Ten Reasons Why You Should Check Out the Gladstone Show

THE Gladstone Show kicks off tomorrow, so we've put together a list of ten things on offer not to be missed.

Ten Reasons Why You Should Check Out the Gladstone Show

1. First trucks: The monster trucks are here and ready to cause some mayhem. Gladstone will get to see a brand new monster truck never seen before in Australia. The performance will begin from 6pm Wednesday and consist of car crushing and other tricks.

2. Motor cross: Zac Mckenzie and Jake May will perform their latest tricks including back flips at the free style motor cross event on their motorbikes. The performance will begin after the monster trucks (which start at 6pm) as part of the night performances in the show ring.

3. Wedding cakes: Wedding cakes on display! Some cake entries have been reported to be up to 1m high in this competition. Anyone can enter, as long as they have a killer cake recipe.

4. Syco Sam: Rolling completely on its roof with flashing lights underneath, the Syco Sam bus is one of the all day rides available at the show. It is a kid's favourite Australia-wide.

5. Horticulture: The show will include a horticulture tent holding some of Gladstone's rarest and finest plants on display all day. In previous years organisers have had to re-arrange the tent to make room for all the entries.

6. Bar: Adults can head to the bar throughout the day if they are feeling a bit thirsty after an action packed ride with the kids, or just want to relax and have a drink and watch the performances.

7. Arts and crafts: The arts and crafts tent will be open all day; with award-winning art and needle work and photography on display. Anyone can enter their own exhibits for all of Gladstone to see.

8. Food: Dagwood dogs and hot chips; what better way to celebrate Show day than by indulging in some of the great show foods on offer all over the showgrounds from the moment the gates open to the finish.

9. Show bags: Everybody loves a show bag, and the Gladstone show promises to have hundreds of different show bags, from Spiderman to Dora the Explorer.

10. Fireworks: If you love fireworks, the Gladstone Show is the place for you. To finish off the night there will be a firework show. Stay until 8.30 pm to watch.

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We're Getting Hooked on Big Catches | Gladstone, QLD

WOW! Doesn't a nice weekend on the water make a difference to one's well-being?

The fish were biting, the wind had dropped out and the sea flattened out somewhat, allowing most to get out on the water.

Last week saw a few getting into the black jew. Like Ray Noe, who landed this beauty up near Rundle.

Well done, along with Terrin Sharpe and Jon Pike, who just love showing off their big jewies as well.

The whole region fished very well, with plenty of barra caught in Raglan Creek, the Calliope and right across the whole system.

How about Greg Elliot's barra on the front page of The Observer this week?

What an awesome fish. And there were others - like Andrew Barnes, who caught and released a 1.3m barra, Brent Barnes-Mayman landed a 1.3m cobia, and Mark Bycroft landed a nice 45cm Jack using a vibe lure.

There were so many good catches on the weekend.

Yours truly had the pleasure of being invited out with Johnny Mitchell and although a 3am rise is just not right, I got out on the water at 4am (yawn), fishing the 8-15 mile range outside the entrance to the channel, targeting nannygai, reds, trout and whatever else chewed on the line.

Learning more about the sounder, bait collection and even my method of striking a fish was all part of the learning curve with this chap, and like a good golfing stroke, all these little coaching tips certainly help increase your chances of nailing that fish.

We came home with 17 keepers and ended up with about 8kg of fillets.

Mark Patton was able to slip out on Monday morning before the wind popped up and among his binful was a 5kg grassie sweetlip. Solid fish Mark, well done.

This weekend, Greg Realf and I, along with Glenn Churchill from the GAPDL, are manning the Gladstone and Banana Region's stand at the Brisbane Tinny and Tackle Show in Manly.

The goal is to answer any questions people have about the region and in the past the four of us (Matty Branthwaite helps as well) have been kept pretty busy.

There are a lot of perceptions about our region down south, but as those who slip out on the water can contest, we have it very good, with a variety of places to go and myriad species to target.

The HookUp major prize is a fully kitted out Haines Signature 602F.

The 20th Boyne Tannum HookUp is rapidly approaching, and Darren Brown, from Curtis Coast Marine, posted a photo of the major prize on his Facebook page - a Haines Signature 602F Hardtop fitted out with Garmin electronics and a mighty 150hp Suzuki four-stroke.

Visit www.boynetannumhookup.com.au to enter.

This weekend looks as though it'll be a tad ordinary out front, with 15 knots expected tomorrow afternoon, plus maybe a shower.

Big tides, though, and for the best results the last couple of hours leading up to and down to the high and low tides seem to produce the best results.

