Gladstone Harbour Festival: What's on and when

IF you're keen to plan your week around the Gladstone Harbour Festival, here's a rundown of what is on each day.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1:

The festival kicks off with its opening night, which features entertainment and the popular talent quest.

Rides and sideshow alley will be open from 6-10pm.

Don Costa will perform on the food court stage from 6-10pm.

The talent quest will feature on the marina main stage from 6.15pm, with La Mont, the juniors and then the seniors.

THURSDAY, APRIL 2:

The Gladstone Ports Corporation's Family Fun Night heads festivities today, featuring the crowning of festival queens, LalaLoopsy, Curtis the Turtle, The Octonauts and Mr Bump.

It will all be happening on the marina main stage from 6.30pm, with fireworks at about 8.10pm.

Don Costa will perform on the food court stage from 6-10pm, and the rides and sideshow alley will be open from 6-10pm.

The 2014 Workforce International Gladstone Harbour Festival Parade.Mike Richards

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 3:

Good Friday is one of the biggest days of the festival, and there's plenty happening.

The Harbour Festival Fun Run starts at 7am, with registration from 6.15am.

There will be a 3km and 10km route from East Shores to the marina, taking in Spinnaker Park on the longer route.

The Marina Markets are on from 8am-7pm at the main festival site.

The Blessing and Dressing of the Fleet starts at 10am, with boats travelling along a course in Auckland Creek.

The event features an assembly and ceremonial sail past of fishing, sailing, pleasure and speed boats, which was a mainstay of the festival until falling from favour in the mid-1990s.

The best viewing spots for the event are East Shores and Spinnaker Park.

Kids and big kids alike got a thrill out of rides at the Gladstone Harbour Festival.

The Kids' Zone Marquee will be open from 10am-3pm next to the food court.

Kids can drop in to participate in lantern making.

Rides and sideshow alley will be open from 10am-10pm.

The Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race starts in Redcliffe Point, with the first yachts expected to be sighted entering Gladstone Harbour around 7.30am on Saturday.

The Gladstone Harbour Festival Street Parade gets underway at 6pm, with this year's theme being Lanterns and Lights.

The parade will start on Bramston St next to the Gladstone Region Art Gallery and Museum, travelling along Goondoon St before turning left into Lord St and then right to parade across the Marina Bridge.

The parade will then travel along Bryan Jordan Dr, finishing at the Mission to Seafarers building.

There's plenty of entertainment throughout the day on the food court stage. 

Entertainment includes:

• 10am: The Bucketseats
• 11am: Magic Glen
• 11.30am: The Bucketseats
• 1pm: Disco Fever Show
• 1.30pm: The Bucketseats
• 3pm: Magic Glen
• 4pm: Silly Circus Show
• 4.30pm: Don Costa
• 7pm: Talent quest winner
• 7.30pm: Jackson Dunn

Fantastic Friday Night kicks off on the marina main stage at 6.30pm, with the Disco Fever Show, Don Costa and The Australian Kylie Show, featuring Kylie Minogue's greatest hits from the past three decades.

There will be fireworks at 9pm.

The Gladstone Harbour Festival's Great Raft Race – not to be missed.Brenda Strong

SATURDAY, APRIL 4:

The first yachts in the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race are expected to start entering Gladstone Harbour from 7.30am, with the bulk of the fleet finishing late Saturday and into the early hours of Sunday.

The much-anticipated Great Raft Race is a highlight of the harbour festival, and will kick off at the Goondoon St boat ramp at 9.30am.

The Marina Markets are on from 8am to 1pm.

There are plenty of free craft activities on offer in the kids' activity zone from 10am to 3pm.

Make your own Mexican basket is on at 10am, followed by Rain sticks from South America at 11am, Make your own Mexican basket at noon, and Japanese flying carp at 1pm.

Phone 4972 5111 to book or drop into the harbour festival office on site to register.

Rides and sideshow alley will be open from 10am-10pm, with two for one rides from 10am to 2pm.

A jetpack display will be held at noon and 5.30pm, with the best viewing from Spinnaker Park and behind the markets.

There'll be cuteness galore at the Teddy Bear's Picnic on the food court stage from 2pm.

There are prizes for the largest bear, smallest bear, most festive bear, most loved bear and oldest bear.

