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 

Gladstone Region and Reef Have the Best Fish Around

Matt Branthwaite holds up a solid north west red emperor.

THIS is the last of my columns for the year and I just wanted to reflect on some of the awesome fish which have been caught around the region during that time.

We are so blessed to have a spectacular river and estuary system on our door step which consistently yields arguably the biggest barra in Australia. 

In addition, I think we have the best muddies, prawns, grunter, massive king or threadfin salmon, schools of blue salmon, monster black jew, pull-your-arms-off fingermark, the sweetest tasting whiting, and bream so big that you can knock a fillet off them and come home with 2kg of fillets. 

On top of that, we go through to cobia off the beach, flathead which consistently go over length and have to be released, and so much more. 

That's just the inshore stuff! 

Offshore the fishing we have here is something that the Mexicans (south of the border) and our south-east Queensland counterparts drool over. 

Having been part of the Boyne Tannum Hook-up since its inception, I have seen some of the biggest mackerel caught up at Rundle Island weighed in, coral trout which would cost an absolute fortune. 

But what about the solid red emperor, or the sweetlip, or as "Time Chrutchill" (Tim Churchill) refers to them, RTE (red throat emperor)? 

The Gladstone region, and the Southern Barrier Reef is a very cool place to work, rest, invest, and play; and all of us, who live here, know that. 

The places we can visit in a boat are spectacular and at times you have to pinch yourself to ensure you aren't dreaming. 

Place like Yellowpatch, Pancake Creek, Seven Mile, or up Grahams Creek on a still foggy morning when the water is like glass and every now and then a "boof" can be heard from a barra having his, or her, brekkie. 

What about waking up beside North West, Masthead, or any of the islands, and reefs, just offshore, and looking over the side into crystal clear water, watching the fish swim along the bottom 10m below. 
So cool. 

It's just a pity the region isn't like that this weekend because this wind looks like continuing through the whole weekend and only possibly dropping out a bit on Monday night. 

There are plenty of unstable weather patterns around this time of the year, so if you are intending on slipping out the front over the Christmas break please ensure that you log onto VMR Gladstone, or Roundhill, if you are coming out of Town of 1770. 

Know what the weather is doing as well as the tides, especially what they are doing when you approach them in current against wind. 

Know your limits, and know the conditions, because it is Christmas and we don't want to lose anyone. 
Finally I'd like to wish you all a very merry, and safe Christmas, and hope that the fat fella brings what you want. 

If you are short of an idea, why not buy Johnny Mitchell's new DVD called Wild Adventures Curtis Island, now available off his website, Pats Tackle World or Barra Jacks in Rocky if you are from up that way. 

Eight years in the making and some of the footage will leave you gobsmacked!

WINTER MAGIC Ice Skating & Tobogganing

Show Times : 20 December 2013

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

* 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/

Birds of Tokyo - Live in Gladstone, QLD

One Night Only - Birds of Tokyo perfrom in Gladstone, QLD

Nationally acclaimed, multi-platinum rock band, Birds of Tokyo take to the new Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Event Stage on Thursday February 6 2014 for CQ’s epic concert event, ONENIGHTONLY.

Support on the night by special guests – Mackay’s Chasing the Jeffery, Brisbane’s Barefoot Alley and Gladstone’s favourite band, being reformed for just this show, Epidemic Over.

You’re in for five hours of Australia’s best contemporary rock with full concert sound and lighting.

TIME: 6.30pm – Doors open 6.00pm
TICKETS: $85

*NB – All ages event – 18+ patrons will be issued a wristband to ensure bar service

Book This Event

JOURNEY The Official Opening Dinner - Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre

Thirty-two years ago, the Gladstone City Theatre was officially opened. Since that time, Gladstone has been on a spectacular journey to become the modern city that it is today. 

Join with us to commemorate the Official Opening of our new Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre and celebrate its journey from humble city theatre to the international-standard facility that it is today.

Be inspired by the courageous journey of Li Cunxin; from an impoverished village in China to become Mao’s Last Dancer and now Artistic Director of the Queensland Ballet.

Be entertained by the exquisite talent of Wendy Matthews, a multi-ARIA Award winner and one of Australia’s leading female singers. Let Wendy share her journey with you from her birthplace in Canada through the United States and now her home in Australia.

TIME: Wednesday, January 22, 2014 – 6.30pm for 7pm start

TICKETS:  *Tickets on sale Tuesday, December 17 from 9am

Per person: $150
Table of 10: $1500

Find Out More and Look to Book - View Source

Summer Saver at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone is offering this Gladstone Summer Saver for $145.00* per night including a late check out of 12 Noon.

Book this Summer Saver at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

View Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

Terms and Conditions:

•     Late checkout of 12.00 noon Saturday & Sunday
•     Offer is available Friday / Saturday / Sunday only
•     Minimum stay of 2 Consecutive nights is required
•     Rate is for up to Two occupants
•     Valid until 31st January 2014

SUNfest Festival - Gladstone 2014

It’s time for some summer holiday fun with the 2014 SUNfest program from the 6th to 17th of January!

There’s plenty for the Lil Kids (10-11yrs) and Youth (12-17yrs) to participate in whilst making new friends and it’s all coordinated by Gladstone Festivals and Events on behalf of Gladstone Regional Council.

For the Youth we’ve got laser skirmish, clay target shooting, skateboard art, mime, clowning and commedia del arte, drama, glee and so much more!

Then there’s lantern making, clay sculpting, drama, paper mache, indoor rock climbing, kite making and even cooking Good Quick Tukka for the Lil Kids!

PLUS you’ll receive a FREE invitation to watch the SUNfest Showcase on the 17th of January; an evening to celebrate the new skills, routines and activities the youth of the region have participated in!

Expressions of Interest

Gladstone Festivals and Events is currently seeking expressions of interest from tutors to conduct activities for youth in January 2014 during SUNfest. For information download the Expressions of Interest prospectus here: Expression of Interest SUNfest 2014

2014 Sunfest Booklet

Please click here for the 2014 Sunfest Booklet Online Version

Please click here for the 2014 Sunfest Booklet PDF Download Version