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Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre (GECC) | Gladstone Attractions

 The  Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre has recently been redeveloped with an expansion of the adjoining multi-level car park to include an additional three levels of car parking and two levels of commercial office space.

This multi-million dollar redevelopment will establish the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre as one of regional Queensland’s premier entertainment venues, attracting new entertainment, conferences and events never before seen in the region.

Expansion has seen the addition of a new multi-use convention and event floor space that will increase the venue’s capacity to 1,500 standing and allow it to host larger and higher-profile events and concerts.

The new Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre delivers on its designers attention to detail to provide the city with a venue that will perform well into the future.

Find out More about Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre

What's On Around the Gladstone Region this Weekend

LOOKING for something to do in the Gladstone region this weekend? Here's a rundown of some of the events and activities available from April 4 to 6, 2014.

Click here to promote your event on our website for free

FRIDAY

Big weekend of fishing

THE Boyne Tannum HookUp is Australia's top family fishing competition and it kicks off today. 

The 2014 HookUp promises to be bigger and better than ever. The entertainment line up includes nine current and retired NRL players, and celebrity chef Andy Phipps.

The prize pool for this year's event is worth more than $270,000. There are 10 boats up for grabs, plus holidays, fishing gear and for the first time ever - a car.

The competition starts at 7am. Daily weigh-ins will be held between 2-4pm on Friday, and 10-11am and 2-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a filleting demo with the Barefoot Fisherman at 4pm, Phippsy's cooking at 4.30pm, Fish of the Day at 6.05pm, daily prizes presented between 6.10-7pm, and live entertainment throughout the day, with evening entertainment from 7pm.

All the on-shore action will take place at Bray Park, Wyndham Ave, Boyne Island.

Fun night for teens

LIFESTYLE Church will be hosting its first Flipside event for Term 2 at the Lifestyle Centre, 83 Sun Valley Rd, Kin Kora, from 7-9pm.

The event will be themed #HashTagWars and includes action-packed games and competitions for students in Years 7-12.

Entry cost is $3 at the door. See the Facebook page for more information, facebook.com/ flipsideYouthEvents. 

SATURDAY

HookUp continues

ON the cards at the Boyne Tannum HookUp today is the fish weigh-in from 10-11am, Meet and NRL legend at 11am, fish weigh-in from 2-4pm, daily prizes presented from 5.30-7.30pm, and live music throughout the day, plus evening entertainment from 7.30pm.

All the on-shore action will take place at Bray Park, Wyndham Ave, Boyne Island.

Guide Dogs Queensland bowls day

CALLIOPE Central Bowls Club will host a bowls day to support Guide Dogs Queensland and help provide independence, mobility and freedom to people with low or no vision.

The bowls day is a mixed fours event and entry is $20 per bowler, which includes a barbecue after the game.

There are great prizes to be won throughout the event. Phone 4975 6260 for more details.

The bowls club is at 21 Drynan Dr, Calliope.

Charmaine Wilson presents Spirit Whispers show

CHARMAINE Wilson is a world-renowned Australian medium, who has been recognised for her skill and compassion since awakening to her gift in 1999.

She was the winner of Channel Seven's inaugural season of The One, and was also honoured as Queensland Psychic of the Year in 2008 and Australian Psychic of the Year for 2005.

She will present a show at Gladstone Entertainment Centre from 7.30-9.30pm. Tickets cost $50, and those attending must be 16 or older. More details here.

Gladstone Leagues Club reunion

A REUNION for any staff who used to work at the Gladstone and District Leagues Club will be held at Harvey Road Tavern. Anyone who used to work at the club at anytime is invited to attend.

Cost is $10 per person and partners are welcome. For more details, visit the Facebook event page or contact Deborah Martin at deborahmartin75@me.com. 

Chess tournament

THE Gladstone Chess Club will be holding a Central Queensland Junior Chess TournamentSaturday at the CQUniversity Gladstone campus.

Women's international chess master Heather Richards will provide group coaching and game analysis.

Monster cent sale

THE 34th District of Quota International Gladstone Club is holding a monster cent sale at the Gladstone Bowls Club.

There will be lucky door prizes, a cake walk, raffles and much more throughout the day. Doors open at noon for a 1pm start. 

Yoga sessions for kids

REACH Yoga for Kids is a way to assist children to increase coordination, strength and balance, help promote calm, balanced energy, breathing and focus, build emotional awareness and resiliency, promote movement and have fun.

The six-week course is for children aged three to 10 years. It will be held at the Castletower Building, 10 Hayes Ave, Boyne Island, from 10.30-11.15am.

Cost to attend is $50, but the first class is free. Phone 0400 153 480 for more details.

