Rockhampton Events Listings

45

A Rockhampton Art Gallery exhibition - In 2012 Rockhampton Art Gallery turns 45! This exhibition celebrates the significant yet diverse permanent collection through works that relate to the number 45 and important acquisitions from the past 45 years. The permanent collection of art at Rockhampton Art Gallery is a valuable resource, forming the basis of many exhibitions for the enjoyment of the Gallery's visitors. The significance of the collection has been a drawcard for local, national and international audiences.

A Sense of Occasion: 50 Years of Party Dresses

The Rockhampton Art Gallery plays host to a touring exhibition drawn from the Darnell Collection, New South Wales. “A sense of occasion: Fifty years of party dresses” is an exhibition of ball gowns and cocktail dresses from the 1920s to the 1960s. The collection of gowns from France, the United States, Italy, Australia and New Zealand will explore the social history of fashion, legendary designers, style influences and inspirations. The exhibition encompasses different eras and themes including: The Roaring 20s, Hollywood glamour, Dior’s ‘New Look’, Debutantes dress for Society and ‘Mad Men’ cocktail hour. Considered the largest private vintage clothing collection in Australia, it has over 5,500 pieces representing 23 different countries with many internationally recognised 20th century designers such as Lucile, Vionnet, Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, Pucci, Jean Muir, Zandra Rhodes, Westwood, Versace and Dolce and Gabana among a catalogue of design greats.

Aprils Fool

April’s Fool is a true story of love, family, strength and the choices we make. In April 2009, two weeks short of his nineteenth birthday Toowoomba teenager Kristjan Terauds died due to complications from illicit drug use. Inspired by ‘April’s Fool’, an account of his son’s death by Kristjan’s father, the Empire Theatre commissioned award-winning playwright, David Burton to bring this story to the stage. Using the words of Kristjan’s friends and family interviewed over many months the result is a powerful mix of sadness, loss, and ultimately love, laced with humour. April’s Fool promises to be a thought-provoking and ultimately optimistic reflection on how we all live our lives. A theatre experience that reflects Kristjan himself – loving, warm, generous, open, honourable, gentle, complex and provocative. Suitable for patrons aged 12 and over. There is mild coarse language.

Archer Park Bush Poets

If you enjoy bush poetry and song don’t miss this year’s series of Bush Poetry and Song Barbecue Evenings at Archer Park Rail Museum. This event will be held at the Archer Park Rail Museum. If you enjoy meeting new people you will not go wrong with a wonderful night that offers great value for money. For more details call Dennis at the Archer Park Rail Museum.

Archer Park Rail Museum Family Fun Day

Several times each year Archer Park hosts a number of community organisations and special activities with a 'gold coin' admission. These Family Fun Days (previously known as Carriage Shade Capers) are normally the last Sunday of alternate months beginning with April. Special activities typically include displays of military artefacts, blacksmithing, military gaming and railway modelling, woodworking, and rail heritage displays. Step back in time to an era when steam trains reigned, with a visit to the Archer Park Rail Museum - with all the bells and whistles!

Beef Australia

Every three years beef producers, breeders and industry stakeholders come together in Rockhampton Queensland to participate in one of the world's great beef cattle events 'Beef Australia'. Australia's National Beef Exposition features national stud, carcasses and commercial cattle competitions as well as on farm property tour. There will be over 40 industry seminar topics and hundreds of domestic and international trade exhibitors. See the website for more details.

Beef City Rodeo

Don't miss the Beef City Rodeo at the Great Western Hotel this year. Held during Rockhampton's famous Beef Australia week, the Rodeo will see top riders competing for massive prize money. The Great Western's unique indoor rodeo arena will draw visitors from around the nation for this major rodeo event.

Biddies

Biddies finds five ordinarily marvellous women back in their infants school classroom plying their needles in a good old-fashioned session of “stitch and bitch”. Their confessions are frank, their rivalries intense and their jokes outrageous. They discover a common frustration with the limitations of being female and mature in a world still largely defined by men. Accidentally locked in the classroom, with nothing but ingenuity, Adora Cream Wafers and a bucket to get them through the crisis, unknown reserves come to the fore. Released from their own constraints, they rediscover their capacity to love, forgive - and take control. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em! Some of Australia’s most beloved actresses Maggie Blinco, Annie Byron, Jeanie Drynan, Donna Lee and Linden Wilkinson bring this delightful new comedy to the stage. You’ll laugh till you cry. Vulnerable, feisty and in full bloom, these gals are everything - except old!