Entertainment on the food court stage includes:

10am: Don Costa
Noon: Magic Glen
1pm: Disco Fever Show
1.30pm: Magic Glen
4pm: Don Costa
7pm: Swim
7.30pm: Jackson Dunn

Sensational Saturday Night kicks off at 6.30pm on the main stage, with the Silly Circus Show, Don Costa and The Australian INXS Show, which reproduces the live spectacle INXS was famous for.

There will be fireworks at 9pm.

Deb Bowen-Saunders during the Bush Poets' Breakfast at the Gladstone Harbour Festival.Luka Kauzlaric

SUNDAY, APRIL 5:

Sunday starts with the Bush Poet's Morning Tea at the food court stage at the marina.

The morning tea, from 9-11am, is $10 per person.

Kids in the Kitchen will feature in the Kids' Activity Zone today.

Participants can learn to make tiramisu at 10am, colourful pasta at 11am, sushi at noon, tiramisu at 1pm and colourful pasta at 2pm.

Phone 4972 5111 to book or drop into the harbour festival office on site to register.

Rides and sideshow alley will be open from 10am-10pm, with two for one rides from 10am-2pm.

There will be a jetpack display at 10am and 1pm, with the best viewing from Spinnaker Park and behind the markets.

Entertainment on the food court stage includes:

11am: The Magic Glen Show
Noon: Don Costa
2.30pm: Silly Circus Show
3pm: The Magic Glen Show
4pm: The Bucketseats
7pm: Don Costa

On the marina main stage the entertainment starts at 6.30pm, with the Disco Fever Show, Swim, and Dan Hamill and band, followed by fireworks at 9.50pm.

Hamill fuses contemporary chart toppers with the sounds of Motown and swing.

From Michael Jackson to Coldplay, Adele to Pharrell, you won't be able to leave the dance floor once he takes the stage.

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Sydney Family Show - Easter in Sydney 2015

Put on a smile, but prepare to be grinning after you see all the excitement the Dodo Sydney Family Show has in store for you in 2015! The show will return over the Easter school holidays from 2 to 12 April, at the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park. 

From cheering on the racing pigs, to enjoying the free Looney Tunes stage show, and meeting the life-size stars of the hit movie, Cars, in the Disney Zone, there will definitely be something for everyone!

Don't forget the numerous show bags to choose from and many delicious treats to fullfil your appetite. Plus, the best thing is, it's free entry, that's right, free! Grab the kids and prepare yourselves for a fun-filled family day at the show!

LOCATION: Sydney Family Show - Moore Park

EVENT DATES:

• Thursday 2nd April                                        10:00am - 5:00pm
• Friday 3rd April - Monday 6th April                   10:00am - 6:00pm
• Tuesday 7th April - Sunday 12th April               10:00am - 5:00pm 

Find More Information about this Free Event

Elusive Northern Hopping Mouse Caught on Camera

The elusive northern hopping mouse is on the brink of extinction but a new camera trap has captured video of the species for the first time.

The Elusive Northern hopping mouse (Notomys aquilo), a tiny native species on the brink of extinction, has been captured on video for the first time.

Found only around Groote Eylandt, a large island 50km off the coast of Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, this tiny animal, with a body length of just 10cm, is near impossible to find, making conservation difficult.

"We need proper surveys to gather basic data about their populations, their distribution, and how many are left before we can go any further" says Rebecca Deite conservation biologist from the University of Queensland.

On a recent survey, Rebecca and colleagues were fortunate to capture not one, but three hopping mice coming out of a burrow - a feat that hasn't been done before because the species is so shy.
Hopping mouse a shy species

The northern hopping mouse is a true rodent but like its kangaroo cousins, it hops on two legs. They spend the day inside hidden burrows, only coming out at night to feed. Like many small animals they are 'trap shy', meaning that conventional baited traps don't work.

The only means of finding hopping mice was to look for small mounds of sand, the tell-tale signs of a mouse burrowing nearby. These signs of hopping mouse activity have been used to estimate their population numbers but new research shows that this could be a huge mistake.

"I was trying to camera trap hopping mice but wasn't getting any. I found out that delicate mice were making burrows and the finished product looked very similar to the hopping mice burrows," says Rebecca.

Delicate mice mistaken for hopping mice

The delicate mouse (Pseudomys delicatulus) is an unrelated species that is relatively common. If delicate mice burrows are inflating estimates of hopping mice numbers, then this endangered species may be in even more danger than previously thought. Whereas they was once thought to cover most of Groote Eylandt, hopping mice may be restricted to only two small sites on the island.