Get fit with Parkrun

STOCKLAND Gladstone and Parkrun Australia faciliate a unique, community run program that provides free weekly timed 5km running events for people of all ages and abilities every Saturday morning from 7am - 8am at Lions Park.

Please register online here prior to your first run.

SUNDAY

Last day of HookUp

TODAY is the last day of the Boyne Tannum HookUp competition, with weigh-ins at 10-11am and 2-4pm.

There will be live music from 9am, and winners will be announced from 6.15pm.

There will be a fireworks display at 7.15pm and the major prize draw from 7.45pm.

Calliope Historical Village Markets

THE Calliope Historical Village Markets are one of the largest in Queensland and are run on a monthly basis along the banks of the Calliope River.

Take the kids along for a trip on the famous miniature train ride or just go along to view the abundance of homewares, fresh produce, plants and bric-a-brac for sale.

The markets in Carrara Rd, Calliope run from 8am to 1pm. Entry is $2.

Auditions for stage musical

HIGH school student auditions for The Chrysalides musical, a romantic comedy, will be held in the St Stephen Lutheran school hall at 1.30pm.

Interested students need to bring along a piece they are comfortable with, know their vocal range and just have some fun.

The Chrysalides musical will be staged in the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on November 7 and 8.

Contact Jill McLeod at ajill.mcleod@bigpond.com or phone 4973 2535.

Cedar Galleries Farmers Market

EVERY Sunday morning Cedar Galleries is a gathering place for families enjoying breakfast, shoppers with baskets gathering up a range of fresh produce and gourmet goodies, stallholders, kids jumping on the castle and alpacas happily handfeeding with visitors at the gate. 

You can even have your tarot or angel cards read.

The market stalls and café breakfast trade runs from 8am until midday every Sunday.

Yachties Sunday Sesh

HEAD to the Gladstone Yacht Club beer garden for an afternoon of bliss on Sunday.

With live music from 2pm, great drink specials and an amazing atmosphere, you can't go wrong with the Yachties Sunday Sesh.

GIGS

Friday

• Yaralla Sports Club: Bingo 10am and 1pm
• Queens Hotel: Dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Gladstone Bowls: Bingo, 10am; Wolves Soccer Club bingo, 7.30pm
• Club Hotel: 888 PL Poker registration 6.30pm for 7.30pm start
• Agnes Water Tavern: Karaoke from 8pm
• The Grand Hotel: T.G.I Friday from 5pm: Alex Matheson-Brown & Nathan Bedford

Saturday

• Yaralla Sports Club: Free Poker, 7pm
• Queens Hotel: Dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Grand Hotel: 888 PL Poker, registration from 1pm for 2pm start
• Tannum Sands Hotel: Live music, 8.15pm
• Agnes Water Tavern: Little Big Foot from 8pm
• Diceys: Diceys Playboy party: Nathan Bedford from 8pm
• BITS Bowls Club: Josh Harris & Alex Matheson-Brown from 6.30pm

Sunday

• Young Aus Hotel: Raffles, 11.30am
• Queens Hotel: 888 PL Poker, registration 1pm for 2pm start
• Yaralla: Bingo, 1pm
• Railway Hotel: Sunday session, 2pm
• Gladstone Bowls: Wolves Soccer Club bingo, 7.30pm
• Agnes Water Tavern: Stephen Miles from 2pm
• Tannum Sands Hotel: Nathan Bedford & Tom Weber from 2pm

MOVIES

Friday

• The Amazing Spider-Man 2: 9.30am, 12.30pm, 2.45pm, 7.30pm
• Mr Peabody and Sherman: 9.30am (Movie Mums $8), 4pm
• The Grand Budapest Hotel: 9.30am, 7pm, 9.45pm (GR)
• Muppets: Most Wanted: 10.15am (Movie Mums $8)
• The Lego Movie: 10.40am, 5.30pm
• Divergent: 10.45am, 4pm, 8.45pm
• The Other Woman: 11.50am (GR), 12.35pm, 1.50pm, 2.55pm, 4.10pm (GR), 5.15pm, 7.30pm, 9pm (GR), 9.10pm
• Transcendence: Noon, 2.20pm, 4.40pm, 6.30pm (GR), 6.45pm, 9.05pm
• Captain America: Winter Soldier: 1.25pm, 3.30pm, 6.15pm, 8.50pm
• Bad neighbours: 11.40am, 2.05pm (GR), 2.30pm, 6.40pm

2014 Brisbane to Gladstone Multihull Notice of Race

The Notice of Race for the 50th Brisbane to Gladstone Multihull Race to be held over Easter 2014 has just be released. Celebrating its 50th year the event incorperates the Race Fleet, Follow the Fleet Multihull Cruisers and a Multihull Cruise Rally it is going to be spectacular for all involved. This is a very special year for our club and for the promotion of multihulls so come along and join in the fun.

