Taking its investment in sustainability beyond the event space, Sydney Showground has announced a 12-month partnership deal with ocean conservation organisation, Ocean Crusaders in an exciting project for the premier event venue.  

As part of the deal, Sydney Showground will directly sponsor Ocean Crusaders, and its 100% electric, zero carbon emission, TP52 racing yacht, Ocean Crusaders J-Bird, supporting its entry into the iconic Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, along with a clean up project on the Parramatta River.  

Ocean Crusaders J-Bird is the first electric-powered yacht to enter the race and aims to raise awareness of the importance of green energy solutions during the iconic event.  

Evolving the role a venue plays in event sustainability, Sydney Showground will also invest in the project on behalf of its clients, including the Sydney Boat Show which is taking place at the venue this week.   

“As a venue, we are putting our money where our mouth is and taking our investment in sustainability beyond our own industry,” said Sydney Showground Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Roberts.   

“We initially met the great team at Ocean Crusaders last year through our event sustainability partners, Clima and were inspired by the work they are doing in cleaning up our oceans and bringing attention to green energy solutions.  

“Through our investment in the team, we hope to play our part in highlighting innovative energy solutions beyond our own industry and give back to the wider community in a unique way that benefits both our clients and the environment.”  

Ocean Crusaders Founder, Ian Thomson shared Roberts enthusiasm saying the donation will be instrumental in helping to get the word out.   

“We are thrilled to continue to evolve our partnership with Sydney Showground and are grateful for their on-going support of our important mission,” Thomson said.   

“This funding directly assists with our efforts to clean up the ocean and waterways and has ensured that we can spread our message through competing in the internationally renowned Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on boxing day.”  

So far in 2025, thanks to the support of its various sponsors and donors, Ocean Crusaders have managed to remove 54,834kg of debris from Australian oceans and waterways.  

Ocean Crusaders is a charitable organisation committed to waterway conservation and marine debris removal. Its 100% Zero Emission Racing Yacht, J-Bird, provides a unique platform to showcase blue economy and green energy solutions on an international stage.   

Taking an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility, Sydney Showground has long explored new ways to give back on behalf of clients and this groundbreaking deal is another exciting step in this journey.   

In 2024, Sydney Showground also launched its Climate Conscious Events initiative with climate solution organisation Clima, providing clients with solution driven opportunities to make their events more sustainable.   

Alongside this partnership, Sydney Showground has also invested in numerous venue upgrades to reduce its carbon emissions.   

Explore Ocean Crusaders work at OceanCrusaders.org