Rebecca is radio tracking hopping mice to measure their home ranges and try and understand what sort of habitats they use. By abandoning conventional baited traps in favour of night vision camera traps Rebecca is able to see hopping mice in action and get more reliable estimates of the numbers and distribution.

"I'm trying to get the baseline ecology of the animal, because we simply don't know anything about where it lives, what its habitat is and how it survives," says Rebecca.

The northern hopping mouse is one of five species of hopping mouse native to Australia. Credit: Rebecca Deite

View Post Source for the Night Camera footage

Fishers Spoiled for Choice in Gladstone Region

FOR those who know this region and the different spots to wet a line there is such a vast number of places to go and also species to catch.

From the harbour with the barra and the enormous king salmon out to the reef with those magic reds, trout, sweetlip, and mackerel, through to the inland systems like Awoonga, Callide, Monduran, and Cania Dams, for barra, mangrove jack, saratoga, bass, and in some spots we are seeing some pretty big longtoms being caught in Awoonga and in the Dawson River.

The local fishing pages on Facebook have seen some pretty good catches of black jew, mangrove jack and a snodger of a grunter measuring 69cm, which Thimoteus Newland caught and released this week, on a humble prawn bottom fishing.

I see Steven Strathdee spent some time out at Cania, and decided to walk the banks flicking stick baits around the snags and had a ball with the perch and bass.

The same thing applies with walking the banks of the Boyne - in "stealth mode" I call it - and targeting those snags which will hold barra, and jack.

In fact, you really don't need too much water for neither species, as the more shallow you get (Kermit the frog "knee deep") the more the little surface poppers, and walk the dog lures, come into play.

These predators will tend to sit, and wait in the lee of a rock, or gravel bank, as the water or tide comes in over the top, bringing with it some dinner, and it's these places you need to target.

To add another dimension, try fishing very light, say down to a 4-6 lb line, with an 8-10 lb leader, and only then the challenge commences.

This weekend is new moon Friday, with huge tides, nice balmy northerlies, and reasonably flat seas.

Tomorrow morning it looks as though the breeze could be down to 10 knots or a little less, from about sun up till around 2-3pm at the time of writing this.

It will swing around to the east after lunch, providing a very nice ride home if you venture out wide.

Sunday looks as though it'll be 10-15 easterlies all day, but that won't bother some.

The low tide around 4ish Saturday arvo is a big one though, and the likes of the Boyne Entrance will be practically unusable from 1 or 2 pm, and those using this access need to plan ahead.

For those chasing a feed of crabs, then this weekend should be awesome with some big chocolate bucks around at the moment, and coupled with the big tides you should be able to access some of those creeks, and drains which can't normally get to.

For those new to the region and keen to get into some crabbing, learning how this whole line of fishing works can be quite tricky and a good start to learn about the "art" of crabbing is to pick up a DVD of Johnny Mitchell's called the Mud Crab, at most tackle shops or via his website.

This year's Boyne Tannum HookUp being the 20th year, has now been open for entries for a little while and there is a steady flow of those booking their spot in this incredible event.

Having it back on the original weekend, being Queen's Birthday long weekend in June (6,7,8 ) is very cool.

And the committee, many of whom have been volunteering there time for many years now to bring you this extravaganza, are planning to blow you away beginning with that major prize boat from Curtis Coast Marine, Haines Signature, Suzuki, and Garmin.

You can't win this, nor any of the other nine boats if you aren't entered.

Entry is easy by simply going on line to www.boynetannumhookup.com.au and following the instructions.

Remember once it's full, it's full, but numbers are only restricted with senior entrants to 3000, whereas with the kids they are open to as many as they can get.

Finally share a thought for those at VMR Gladstone who diligently man the radios and the rescue boats, to help us out when things don't go the way we plan.

They are in constant need for volunteers on the radios. If you aren't a member then my best advice is to be one.

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Ipswich Festival 2015 Highlights

The spectacular Ipswich Festival is back in 2015 bigger than ever! Packed with fantastic shows, events, parades and concerts to suit the whole family.

Fire on the River launches the festivities with a spectacular explosion of colours lighting up the night sky. Join us for an enthralling display of fireworks synchronised to a dedicated soundtrack that is sure to delight the whole family. This spectacular pyrotechnic display has become a festival favourite with a stunning showcase of the very best "feature" fireworks and fire canons.