Bike 4 Life

Bike4Life is a cycling event for people of all ages, sizes and abilities. The third annual Bike 4 Life event will be run in conjunction with Capricornia Sporting Wheelies and the Amy Gillet Foundation. Riding a bike is a great way to get healthy, stay in shape and is an activity that can be enjoyed by all. So why not join them this year and find out what all the excitement is about. With four different circuits to suit your ability and experience, there’s something for everyone.

Brisbane South versus Capricorn Claws - Netball Queensland State Leage Competition

Support your regional netball team as they battle Brisbane South. The Capricorn Claws participate in the only truly state competition for players in the Open division, the Tier 2 Competition. This competition is part of the highest elite level open Netball competition in Queensland and includes 12 regional teams from the Gold Coast to the Marlin Coast. There are 15 talented netballers in the 2010 squad from Rockhampton, Emerald, Blackwater and Gladstone.

Bullzye Top Guns Series

Join them at the Great Western Hotel for the first of the Bullzye Top Gun series. With the long weekend to enjoy the best Rockhampton has to offer, make sure you don't miss this high energy night of the best of Central Queensland's bull riders. There will be a full bar and restaurant open.

Busby Marou

After a great 2011, Rockhampton's favourite sons are back on tour and will perform at the Pilbeam Theatre. After a stunning response from fans and media, Busby Marou have had similarly good fortune in the live arena selling out their first ever headline tour in July 2011 and scoring coveted support slots with Birds Of Tokyo, Pete Murray, K.D Lang and Dolly Parton. The duo were also the first signing to Warner Music Australia’s indie imprint Footstomp Records. The quality of the songs, Tom Busby’s cheeky on stage presence and Jeremy Marou’s freakish musical ability on all instruments combine to deliver a distinctly Australian way of sharing stories. Their unique song writing brings cracking harmonies, breathtaking musicianship and a natural feel for each others guitars that will leave you wanting more.

Capricorn Claws versus Darling Downs - Netball Queensland State League Competition

Support your regional netball team as they battle Darling Downs. The Capricorn Claws participate in the only truly state competition for players in the Open division, the Tier 2 Competition. This competition is part of the highest elite level open Netball competition in Queensland and includes 12 regional teams from the Gold Coast to the Marlin Coast. There are 15 talented netballers in the 2010 squad from Rockhampton, Emerald, Blackwater and Gladstone.

Capricorn Claws versus Golden South - Netball Queensland State League Competition

Support your regional netball team as they battle Golden South. The Capricorn Claws participate in the only truly state competition for players in the Open division, the Tier 2 Competition. This competition is part of the highest elite level open Netball competition in Queensland and includes 12 regional teams from the Gold Coast to the Marlin Coast. There are 15 talented netballers in the 2010 squad from Rockhampton, Emerald, Blackwater and Gladstone.

Capricorn Claws versus Wide Bay - Netball Queensland State League Competition

Support your regional netball team as they battle Brisbane South. The Capricorn Claws participate in the only truly state competition for players in the Open division, the Tier 2 Competition. This competition is part of the highest elite level open Netball competition in Queensland and includes 12 regional teams from the Gold Coast to the Marlin Coast. There are 15 talented netballers in the 2012 squad from Rockhampton, Emerald, Blackwater and Gladstone.

Caravan Burlesque

Caravan Burlesque is created and directed by Moira Finucane and Jackie Smith The globally acclaimed salon of seductive, subversive, and electrifying acts is here! From multi-award winning Finucane and Smith, creators of global smash hit The Burlesque Hour, comes a travelling emporium that fuses Parisian nightclub with jaw-dropping cabaret and seductive spectacle, tipping a velvet wink to Australia’s wild past of touring vaudeville and variety. Step into this sumptuous salon and be swept away by intoxicating Ethiopian dance and razor sharp wit, sultry songs and underdressed sirens, whip-cracking dames, Bollywood lovegods, sizzling jazz moves, backroom ballet and gothic divas. Packed to the rafters with international stars, Caravan Burlesque has left critics raving and 70,000 audience members worldwide in raptures. So grab your friends, dress to the nines, and swing on board The Caravan. They guarantee you won’t want it to leave… Contains nudity, strobe lighting and smoke effects.