The notice of race can be found via this link.

  

Source: http://www.multihulls.net.au/2014-brisbane-to-gladstone-multihull-notice-of-race/

SUNfest Encourages Youngsters to Try New Activities

SUNFEST is getting kids off the couch and encouraging them to be active with lots of sports available to try.

Last week kids at SUNfest got a chance to try out different sports including squash, abseiling, indoor rock climbing and skateboarding.

Week two of SUNfest is shaping up to be very active.

On Monday youths around the region tried their hands at water sports including: surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking in Seventeen Seventy.

Head to the hockey grounds for Hook in2 hockey, a program teaching kids the basic skills of hockey to get them involved in Gladstone's hockey scene.

If hockey isn't for you then head next door to the Gladstone tennis/squash complex to give tennis a go.

Or head to the Awoonga headwaters adventure day to learn more about the environment while swimming, walking and canoeing.

WHAT'S ON

TODAY

• PCYC master chef day.
• Summer Reading Club Craft Gladstone City Library. Time: 9.30am.
• SUNfest photography workshop at Canoe Point. Time: 9am-noon. Cost: $15.
• SUNfest hot shoes/flash mob dancin' in the street at St Stephens Lutheran College, Time: today and tomorrow 9am-3pm. Cost: $30.
• SUNfest Lil' Kids klay kreetures clay workshop at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Time: 10am-noon. Cost: $10.
• SUNfest Lil' Kids wirework wildlife at Tondoon Botanic Gardens and Calliope Community Centre. Time: 10.30am-12.30pm (Gladstone), 2-4pm (Calliope).

TOMORROW

• PCYC Rockhampton Zoo excursion. Cost: $12 addition to standard day fee.
• Scrapbook Fantasies, 2pm cardmaking and 3.30pm scrapbooking.
• SUNfest Hook in2 Hockey, at Rigby Park. Time: 9am-noon. Cost: $6 (booked ticket).
• SUNfest recycled lanterns at PCYC. Time: tomorrow and Thursday 10am-3pm. Cost: $20 for both days.
• SUNfest Awoonga headwaters adventure day. Meet up at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Time: 8am-5pm. Cost: $35 (booked ticket).
• Summer Reading Club Craft, Calliope and Agnes Water libraries 9.30am.

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Jam-packed Week of Holiday Fun as SUNfest Gets Underway

SUNfest got started yesterday with a variety of activities for youngsters around the region.

Children at Seventeen Seventy battled it out with Lazer Skirmish and Gladstone kids showed their creative side at the SUNfest Lil' Kids Creative Tangle Doodle Art workshop, where they learned how to draw things using their hands as a pattern.

The Young Dancers Company began their five-day dance workshop, allowing aspiring dancers to try hip-hop, jazz, ballet, tap and contemporary dance styles.

On Tuesday the PCYC is venturing to the Botanic Gardens for an Amazing Race event and Bunnings is holding a mask-making workshop.

The Gladstone Regional Libraries' Summer Reading Club craft sessions start on Tuesday. Children can make disguises, finger-print art and crack the mystery parcels.

The Summer Reading Club is also a competition; to win a prize kids need to have read 10 or more books and whoever reads the most will win a bike.

SUNfest heats up later this week with more Laser Skirmish, claymation music videos, photography, drama and jewellery-making workshops.

SUNFEST PROGRAM

TUESDAY

Laser Skirmish at Canoe Point. Time: 12.30-3.30pm and 4-6.30pm.

War-Gaming and Introduction to Tabletop Gaming at Calliope Community Centre. Time: 1-4pm.

Paintball Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Time: 8.30am-2.30pm.

Lil' Kids Papier Mache Fish workshop at Mt Larcom Room and Boyne Tannum.

WEDNESDAY

Laser Skirmish at Tondoon Botanic Gardens. Time: 12.30-3.30pm and 4-6.30pm.

Photography workshop at Tondoon Botanic Gardens. Time: 9amnoon.

Claymation Music Videos at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery and Museum. Time: January 8-9, 10am-3pm.

Lil' Kids Funky Paper Bead Jewellery workshop at PCYC. Time: 9am-noon.

Lil' Kids So You Think You Can Act at Boyne Tannum Community Centre. Time: January 8-9, 9am-2pm.

THURSDAY

War-Gaming and Introduction to Tabletop Gaming at Boyne Tannum Community Centre and Gladstone City Library. Time: 1-4pm.