Best vantage points are at Riverlink Shopping Centre and David Trumpy Bridge.

Date: Thursday April 16th @ 7pm
Location: Riverlink Shopping Centre, Upper Level, Ipswich Central

Parade of Light - Cheer on the cavalcade of our spirited community groups, classic cars, lively marching bands, local businesses, festival characters, schools, and energetic dancers.

For the first time, the Ipswich Festival Parade moves into the night creating high excitement and a colourful carnival atmosphere. Be amazed as giant, magical lanterns journey along Ipswich's inner city streets creating a night of spectacular surprises.

Themed "Our People, Our Culture", the parade celebrates Ipswich's rich history and diverse community and will be an impressive display that is sure to entertain. The annual parade is a must-see highlight of the festival.

Date: Saturday May 2nd
Location: Brisbane St - Between Waghorn and Bell St

Lunchtime Sessions - Revolutionise your lunchtime routine! Festival LunchTime Sessions feature five exciting days of free live entertainment in Ipswich City Mall. This is a FREE event!

Dates: April 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th
Location: Ipswich City Mall, Ipswich Central
Shows: See below

The Magic Parlour
A day of monumental magical mayhem! Two incredible shows so close up and interactive - they will delight and amaze you. The Super Steph Magic Show and Damien the Magician. Plus balloon art, live bunny and magical tricks galore. This one is for the kids as well as the young at heart.
Tuesday April 21st 11am - 1.30pm

The Romance of Strauss, Bach and Bluegrass
Lunch with over 20 musicians from the strings section of Ipswich City Orchestra. Come and be swept away to old Vienna with Strauss Waltzes played by the professional Orchestra's String section. Then get your hands clapping for some good old fashioned bluegrass with the Suzuki Students of Ipswich.
Wednesday April 22nd 11am - 1pm

That's Entertainment!
Let us take you on a journey of timeless music and history, with 'Back to Basics' recreating the era of the Andrew Sisters, followed by a mash of your favourite hit pop rock songs of the 70's, 80's, 90's and beyond with live band Shriners Park. Tea & light refreshments early or BYO lunch.
Thursday April 23rd 11am - 2pm

Big Band Brassy
Swing and sway to the smooth and brassy sounds of the amazing C17's Amberley Brass Band and the gold medal award winning Redbank Plains State High School Marching Band. Sit back and relax or dance to the beat of big band swing, classical, new world symphony, and so much more.
Wednesday April 29th 11am - 2pm

Swing it!
With a double scoop of comedy and a generous serving of musical mayhem the Swingin' Martinis belt out the best of Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin classics through to the Proclaimers via ABBA and Tom Jones - all fused together to bring you some good old high energy and cracking entertainment.
Thursday April 30th 12noon - 1pm

Night Time Sessions:
Latin Dance with Brazilian Soul
Join in the fun or opt in the free dance class when Brazilian Soul perform a variety of Latin dance styles, all authentic from South America.
Wednesday April 22nd 5pm - 6pm

SwingaBilly Ray
It's a revival of the golden age of swing jazz. Kick up you heels doing the lindy hop, the Charleston, St Louis shag, or shim sham and jitterbug - all this to the sounds of your favourite swing tunes from yesteryear. Everybody welcome. Free Swing Dance Class.
Thursday April 30th 5pm - 7.30pm


To view more Ipswich Festival highlights visit their official website: www.ipswichfestival.com.au/2015/browse.php?cat=1

Earth Hour @ Metro Hotel on Pitt - Sat 28 March 2015

Earth Hour launched in Sydney in 2007, with 2.2 million people and 2,100 businesses participating in the ‘lights off’ event. Just one year later, Earth Hour became a global phenomenon with over 35 countries participating, and an estimated 50-100 million people.

In 2014, Earth Hour was celebrated in over 162 countries and over 7000 cities and towns worldwide. The symbolic hour has grown into the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, with beyond the hour projects and initiatives happening throughout the year.

Earth Hour is a great home-grown success story: an Aussie campaign designed to draw attention to tackling global warming and get people talking about what we can do to help.




In Australia, Earth Hour is something that really brings communities together, with 1 in every 3 Aussies taking part.

At Metro Hotel on Pitt, we are starting a corporate responsibility program that will entail us committing ourselves to being a part of the wider community in a socially or environmentally responsible way.