Carl Barron - A One Ended Stick

He grew up in Longreach in Central Queensland the son of a shearer. Moved to the Gold Coast where he became a roof tiler, moved to Sydney and decided to walk on stage at The Harold Park Hotel one night, told everyone how a bird poo-ed on him that day and the rest is history. Carl is Australia's highest selling stand-up comedian on DVD. He has sold more DVDs in this country than any other stand-up comedian. Carl returns with his new show. Get ready for something a little different with Carl's new monologue/stand-up/music show. More Troy stories, worms, ants, acid, and being Carl Barron are all explored. Follow Carl as he looks for things that may not actually be there. Carl is Australia's highest selling stand-up comedian on DVD. He has sold more DVDs in this country than any other stand-up comedian. Ever.

Central Queensland Capras

The Central Queensland Capras are the premier rugby league club in Central Queensland. The Capras represent the whole Central Queensland region from Bundaberg and Gladstone in the south, Emerald and Blackwater in the west to Marlborough in the north. The Capras compete in the state-wide Intrust Super Cup Competition which is the direct pathway to the NRL, and also the Cyril Connell and Mal Meninga Cups for Under 16’s and Under 18’s. The Capras have a very proud and rich rugby league history and heritage within Central Queensland, and provide a true pathway for aspiring junior players to play their junior football in C.Q. for the Junior Capras through to the Intrust Super Cup Level. Trial Game One: Central Queensland Capras versus Central Queensland Indigenous All Stars.

Charmaine Wilson, Spirit Whisperer

Her gift? Connecting the spirit world with the living. Her calling? To bring people out of darkness. Her passion? Helping those coping with grief. Her name? Charmaine Wilson. The Winner of Channel Seven's Hit Series The One and Australian Psychic of the Year. Charmaine Wilson will give her audiences a chance to connect with those who have passed over in order to give messages of peace and love to the living. Having just completed a sell-out tour of Australian capital cities, the remarkable medium brings her special gift back to Rockhampton. Don't miss Charmaine Wilson, the Spirit Whisperer.

Cloudland

The lights dim, the music swells, and wrapped in the magical embrace of Cloudland, the dance begins. An iconic Brisbane building for decades, the Cloudland ballroom was the focus of the city’s social life. Countless romances blossomed under its spinning mirror balls. Romantic, nostalgic, and humorous, Cloudland is based on real-life stories of romance, friendship and war-time relationships. With music performed live on stage by Sean O’Boyle and his fabulous band, set design by Graham Maclean and costume design by Noelene Hill, the production gives an energetic and dynamic portrayal of life, love and dance in Brisbane from the 1940s to the 1980s. Choreographed by François Klaus, this wonderfully entertaining ballet was a sell-out hit at the 2004 Brisbane Festival, and has charmed audiences on a critically acclaimed tour to six cities across Germany and Switzerland. Let the spirited dancers of Queensland Ballet whisk you back in time to Cloudland!

David Campbells Lets Go Tour

David Campbell releases this summer's party album and announces an upcoming national tour. On the back of four top albums featuring tracks from Broadway through to 60s pop, David Campbell is excited to release his next album and labour of love - 'Let's Go'! Featuring David's signature fresh twist on some of the most exciting tracks to come from the early 80s, initially inspired by the revolutionary 'second British invasion' of the 80s, he will perform live on stage with a big band, across the country from early February next year.

Dusty - The Original Pop Diva

After the success of The Boy From Oz earlier this year, Rockhampton Venues and Events is hoping hit the mark again with its 2012 musical, Dusty. Dusty is the story of Mary O'Brien, better known to the world as Dusty Springfield. Written by John-Michael Howson, David Mitchell, Melvyn Morrow, Dusty features over 30 hits including Son of a Preacher Man, Wishin' and Hopin', The Look of Love, You Don't Have to Say You Love Me, I Only Want to Be with You, Who Can I turn to, Little by Little, and Dancin' in the Street. Dusty will be directed by Karen Crone, with a local creative team and local performers.

Great Western Hotel Practise Bullride

Boasting one of the largest indoor arenas in Australia, The Great Western Hotel is one of a kind hosting a full array of Rodeo Events. The arena is always a popular location when the Professional Bull Riders display their spectacular talent. Larry Bumble Bee Barron champion Rodeo Clown, is a colourful character that will always perform daredevil stunts that keep the crowd on the edge of their seats. Practice Bullrides are held every Wednesday and Friday nights, except when there is any event. Come and enjoy a Barbecue Buffet and Practice Bull Ride with free entry.

