Surfboard cover art from Wollongong helps indigenous youth

Mr Bennett-Brook was approached by BoardSox founders Sarah Quinney and Dan O'Connell to incorporate his art in sustainably made board covers with a percentage of all profits supporting indigenous communities.

Ms Quinney and Dan O'Connell said like many business the COVID-19 lockdowns were as hard for them as many other local retailers.

But when they tapped into Facebook and Instagram it helped them increase sales by 413 per cent.

"We were heavily going down the wholesale path but during COVID most shops were closed so we really had to pivot our business model," he said.

Read more: Indigenous artist Zachary Bennett-Brook turns surfboards into art

Mr O'Connell, who regularly visits Wollongong to surf, said BoardSox started more than three years ago.

"We found a need to protect our surfboards from scratches and dings when travelling," he said.

"Board covers on the market were mostly polyester and were prone to getting ripped or fraying quickly.

"So we stared making them with canvas which is a bit tougher and longer lasting.

"Because it is canvas you can print on it. So we started collaborating with artists and making some really colourful and expressive board covers.

"After we started collaborating with artists we got the idea to partner with artists and charities. Our first one was with Zac two years ago and we have done two runs of Board Covers with Zac. 10 per cent of the profits originally went to Naru Surf Organisation who help connect indigenous kids with surfing. We have since started donating to a second charity called Juraki Surf who also connect indigenous kids with surfing."

Mr O'Connell said he found out about Saltwater Dreaming on social media.

"Through Facebook and Instagram he has a pretty big following and I am a big fan of indigenous artwork," he said.

"Zac also has a mural down on the beach at Bondi that I really like."

Mr O'Connell said the indigenous cover range, including three different styles, was so popular it sold out twice.

He said there were more than 1000 of them being used all around Australia.

"They are by far our biggest seller," he said.

Mr O'Connell said BoardSox is also working with another surfing artist Ozzie Wright and 10 per cent of all profits go to a mental health organisation called One Wave Is All It Takes.

"And we are just about to release our third bag which is a collaboration with Jake Ross and a charity called Surfers For Climate," he said.

"They are a new charity and a grass roots movement who are on the cutting edge of trying to encourage surfers to take a stand on climate change and act on environmental issues."

Mr O'Connell said social media had really helped the businesses and charities get the message out during the recent COVID lockdowns.

"About 70 per cent of all our sales come from Instagram and Facebook," he said.

Mr O'Connell, of Bondi, said Ms Quinney was his older sister.

"She taught me how to surf when I was about seven or eight," he said.

"We have been surfing all our lives. And I am a regular in the surf around Wollongong and Shellharbour. I often surf in Thirroul, Sandon Point and The Farm. As well as a few secret beaches I won't name so the locals don't get angry at me."

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