Squash at Gladstone Tennis/Squash Complex. Time: 3-5pm.

Melted Madness crayon art workshop at Boyne Tannum Community Centre. Time: 13pm.

Overnight Escape to Awoonga Dam and Harmony Farm Activity excursion. Time: 8am.

Lil' Kids Paper Mache Fish Workshop at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery. Time: 9.30am-12.30pm.

Lil' Kids Indoor Rock Climbing, Abseiling and Sportwall at Tannum Fitness Centre. Time: 9am-1pm.

FRIDAY

Skateboard Art workshop at Police Citizens Youth Club Time: 1-4pm

Mini Me Puppets Bunkaru style puppet workshop at Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum Time: 10am-noon

Party On at the Pool/Zorb Balls at the Gladstone Aquatic Centre Time: 4-8pm

Lil' Kids Funky Paper Bead Jewellery Workshop for 10-11 year olds at Boyne Tannum Community Centre Time: 9am-noon

Lil' Kids Skateboard Art Workshop for 10-11 year olds at Police Citizen Youth Club Time: 9am-noon

Lil' Kids The Amazing Art Race for 10-11 year olds at Canoe Point Time: 1.30-3.30pm


Lil' Kids Recycled Wearable Art for 10-11 year olds at Tondoon Botanic Gardens Time: 9-11am

WINTER MAGIC Ice Skating & Tobogganing

Get your skates on Gladstone it’s time for a white Christmas.

From Friday 20 December 2013 right through to Sunday 26 January 2014 the GECC Marquee transforms into a winter wonderland. Ice skating and tobogganing on real ice in the middle of a Gladstone summer. What else could we want for Christmas?

This is the coolest fun for all ages and very affordable. Daily sessions at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm, 4pm and 7.30pm. Evening Sessions on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

Bring gloves (‘cos ice is cold), socks for safety and comfort plus helmets for the little ones are optional. Bookings aren’t necessary but if you are coming in from out of town and want to be sure of a skate send a text to 0421788605 with the number of skaters, session time and your name.

Social Club looking for a novel Xmas venue? Hire the rink for your social club night – available on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday nights by phoning 0421788605.

Ticket Prices:

• Over 14 – $18
• Children 6 to 14 – $16
• Children 3 to 5 – $10
• Family – $60.00*
• Pensioners & Health Card Adult $15 Child $12
•  Toboggan – 6 rides for $5.00
•  Cool Deal – Parent & Child (3 to 5 years) $22
• Show Times : 20 December 2013

* Family Ticket: 1 parent and 3 children or 2 parents and 2 children. Additional family member $13 – child only.

Tickets can only be purhased at the GECC Marquee from Friday 20 December 2013. Not available online or from the GECC Box Office.

Access to the GECC Marquee from the Car Park via Oaka Lane behind the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

Book Online at: http://www.gladecc.com.au/whats-on/winter-magic/

Adrenaline Packed Holiday on Offer for SUNfest Participants

Cameron Smith, 13, Corey Stenzel, 12, Nathan Davis, 15 and Tallis Threadingham, 12.

AN ADRENALINE packed holiday adventure awaits those participating in SUNfest 2014.

The popular holiday program for youth aged 10 to 17, which is sponsored by Gladstone Regional Council,will be back with a bang in January, offering more than 50 activities to choose from.

There is plenty of action on offer with pistol shooting at Calliope and go-karting in Rockhampton, as well as the opportunity to play laser skirmish or paintball (15-17 years only).

Council's community services portfolio spokesperson councillor Maxine Brushe said the action wasn't only land based with the local waters of Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy offering plenty of fun.

"Youth can learn the basics of surfing with local surfing legend Grom, find out what all the fuss is about when it comes to stand-up paddle surfing, or enjoy a spot of kayaking," Cr Brushe said.

"Or for the ultimate adventure, there's the Overnight Escape to Awoonga Dam and Harmony Farm.

"Participants will pitch a tent and camp under the stars at Ubobo as part of this two-day adventure from January 9-10 which also includes canoeing and exploring plus horse riding, games and fun on the flying fox."

SUNfest 2014 runs from January 6-17 and once again includes activities for children aged 10-11 years in a program called Lil' Kids.

Tickets will be available for purchase from the the ticketing website www.gladecc.com.au, by phoning the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre on 4972 2822 or in person at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Box Office, the Boyne Tannum Community Centre, Miriam Vale Council Office, Calliope Council Office and Mt Larcom and Agnes Water Rural Transaction Centres.

Proof of a participant's age and completion of an indemnity form are part of SUNfest entry requirements.

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