Heritage Hotel presents Onelove with Helena and Acid Jack and DJ Tuini

Onelove’s Sonic Boom Box Australia Tour is kicking off and do they know how to throw a party. Onelove is sacrificing Helena and Acid Jack to Central Queensland for a night to remember. Please be advised that no DJ’s will be harmed while on the Sonic Boom Box tour. Helena has rocked everything from Gatecrashers and Pacha in London, to the White Isles of Ibiza and Malaysia’s Ministry Of Sound and Stereolab. Now touring the Country, this commander of the Dance floor will be working everyone at HHR into a frenzy. Acid Jack is at the cutting edge of dance music. He is like computers making sweet synthesised digital love while driving a Ferrari. Acid Jack is no mere disco car wash for your ear-drums or some dirty one night ear sex stand. Acid Jack holds centre stage in the court of dance royalty, dance legendary and other dance-isms.

I Bunyip

Do you know what a Bunyip is? What about a Yawk Yawk or the other fascinating creatures that live in Australia? Would you like to meet them? Created by Erth Visual and Physical Inc and developed in consultation with five different Aboriginal communities, I, Bunyip portrays the mystical world of creatures from indigenous folklore. Presented by Rockhampton Regional Council.

John Williamson

Experience the iconic John Williamson at the Pilbeam Theatre, unveiling his new songs from his forthcoming album release. Your chance to hear them performed live first! A modern day poet firmly cemented in the nation’s musical culture, John Williamson’s impressive career spans more than forty years. He has survived and soared in the often cut-throat entertainment industry. His unofficial anthems, tributes to legends and unsung heroes and tender ballads have captured the spirit of the nation in song unlike any other. His honest and passionate songs are synonymous with the country that inspires him and connect him with his countrymen regardless of age, sex or creed. Add to this his ability to deliver unforgettable live concert experiences that combine the perfect blend of humour, romance and campfire stories woven together by his music.

Knight Frank Melbourne Cup Rockhampton Races

Knight Frank Melbourne Cup Rockhampton Races are held at Callaghan Park Racecourse which comes alive in Spring with race meetings held on both Caulfield Cup Day and Melbourne Cup Day. Come and enjoy great racing action and witness the day that stops a nation, the Melbourne Cup. They offer great racing, catering and fun, with a fully air-conditioned grandstand to enjoy the day. The Club has a range of exciting hospitality options designed to suit all tastes and budget.

Les Ballets Eloelle - Men In Pink Tights

Making their World Premiere season in Australia, Les Ballets Eloelle are bringing their new production "Men In Pink Tights" - the most talented and hilarious all-male comedy ballet ever. From the thrilling pirouettes of the male dancers (in male and female costumes) with brilliant choreography to the side splitting humour, Les Ballets Eloelle new show is a show designed for the young and old. These fine-looking and gorgeous soloists have executed with celebrated ballet company's including New York Ballet, The American Ballet Theatre, the prestigious Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, The Royal Swedish Ballet, Berlin State Opera Ballet, English National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet. The New York-based Company is led by creative Director and lead dancer Victor Trevino, who was artistic Director and Lead Dancer in 2007 with the hugely successful Australian and New Zealand tour of “Men in Tutus”.

Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow

Stuffing one of the world’s largest comedy festivals into the one show is no easy feat, but the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has done just that with Roadshow. Local and overseas comedians will be travelling across Australia – and Singapore and Hong Kong – with an ‘all killer, no filler’ event. Roadshow – coming to a town near you! Warning: Performances may contain coarse language, sexual references and material that can offend. It is recommended for people aged 15 years or older.

Morning Melodies

Morning Melodies presents a concert every month this year by some of Australia's finest and most loved performers. The Morning Melodies programme provides great entertainment at affordable prices. Come and experience wonderful shows and savour the full theatre experience, without the late night. Morning Melodies presents a selection of classic productions and musical performances featuring well loved show tunes. Each season is packed with laughs and toe-tapping melodies that you will be sure to enjoy. Come before the show and meet your friends for cuppa and a chat, then sit back and relax as you enjoy together a trip back to the golden years of Hollywood and Broadway.

