role on our local beaches and supports the swim between the flags campaign, at the grass roots level,” he said.

The partnership arrangement will see Sunshine Coast Airport and Jetstar provide to the local nippers’ clubs:

• Water safety rashies and caps for each club to be worn by instructors at each Sunday training session and at the Sunshine Coast carnivals.
• nipper racing boards as the prizes at the end of each season
• Tear drop banners with the name of each individual nippers’ club are to be used each Sunday to assist with beach activities, safety training and carnivals
• Prizes at the end of each season.