Bridge named after 'godfather' of the Noosa Triathlon

A bridge, named in his honour at Noosa Heads today, will serve as a lasting reminder of the late Garth Prowd.

The Garth Prowd Bridge will be the last bridge runners and cyclists cross as they finish the Noosa Triathlon.

Affectionately known as the Godfather of Australian triathlon and ‘Mr Noosa’, Garth Prowd OAM was a pioneer of sports tourism in Queensland and a passionate advocate for sports participation.

Garth played a key role in the birth of the Noosa Triathlon, which he ran through his event management company USM Events for more than 30 years.

Under his stewardship, the Noosa Triathlon became the world’s largest Olympic distance triathlon.

This was not Garth’s only achievement for Noosa. He also ran the Noosa Jazz Festival and was involved in the Noosa Festival of Surfing – two more iconic events on the Noosa calendar.

“Garth was an amazing individual who has made outstanding contributions to the Noosa community,” Councillor Jess Glasgow said.

Following his sudden passing in July 2017, Noosa Council received a request to name a local landmark in his honour.

“Over the years many thousands of athletes taking part in the Noosa Triathlon, including Garth himself, have run and cycled across the bridge, making it a fitting local landmark to name in his honour,” Cr Glasgow said.

4 November 2017