Motherhood The Musical

Motherhood The Musical: The good, the bad and the laundry. From the Australian Producer of Menopause The Musical® comes an equally hilarious, musical journey about the lives and friendships of four very different mums. Barb, an over-worked, underpaid, stressed-out mother of five; Brooke, the lawyer, who works too much and barely sees her kids; Trisha, a single mum struggling to balance work, her family and her divorce; and finally Amy, the naive young woman about to have her first child. Already receiving rave reviews during its 2011 Australian tour, you’ll love this joyous musical journey as it takes a loving and funny look at the blessings and the perils of being a Mum. This is all about laughing and crying, craziness and calm, smiles and tears, all wrapped up into 90 minutes of great musical entertainment.

MotorMania CQ

Warm up your engines and grab yourself a front-row seat for the highest-octane event ever to be staged in Central Queensland – MotorMania CQ. MotorMania CQ will take place throughout the Rockhampton and Gladstone regions and will consolidate the strength of the existing motorsport associations throughout the region into a major ten-day festival of events, competitions, displays and social occasions. All Central Queensland racing and car racing enthusiasts and organisations are invited to take part in this major motorsport event.

Mrs Prime Minister: Public Image, Private Lives

A Museum of Australian Democracy travelling exhibition, Mrs Prime Minister: Public Image, Private Lives, will be on show. Old Parliament House’s travelling exhibition introduces visitors to the 25 remarkable women who have been wives to past Prime Ministers from 1901 to 2007. Come along and enjoy learning about this history.

Namatjira

Namatjira is a Big hART production, created with the Namatjira Family The rich watercolours of Albert Namatjira’s story are transformed into a momentous theatrical event in Namatjira, a groundbreaking new Australian work by Scott Rankin starring Trevor Jamieson and Derik Lynch. Utilising Jamieson’s elegant physicality, and the music of internationally renowned Genevieve Lacey, this story captures the intense beauty, depth, opportunism, mateship and injustice that has shaped your country. Namatjira is more than a night at the theatre; this is an experience of art, live on stage. Before your eyes, the grandchildren of Albert Namatjira - third generation watercolour artists - assist with the re-telling of his life, filling the stage with a huge landscape drawing of their desert country. Contains infrequent strong language.

Paradise Lagoons Campdraft

The Commonwealth Bank Region and Agribusiness Banking Paradise Lagoons Campdraft is Australia's richest campdraft, with AUD280,000 in prize money and trophies. The event is held at the purpose designed and constructed Paradise Val and Tom Acton MBE Memorial Complex in Rockhampton. The Paradise Lagoons Campdraft is an Australian Campdraft Association (ACA) affiliated draft.

Paul Archer The Good Guys Young Guns Series

The Great Western Hotel Nissan Navara Arena has development programs to help younger generation cowboys improve their abilities and make it to the Professional bullride rankings. With the Help of Paul Archer “The Good Guys”, they are able to hold schools which enable young up and coming cowboys to develop their skills and learn how to ride in a safe and controlled environment. The mentor and trainer keeping a close watch over these young competitors ensure the stock supplied is matched to their capabilities. The Young Guns series is open to a wide age group with the youngest being four years of age and the oldest 32. It has proven to be a successful and enjoyable sport for these young cowboys learning how to ride.

Queensland Open Womens Softball Championships

Softball in the Rockhampton Region continues to go from strength to strength with the announcement from Rockhampton Regional Council and Softball Queensland that the Open Women's State Championship will be held in Rockhampton next year. The event will bring over 240 participants from softball associations throughout Queensland to compete for one of the three titles on offer including the Queensland Cup, Open Championship and President's Cup. Council's Sport and Recreation Committee Chair, Councillor Cherie Rutherford said Council is proud to support not only grassroots softball in the Region but also to assist in attracting state championships to the Region.

Queensland School Basketball State Championships - U15

Queensland Secondary School Basketball conducts two championships each year for secondary students. In 2012, the 15 years and under state championship will be held in Rockhampton. From this championship a boys and a girls state team are selected to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia Nationals. Come along and watch the young talent.

Queensland School Basketball State Championships - U18

Queensland Secondary School Basketball conducts two championships each year for secondary students. In 2012, the 18 years and under state championship will be held in Rockhampton. From this championship a boys and a girls state team are selected to represent Queensland at the School Sport Australia Nationals. Come along and watch the young talent.

Relay for Life Rockhampton

Come and join them at the Rockhampton Relay For Life. A fantastic opportunity to get together with your community to celebrate, remember and fight back against cancer. Remember lay your candle tributes to remember those that we have lost and to give hope to those who continue to inspire us. Fight Back! For your family, your friends, your community.