We will be joining in Earth Hour by getting our main lobby area as dark as can be feasibly managed. We’re inviting you to once again join in the action as we throw our support behind Aussie food and farmers.

We grew up with healthy, homegrown food and we all want our children to have the same opportunity. But our food is already being affected by global warming. This includes everything from the bananas we enjoy on our breakfast cereal every morning and our avocado and Vegemite on toast, to our lunchtime ham, cheese, tomato and lettuce wrap, and spaghetti bolognese - our dinnertime favourite.

Join Metro Hotel on Pitt at: https://earthhour.org.au/get-involved/event/Metro-Hotel-on-Pitt---Darkness-on-Pitt/

When: Metro Hotel on Pitt - Darkness on Pitt 28/03/2015 @ 8:30pm (AEST)
Where: 300 Pitt Street Sydney NSW Australia 2000

Metro Hotel on Pitt website: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/new-south-wales/metro-hotel-on-pitt

Earth Hour Sydney 2015

Landmarks from all over the world - from Paris' Eiffel Tower to Sydney's Harbour Bridge to the Seattle Space Needle will dim their lights on Saturday 28th of March, as people around the world mark Earth Hour with candlelight and barbecues.

The 60-minute annual campaign organised by conservation group WWF encourages citizens, communities, businesses and organisations to switch the lights off for an hour from 8:30pm to highlight the plight of planet Earth.

Now in its ninth year, Earth Hour's goal is not to achieve measurable electricity savings, but to raise awareness of the need for sustainable energy use, and this year also to demand action to halt planet-harming climate change.

'Over 170 countries and territories have already confirmed their participation; more than 1200 landmarks and close to 40 UNESCO world heritage sites,' Earth Hour head Sudhanshu Sarronwala told AFP.

These range from the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, the Acropolis in Athens, Edinburgh Castle, Big Ben, Ecuador's Quito historical centre and New York's Times Square.

Earth Hour 2015 takes place just months before UN member states are meant to sign an ambitious pact in Paris in December to limit galloping global warming, and just days before a loose end-March deadline for 'those parties ready to do so' to submit their carbon-curbing pledges.

From a small, symbolic event held in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour has grown to a global campaigning event with a festive twist.

This year will include a glow-in-the-dark Zumba party in the Philippines, a co-ordinated candlelit dinner in Finland billed as the world's largest, restaurant dinners by candlelight in London, and a power-generating dance floor to light up the Eiffel Tower after its hour-long sleep, said WWF.

The organisers published a list of ideas for individual participants, which included barbecuing instead of stove cooking, a candle-lit street party or a picnic under the stars.

An estimated nine million people in 162 countries took part in Earth Hour last year, according to the WWF, of whom 85 per cent 'said that they felt inspired to do more to protect the planet, such as making small changes to live more sustainably and reduce their impact on the environment.'

When: 8:30pm - 9:30pm on Saturday the 28th of March 2015

When it’s Earth Hour, turn your lights off, light a few candles and spend an hour with friends and family. Enjoy dinner and discussion with your friends, and why not tell your friends what you’re up to? Take photos of your group and upload them to social media!

Send Earth Hour a photo of your gathering on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram so they can help you tell the world that you care about climate change and protecting Aussie food and farming. Using the hash tag #EarthHour, #AppetiteForChange, when posting photos online will instantly link them to their website. 

Earth Hour official website: www.earthhour.org

Source: http://www.skynews.com.au/news/national/2015/03/25/earth-hour-to-illuminate-climate.html

Calling all film lovers… The 2015 Sydney Film Festival is coming!

From Wednesday 3 June to Sunday 14 June, 2015, the 62nd Sydney Film Festival will offer Sydneysiders another exciting season of cinema amidst a whirlwind of premieres, red-carpet openings, panel discussions, international guests and more.

Each year the Festival programming team curates 12 days of cinema sourced from world-famous film festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the Berlinale; as well as Australia’s finest local productions.

The Festival tells incredible Australian and international stories; and celebrates world cinema, filmmakers, our city and lovers of film everywhere.

Join Sydney Film Festival for screenings of around 200 films from over 50 countries. A public program of free and ticketed exhibitions, talks, panels, parties and live-music events focuses on enriching the Festival experience.

