MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – In an exclusive shared with Cheer Daily, the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) has announced that its annual AASCF Nationals will permanently relocate to the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Queensland, Australia beginning in 2026.
The move marks a major transition for the organization as it celebrates its 20th year and concludes two decades of Nationals being staged in alternate years between Melbourne and Gold Coast.
This year’s event — taking place November 20–24 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre — will be the final Nationals held in Victoria and the largest in AASCF’s history, with record athlete, team, and program participation.
AASCF confirmed that the relocation is part of a long-term plan to support the continued growth of All Star cheer and dance across Australia.
The Gold Coast venue was selected following post-2024 Nationals feedback survey, in addition to its capacity, accessibility, and proven event infrastructure, offering a scalable home for the federation’s flagship championship.
AASCF — which is headquartered in Melbourne — will work closely with Experience Gold Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland to manage the transition and ensure the success of the 2026 event and beyond.
“This move allows us to plan for the next stage of Nationals’ growth,” AASCF said. “We’re focused on a smooth transition and ensuring the best possible experience for athletes, coaches, and families.”
The Gold Coast has become a leading Australian destination for major sporting and performance events. Its combination of state-of-the-art venues, extensive accommodation, and vibrant leisure options make it an appealing home for a multi-day, national competition.
The city’s track record of hosting large-scale sporting and entertainment events also provides a platform for continued expansion of the All Star community experience.
The upcoming 2025 AASCF Nationals will award up to 66 Worlds bids — up to 30 in Cheer and up to 36 in Dance — to qualifying programs, reflecting the federation’s position as Australia’s primary pathway to the international stage at The Cheerleading World Championships.
Entries for the event reached capacity weeks ahead of schedule, underscoring unprecedented demand and confirming Nationals 2025 as the largest cheer and dance competition ever held in Australia.
The move follows a strong year of international engagement for AASCF. At the 2024 Nationals, the federation launched its collaboration with the Los Angeles Rams, introducing joint workshops and performance exchanges with the Rams Cheerleaders. The initiative, which debuted this past summer to strong community response, represents a growing focus on athlete development and global performance opportunities for Australian programs.
The 2025 Melbourne Nationals will serve as both a milestone and a farewell.
Since its founding in the early 2000s, AASCF has played a defining role in shaping the All Star cheer and dance industry in Australia. The decision to move Nationals to the Gold Coast signifies both the maturity and momentum of the sport as AASCF enters its third decade of operation.
Cheer Daily will continue to provide coverage of the final Melbourne Nationals later this month and updates on preparations for AASCF Nationals in 2026.