Remote and Wild

Contemporary landscape photography by Australian Richard Green is on display at the Rockhampton Art Gallery. Remote and Wild captures the untouched, majestic beauty of nature in some of Australia’s wildest places. Powerful and inspiring the collection of over 20 images, many on display for the first time, span the nation from the Top End to the windswept Tasmanian wilderness.

Rockfest

Rockfest is back with a new venue and all new event for Youth Week 2012. In addition to a great headline act and local bands, there will also be a BMX display, hip hop dance displays and workshops, sideshow alley and more. A Rockhampton Regional Council event. This event is a must-see for anyone who loves rock music. Rockfest has become an institution in the Central Queensland calendar, and is the highlight of the local celebrations for National Youth Week. Previous Rockfest concerts have featured Dead Letter Circus, Gyroscope, The Butterfly Effect, Kisschasy, Calling All Cars and Youth Group. Rockfest is a drug and alcohol free event. Free entry. Donation to charity encouraged.

Rockhampton Arcade Markets

Rockhampton's Arcade Markets have everything from fresh seasonal produce to crafts and bric-a-brac. These markets are the place to be each week for all your needs and wants. Visit the Arcade Markets to stock your fridge and cupboards with fresh food, and to find that perfect gift for someone...or for yourself.

Rockhampton Cup Race Day

Come and enjoy the exciting feature race meet for the club, Rockhampton Cup Race Day. This meeting features the AUD100,000 Rockhampton Cup to be run over 1,600 metres. This race meeting has been made possible by the generous sponsorship support of XXXX Gold The Rockhampton Jockey Club has a number of great catering packages and corporate marquee options available and a fully air-conditioned grandstand. Please visit website for package details. Don't miss Rockhampton's Number One social event for the year.

Rockhampton Eisteddfod

The Rockhampton Eisteddfod held annually includes a packed program of speech, dance, vocal, piano and instrumental sections. Official programs will be on sale from the Pilbeam Theatre Box Office close to the event date. Sections (please check official program to confirm venue and times). The Gala Concert will be held on Sunday 3 June and is promised to be a spectacular event with a showcase of section winner's performances.

Rockhampton Girls Grammar School Races

The Rockhampton Girls' Grammar School Races are once again being held in June as a part of the Winter Racing Carnival at Callaghan Park. Come and enjoy all the exciting racing action. The Girls’ Grammar School Rockhampton Race Day Committee have some fantastic marquee options available for the day. This race meeting has been made possible by the generous sponsorship support of The Rock Building Society and XXXX Gold.

Rockhampton Grammar School Race Day

Come and enjoy great racing action at the Annual Rockhampton Grammar School Race Day. The Rockhampton Grammar School Race Day Committee have some fantastic marquee options available for the day and the Rockhampton Jockey Club also has a great catering package on offer. You can also choose to enjoy the fully air-conditioned public grandstand which overlooks the home straight.

Rockhampton Heritage Village Markets

Rockhampton Heritage Village Markets include hand made products, natural organic produce, clothing, art and craft, food and beverage. The Rockhampton Heritage Village Markets have stall holder numbers ranging between 120-150. These Rockhampton Markets often attract a crowd of more than 4,000 people. The Heritage Village is found past the Yeppoon turnoff on the Bruce Highway. There is plenty of off street parking! With live entertainment, working demonstrations, vintage cars, stage coach and horse rides, it's a fun day at the markets not to be missed!

Rockhampton Home Show and Caravan and Camping Expo plus Stitches, Craft and Hobby Expo

The Rockhampton Home Show and Caravan and Camping Expo plus Stitches, Craft and Hobby Expo is on again. With all the best home, lifestyle, building and renovating products from around the region on display in the Home Show and all the latest in camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, camping gear and outdoor adventure and leisure products there will be something to interest everyone. Thousands of visitors return each year to experience a great range of products all in the one location. Another feature of the event is the Stitches, Craft and Hobby Expo located centrally in its own separate pavilion. The Stitches, Craft and Hobby Expo will display an array of art, craft and sewing supplies. The event will have an onsite food court, coffee shops, free kids rides and some great prizes to be won over the weekend.

Rockhampton Netball Association Grand Finals

The 2012 regional netball season will culminate in the Rockhampton Netball Association Grand Finals in September. Over 30 teams from throughout Rockhampton, the Capricorn Coast and the Central Highlands will meet to battle for the top prize in each of their divisions. Come and support your Junior and Senior grade teams.