The Festival takes place at the State Theatre, Dendy Opera Quays, Art Gallery of NSW, Event Cinemas George Street, the Festival Hub at Sydney Town Hall and the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne. New venues, soon to be announced, guarantee greater expansion of the Festival’s footprint with 280 screenings happening across Sydney in both CBD and suburban locations.

Festival Director Nashen Moodleysaid: “With the 2015 Festival drawing closer, we are looking forward to announcing a full film and events program in the coming months. In true Sydney Film Festival tradition, we’ll be offering up a diverse range of films and experiences, with entertainment, culture, creativity and storytelling to feature throughout.”

A sneak preview of the 2015 program will be announced in April with the full Festival program revealed in May. More details at www.sff.org.au

Source: http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/entertainment/calling-all-film-lovers-the-2015-sydney-film-festival-is-coming-16999.html

Australian Open Of Supercross To Bring Indoor Racing Back to Sydney

For the first time since 2006, Supercross will return to Sydney in emphatic fashion with the inaugural Australian Open of Supercross (AUS-X Open) event, set to launch at AllPhones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park this year on November 28. 

The AUS-X Open event will be the biggest action sports competition in the Southern Hemisphere; combining an international Supercross racing event with a Freestyle Motocross (FMX) ‘Best Trick’ competition, that will feature some of the world's best riders up against Australia’s best talent. 

FMX ‘Best Trick’ has been notably absent from international competition, since being controversially removed from the X Games in 2013. Three times X Games medalist and renowned Australian hero – Cam Sinclair, is a firm believer in the format and its role in revolutionising action sports. 

“FMX Best Trick, is the ultimate opportunity to showcase innovation, creativity and courage. Having such a high profile event to re-ignite the evolution of FMX is really exciting. Being so close to the city, in our own backyard in Sydney, will be epic!” claimed Cam Sinclair. 

The event will be constructed and managed through the experienced hands of AME Management; whose background in major events across a variety of motorsports platforms, media and video production, will ensure an absolute premium level of entertainment and competition for action sports fans. 

“Indoor Supercross and Freestyle Motocross (FMX), is the ultimate combination of premium entertainment and action sports competition. We’re extremely excited to be bringing some of the world’s best riders to Sydney, for what will be one of the most intense, action-sports events in our country’s history,” said AME Management Director, Adam Bailey. 

“The plan is without a doubt to create an event that the incredible loyal fans of Supercross and FMX can be proud of, whilst doing so in an environment and with entertainment elements that will captivate complete newcomers to the sport." 

The AUS-X Open will also feature pyrotechnics, light and sound, and all competition indoors in the comfort of Allphones Arena; with a pit paddock area accessible on the outside of the arena for accredited fans to get up close and personal with their heroes. 

Championship points for the 2015 Australian Supercross Championship will also be awarded to competitors, ensuring the very best teams Australasia has to offer, will be in attendance as part of their national series. 

In a major cue for Australian Supercross, the event has secured major support from NSW tourism body, Destination NSW. 

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Troy Grant said the event would be a massive boost to the region. 

“I am pleased to announce this Australian first event has been secured for NSW through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. It is estimated that the AUS-X Open will contribute $1.8 million to the NSW economy in visitor expenditure,” Mr Grant said. 

“The AUS-X Open promises to be an action sports extravaganza showcasing the world’s best motorcycle riders racing and performing tricks like never before. It will attract visitors from all over the world to NSW, as well as being broadcast to approximately 139 countries through an International Media TV Network. 

“This announcement shows yet again the NSW Government’s commitment to securing major events for our State, in pursuit of our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to NSW by 2020,” he said. 

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the event is one-of-a-kind for both NSW and Australia. 

“The Australian Open of Supercross brings spectacular action-sport to Sydney, combining world-class Supercross racing with the awe-inspiring tricks and stunts of Freestyle Motocross competition. It will have something for motorsport lovers of all types and ages, and I encourage everyone to make the trip to Sydney in November to be a part of the action,” she said. 

Tickets will be available through Ticketek in May 2015, with international rider announcements and further information to follow in April. 

Top Image: Close quarters indoor supercross action is set to return to Sydney 

Credit: Aaryn Minerds

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Allianz Stadium to Host Rugby Sevens World Series

Allianz Stadium will be home to the Australian leg of rugby union’s Sevens World Series for the next four years from the 2015-16 season.

The Sydney Sevens were launched today, using Allianz Stadium’s new superscreens, by NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant.

