Elle Clayton-Brown from Corlette and Jasmine Sampson from Anna Bay, both 15, are expected to surf in the event which will include a women and men’s qualifier, a women’s challenge and junior divisions.

“It’s about time we get a QS [pro event] here,” Elle said.

“Newcastle have Surfest and there’s all different comps up and down the coast but we have such good waves here [Birubi].

“I want to draw a heat with a world tour circuit surfer – that would be the best experience ever.”

Jasmine said she was looking forward to competing against the “best female surfers in the world at home”. 

Deb Stretton, who has led the charge in securing the NSW Pro for Port Stephens, said the event provided a new pathway for the area’s female surfers.

“Having an event like this here, not only does it allow them to surf with some of their idols but it's the experience they get surfing at that level,” she said.

“You don’t get many opportunities in your own backyard to surf with that standard.

“To have it in your own backyard and at the same time, showcase this beautiful beach, it’s just a win-win.”

Elle and Jasmine placed third and fourth respectively in the women’s section of King of the Box this year.

At One Mile Beach on the weekend, Jasmine won the Surfarama Port Stephens Junior Women’s event.

The NSW Pro, to be held at Birubi Beach between November 2 and 5, will be the final women’s QS event for 2017.

Seven world championship tour surfers will be competing.

A men’s QS will be held across the four days of the NSW Pro.

It will help male surfers to gain seeding points for the 2018 season.

Amateur female surfers are being encouraged to enter the open women pro-am, to be held on November 3.

The junior divisions give young surfers – boys and girls from under-10s through to under-16s – a chance to compete alongside some of the their heroes. Juniors will surf November 4 and 5.

For more information or to enter an event go to Surfing Australia’s website.