Rockhampton Netball Association Sullivans Carnival

Netball - the game for everyone! Rockhampton Netball Association caters for all ages and skill levels. The regional Rockhampton Netball Association Sullivans Carnival will be held in Rockhampton in 2012. With multiple divisions playing and teams travelling from around the state to compete, come down and support your local teams.

Rockhampton Riverside Markets

The Rockhampton Riverside Markets are held on the picturesque boardwalk, over looking the Fitzroy River in the Rockhampton Central Business District. With a full range of market stalls, food stalls and live entertainment from resident performers Arabian Nights Belly Dancers and Just Jan MC, be sure to go to these markets on Friday nights from 5pm.

Rockhampton Show

Come along with family or friends to the Rockhampton Show held at the Rockhampton Showgrounds. The three day event will feature action-packed entertainment for the whole family from rides to face painting and shopping arcades. For your entertainment there is a variety of acts and interactive events. Food and beverages can be purchased from various stores. Try your luck at the side show alleys. The children are bound to enjoy their visit and so are the adults. This is an event which tends to get bigger and better every year.

Rockhampton Speedway

Rockhampton City Raceway is centrally located at the Rockhampton Showground's, situated with the city boundary some 1.5 kilometres from the main post office. Rockhampton showground's has been the home for Rockhampton Speedway where motorcycles have raced the circuit since November 1925, being one of the first venues to race under lights. In recent times Rockhampton Showground's has undergone a major refurbishment taking on a six million dollar facelift and capital upgrade. The pits at Rockhampton City Raceway were a major part of the six million dollar face-lift; the entire facility was converted to underground power with transformer upgrades. The total area of the pits covers some three acres and is fully lit hosting abundant power and water facilities. Bitumen roads connect the pits to the racing circuit. Hot food canteens operate at two outlets around the track. There is also a licensed bar elevated above fence height.

Rockhampton Wedding Expo

If you're planning a wedding in 2012, make sure you don't miss the Rockhampton Wedding Expo. Bring your bridesmaid, your groom, your mother or your kids - with live entertainment, catering and a wide range of local exhibitors including celebrants, venue decorators, florists, wedding dress specialists and more, take the hassle out of planning at your local wedding expo.

Rocky Swap

Rocky Swap is in Australia's top three swap events, it was a combine venture between Rockhampton Rotary North and the All Classic Motor Club CQ Inc. to bring lots of swappers together with all sorts of items to sell, coming from as far as Adelaide. The Rocky Swap is one of the biggest events on Rockhampton's calendar, with over 15,000 people expected through the Showgrounds gates. This is a good time to clean out your shed/yard and bring along Car, Bike or Truck Parts, Furniture, Collectables etc. to sell, or come along to buy. There are as many as 800 + Sites and the swap has been running for 14 years.

Ross Noble - Nonsensory Overload

Prepare your brain for a Nonsensory Overload! Ross Noble brings a brand new tour, Nonsensory Overload to Australia. Nonsensory Overload is Noble back fresh from his travels, not to mention his own television show, doing what he does best; spinning forth hilarious nonsense for your amusement. Now is your chance to see one of the best live comics working internationally today. "Brilliantly inventive, quirky stand-up... see him and marvel" The Sun 'Noble turns over as many good ideas in one night as most comics do in a year .. gleeful, free-wheeling silliness' - Chortle 'It's impossible to single out highlights when the entire show is a series of you-had-to-be-there moments' - Time Out Sydney 'every night is different and every night is a total joy' - Time Out 'the great improviser' - The Guardian.

Sesame Street Presents Elmos World Tour

Come along with Elmo and the Sesame Street gang as they circle the globe in this all-singing, all-dancing stage show touring Australia in 2012, and performing in Rockhampton. Abby Cadabby, Big Bird, Grover, Zoe, Cookie Monster and Elmo use the letters of the alphabet to navigate a voyage through imagination that sees the gang visiting China, Zambia, France, India and Australia! Elmo and his friends have fun learning how people sing and dance and say hello in different places, but things don’t go to plan when Cookie Monster eats a letter of the alphabet. Can Abby Cadabby find the right spell to help? Along the way, audiences will also delight in hearing a sensational tale from The Count and will help some back-packing rubber-duckies find a place to stay with Bert and Ernie. Featuring a bunch of classic Sesame Street songs alongside catchy new tunes.