“This announcement means the Sevens World Series now comes to the home of Australian sport, Sydney, and our Harbour City joins a host of iconic cities as a host venue for one of the world’s most exciting and entertaining annual sporting events,” Mr Grant said.

Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said: “The Moore Park precinct comes alive whenever there is top level rugby union played here.

“Last year, the biggest rugby crowd in Allianz Stadium’s history watched the Wallabies take on France, even though it was a dead-rubber.

“The on-field excitement of Sevens rugby and the carnival atmosphere that follows it will make the Sydney Sevens the hottest ticket in town.”

Currently in its 16th season, the Sevens World Series consists of nine tournaments held around the world, in which national Sevens teams compete for World Series points at each round.

The inaugural Sydney Sevens will take place just a matter of months before Rugby Sevens makes its debut at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "With excitement increasing ahead of Rio 2016, the World Rugby Sevens Series has been going from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe with its winning blend of compelling and competitive action, global destinations and festival atmosphere.

“Sydney is one of the world’s iconic cities, a sports-mad city with an exceptional record of attracting and hosting major events like Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games. Sydney’s inclusion within a stellar Series hosting line-up is exciting for players and fans and underscores the strength of the rugby sevens brand in the global sporting marketplace.”

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring Rugby Sevens to Sydney. We truly believe that Sydney has the potential to match the excitement surrounding tournaments like Hong Kong, Twickenham and Wellington in terms of event experience and crowd numbers.

“Sydney is an iconic city known across the world for its cultural diversity, outdoor lifestyle and stunning tourist attractions. It is a terrific fit for an event that traditionally attracts an audience from a variety of different nationalities and backgrounds.

“There is little doubt the area in and around Moore Park lends itself to Rugby Sevens. We had a stadium record crowd at Allianz Stadium in June with plenty of exciting Test Rugby on the field, and wonderful off-field entertainment at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Growing Rugby, particularly the Sevens format of our game, is critical to our long-term objectives as we strive to ignite passion in the next generation of players and fans. Globally, the game is in an exciting spot with Rugby Sevens part of the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 program.”

The NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, submitted the successful bid to the ARU.

The Deputy Premier, who is also the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, said the event would be a great addition to the Sydney events calendar.

“With a large number of travelling fans expected, the Sydney Sevens will provide a major boost to the local economy, and assist in the NSW Government’s goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”

Australian Director of Rugby Sevens Geraint John, said: “I have already experienced first-hand the passion Sydneysiders have for Rugby, whether it be through their support for the national team, their state or club Rugby.

“I speak on behalf of the entire Men’s Sevens program when I say that we are looking forward immensely to playing in front of our home crowd in Sydney. It is always a thrill to play in front of your own people. I have attended plenty of Rugby across the world – both as a player and coach - and I truly believe Sydney will rival the very best of them.”

Olivia Wirth, Group Executive Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Qantas, said: “As the Official Partner of the ARU and the naming rights partner of the Australian Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams, we are very excited that Sydney will feature on the World Rugby Sevens Series calendar. This is great news for Australian tourism and the wider sporting community. We look forward to helping fans from around the world cheer on their teams and enjoy all that Australia has to offer.” 

The Sydney Sevens is supported by the New South Wales Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

Fans can sign up for Sydney Sevens ticket alerts via www.Sydney7s.com.au. Public on-sale dates will be announced in due course.

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Holden State of Origin Series launched in Melbourne

The Holden State of Origin series returns to Melbourne in June – 21 years after the two coaches, Laurie Daley (NSW) and Mal Meninga (Queensland), captained their sides in the first Origin match ever held at the MCG.

2015 State of Origin Tickets

The 2015 Origin series was today launched in Melbourne by NRL CEO Dave Smith and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism, Major Events and Regional Victoria, Danielle Green MP. They were accompanied by Daley and incumbent captains Cameron Smith and Paul Gallen.

Mr Smith said Origin had become the biggest sporting brand in Australia.

And he said the return to the MCG this year meant fans would be able to see Origin in three States – Queensland, NSW and Victoria. 

"State of Origin is one of sport's greatest rivalries. It played to massive crowds in all three matches last year and took out the top two television ratings spots for the year," he said.

"When Origin was first played at the MCG, it attracted a crowd of more than 87,000 fans in 1994 – which was the highest crowd for a Rugby League match in Australia.

