Surfers eyeing a spot on next year's Championship Tour will use the waves at Birubi Beach to impress qualifying series judges next month as part of the Port Stephens Toyota Pro.
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The event, returning for a third year, will run November 15-17 and is expected to attract a huge field of international surfers.
"The 2019 women's QS season will culminate at Port Stephens and will decide the qualifying surfers for 2020," World Surf League Asia/Pacific general manager Andrew Stark said.
"There are a number of highly-rated QS events on the women's calendar but the Port Stephens Toyota Pro is where the qualification race climaxes.
"The event is a massive insight into the future of women's surfing and will play a vital role in deciding who will qualify for the 2020 Championship Tour. We're proud to have some of the sport's biggest names return to Australia for such a pivotal event."
Victorian Nikki Van Dijk solidified her spot on the 2019 CT when she outgunned the Central Coast's Macy Callaghan in last year's Pro final at Birubi Beach. It was her second QS6000 event win of the season.
Avoca teen Caleb Tancred claimed a maiden QS title when he defeated lifelong friend and rival Mikey McDonagh from Lennox Head in the final of the 2018 Port Stephens Pro men's QS1000.
Surfing NSW chief executive officer Luke Madden said Port Stephens, and the wider Hunter region, had proved itself to be a world-class location to showcase the world's best female surfers in action, adding that he "can't wait" to see what the 2019 event brings.
"The [Pro] plays a vital role for any female surfer with Championship Tour aspirations," he said.
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said he is thrilled to see a major international event like the Pro return to the area.
"It's fantastic to welcome back so many pro surfers to enjoy the breaks here and show our juniors how it's done," he said.
"The event drives economic benefit to our region, promotes Port Stephens to a national and international audience and provides a unique opportunity to build participation in female surfing."
Continuing his contribution to professional surfing in the area, Port Stephens Toyota owner Kim Burton said he was thrilled to continue his connection with the event, once again taking the naming sponsor spot for the final women's QS event of the season.
"I've lived a surfer's lifestyle for as long as I can remember and to be able to get involved with this event and blend my passion for surfing with my business is a real blessing," he said.
"I'm truly stoked to be involved with this event again and look forward to seeing what new talents will emerge to qualify for the CT next year."
