RAWA was proud to be the official naming sponsor of the Relationships Australia WA Trials, held on Friday 10 April at Surfers Point, as part of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Margaret River Pro.
The Margaret River Pro was the second stop on the 2026 WSL Championship Tour showcasing the world’s leading surfers across the Men’s and Women’s Championship Tours. The Local Trials provided an essential pathway for Western Australian surfers to progress from regional competition to the global stage.
A Pathway for Local Surfers
The Relationships Australia WA Trials brought together 24 of WA’s leading surfers, including state title winners, Challenger Series competitors and standout local board riders. Competitors battled for a highly sought after wildcard entry into the main Margaret River Pro event, giving them the opportunity to compete against the world’s best surfers.
At the conclusion of a highly competitive day, Jack Thomas and Bronte Macaulay — an advocate for mental health in her community — emerged as Trial winners, securing their wildcard spots in the Margaret River Pro. We congratulate both athletes and wish them every success as they represent WA on the world stage.
Championing Mental Fitness and Early Help‑Seeking
Our sponsorship focused on promoting mental fitness, early help-seeking and community wellbeing, among individuals, couples and families in the region.
Throughout the day, staff members from Margaret River, Bunbury, Busselton, Albany joined the marketing team at the event to engage with surfers and spectators and raise awareness of mental health and our services in the Southwest region. Staff encouraged attendees to take five minutes to check in on their mental health reinforcing the message that staying mentally fit is just as important as physical fitness.
RAWA promoted our range of services across the Southwest, including counselling, mental health support, mediation, courses and workshops and specialised support services, as well as:
headspace in Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River
4families in Bunbury, Bridgetown, Busselton
Family Relationship Centres in Bunbury, Busselton and Margaret River
Meaningful Engagement and Community Visibility
Most attendees were local community members, with some visitors travelling from Perth.
Regional Manager Southwest and Great Southern, Rebecca Lolley said it was a valuable opportunity for us to engage with the local community, some who were unaware of us and others for who we have left a lasting impact.
“One community member shared that RAWA saved their life 16 years ago, leading to a meaningful conversation about recovery, resilience and life’s ongoing challenges,” she said.
“Staff also spoke to a parent intending to share support pathways with her son and his friend following a recent traumatic event.”
“They have now been put in contact with headspace.”
These moments reinforced the long-term community impact of our services and the importance of ongoing local visibility. The event was strongly valued by regional staff, who expressed appreciation for our visible presence and commitment to supporting Southwest communities.
As the Margaret River Pro continues to shine on the global surfing stage, we remain proud to stand behind local WA surfers and champion mental wellbeing in regional communities.