"Origin now reaches more than eight million unique fans on social media – and that number is growing all the time.

"So the scene is set for an Origin series which will be taken to millions of fans across the country and around the globe."

Mr Smith said the decision to stage a match at the MCG was part of the NRL’s push to keep growing the game.

Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Sport and Minister for Veterans John Eren said: "It's fitting that one of our nation's most intense rivalries will be played at Australia's home of sport, the great MCG.

"The Andrews Labor Government is delighted that Victorians will get a chance to witness the passion and pride on the line when New South Wales and Queensland go to war.

"The MCG is as good a battleground as any renowned sports venue, and an event as significant as a State of Origin game promises to be an outstanding occasion with a memorable atmosphere."

Mr Eren said Origin was also another chance to showcase Victoria to the rest of Australia and beyond.

Laurie Daley and Mal Meninga said it would be a privilege for their teams to play in front of a massive crowd at the MCG.

"Last year was an incredible experience for our squad but this is a new series with new challenges," Daley said.

"We aim to show Melbourne why State of Origin is one of the greatest sporting events in the world."

Meninga said both teams would relish the prospect of playing to huge crowds at the MCG, ANZ Stadium and Suncorp Stadium.

"State of Origin series are always highlights of the year, but this year’s series is shaping up as something really special," he said.

NSW holds the Origin title after breaking eight years of Queensland dominance last year. 

Tickets for Game Three at Suncorp Stadium went on sale at 10am (AEDT) today. Tickets for Games One and Two are already on sale.

Today's launch comes ahead of Melbourne Storm's first home game of the season this Saturday night, against Cronulla.

2015 Holden State of Origin Series

Game I – ANZ Stadium, Sydney, Wednesday, 27 May

Game II – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Wednesday, 17 June

Game III – Suncorp Stadium, Wednesday, 8 July

Click here for tickets to all three games

Source: http://www.nrl.com/holden-state-of-origin-series-launched-in-melbourne/tabid/10874/newsid/84597/default.aspx

Giant Rabbits At South Perth Foreshore for Fiesta Festival

Giant rabbits have appeared on the South Perth foreshore in March, as part of the Fiesta Festival.

The City of South Perth's arts and events co-ordinator Sabrina Bruni told 6PR Radio the giant, illuminated and inflatable rabbits would appear along the South Perth Foreshore from March 15 to 21.

They will be at various locations along the foreshore, some as tall as seven metres, others as long as seven metres.

Ms Bruni couldn't reveal exactly how many rabbits would be on the foreshore but did confirm they would multiply through the week.

"As part of the festival we have a theme called transformation, which is all about transformation of spaces. We thought what better way to transform our iconic foreshore," Ms Bruni said.

The rabbits, designed by Australian Amanda Parer, were originally made for the Vivid Light Festival in Sydney.

After the giant rabbits make their Perth debut, they will then travel to France, the UK and US.

Fiesta 2015 will run from March 8-21.
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South Perth Fiesta 2015

FIESTA returns in 2015 to ‘Transform’ our City as we celebrate the City’s past, present and future identity. Throughout 7 - 21 March see illuminating public art, roving food vans dotted along our streets and temporary play areas popping up in unique spaces across the City!

New in 2015, Fiesta will partner with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to co-present the Perth heat of the Deadly Funny comedy competition. All the way from Tasmania and fresh from Vivid Festival in Sydney, artist Amanda Parer brings her oversized glowing rabbits to the City’s foreshores as part of her temporary art installation, ‘Intrude’. 

Festival favourite, the Angelo Street Marketplace will once again return on the 8 March and will feature more stalls, stages, food, pop up bars and fashion. 

In 2015 the Fiesta Concert will feature iconic Australian band, Thirsty Merc. Straight off the back of their AAA album tour, Thirsty Merc will perform all their favourites such as ‘Someday, Someday’ and ‘In the Summertime’ plus showcase the acoustic hits from their recent album. 



The Concert will commence from 5pm on Saturday 21 March and will include pre-show entertainment, kids’ activities and a food vendor area. Indie pop newcomer Montaigne will get the stage activities underway followed by The Jungle Giants who promise to energize the evening with their infectious catchy tunes! The event will conclude with the spectacular Pagoda Resort & Spa fireworks to mark the finale of this two week summer celebration.

Keep an eye out for the programme distributed to all City households in February 2015 or download a copy of the programme here.