Shifting Sand

Shifting Sand is a new work composed by TaikOz member Graham Hilgendorf. Inspired by the beach and ocean, this is a powerful evocation of the ocean’s many faces. TaikOz’s ethereal sounds, thunderous taiko drumming, dynamic movement and dance seeks to capture the beauty, majesty and force of the ocean. From the delicate play of light on the surface of the sea to the raging fury of winter storms. ‘Taiko’ is the Japanese word for ‘drum’ and TaikOz is Australia’s leading taiko drumming group. A TaikOz performance is more than just the beating of drums: it incorporates a complete world of drumming, song and dance that harks back to ancient Buddhist and Shinto rituals. A TaikOz performance is not just for the ears and eyes, but is felt throughout the entire body. It is a truly visceral experience. Contains high volume music.

St Peters Caulfield Cup Race Day

Come and enjoy great racing action at Callaghan Park on one of the Clubs feature race meetings - St Peters Caulfield Cup Day. Enjoy great racing, catering and fun with a fully air-conditioned grandstand to enjoy the day. This race meeting has been made possible by the generous sponsorship support of XXXX Gold.

The Bayton Award - Entries Open

Entries are now open for The Bayton Award which was launched last week at the Rockhampton Art Gallery. The Bayton Award is a biennial, non-acquisitive prize celebrating the diversity and excitement of visual arts in Central Queensland. Entries are now being called for the award and must be submitted by 3.00 pm on Friday 2 March 2012. The award is open to artists residing in the following Regions and shires: Rockhampton, Gladstone, Banana, Woorabinda, Central Highlands, Isaac, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach, Winton, Barcoo, Diamantina and Boulia. Artists may submit a maximum of two works completed since 1 January 2011 which have not previously been exhibited locally. Entries must consist of no more than two digital jpegs or video/DVD, curriculum vitae (two page maximum), entry form and a AUD20 non-refundable entry fee. A selection of works will be chosen for exhibition at the Rockhampton Art Gallery between 1 June and 14 August 2012.

The Delltones - Better Than Ever

It only seems like yesterday but more than 50 years on The Delltones are still enchanting and energizing audiences with their highly exciting and colourful performances. The Delltones with their rich harmonies, featuring the unique voice of Peewee Wilson still captivate audiences blending their own hits Gee, You’re The Limit, Get A Little Dirt On Your Hands, Come A Little Bit Closer, Hangin’Five with classic DooWop and Pop. Audiences still scream, audiences still shout, audiences still go away singing the songs, dancing the steps, chanting the goofy chants and looking forward to coming back for another dose as soon as they can. The Delltones the band that makes you feel good long after the show is over! If you only go out once this year, don’t miss the Delltones Live – they’re better than ever!

The Imperial Russing Ballets Sleeping Beauty

Following their 2011 sell out performance of A Festival of Russian Ballet, the Imperial Russian Ballet company return to Australia with their presentation of the classic masterpiece “Sleeping Beauty” in three acts. The Imperial Russian Ballet Company combines the unity and integrity of the great Russian ballet schools where traditions are passed on from one generation to another. Sleeping Beauty follows the story of Princess Aurora. During her christening, the King fails to invite the bad fairy Carabosse who then casts a spell on the Princess that will mean she will die from a needle prick at the age of 16. The King tries to protect his daughter by banning all needles but Princess Aurora pricks her finger on her sixteenth birthday. Act 2 is set 100 years later, when a handsome prince stubbles upon the Sleeping Beauty, Princess Aurora.

The Mikado

The Mikado shows a world of forbidden love and delightful satire! A true romantic comedy, Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado is fresh, fun, and cheeky. Set in a Japan that never actually existed, this parody unfolds in the town of Titipu, a place where flirting is a crime punishable by death. Nanki-Poo, the runaway son of the Mikado (the Emperor of Japan) meets and falls in love with Yum-Yum, the young ward of Ko-Ko, a low-cost tailor in the town of Titipu, to whom she is betrothed. All seems lost until he hears that Ko-Ko has been condemned to death for the crime of flirting. Gilbert and Sullivan’s dip into the world of subterfuge and political satire has been thrilling audiences for generations. This colourful production of The Mikado proves that laughter is still the best medicine. Performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Ensemble and the Opera Queensland Ensemble.

The Oxford Street Party

For the seventh consecutive year, The Oxford Street Party held in Rockhampton will host some of Australia's hottest acts. After sold-out crowds for the last five years organisers are pleased to announce some exciting changes! This gathering of sounds will be sure to put the taste of summer in your mouth with some of Australia’s best live and DJ acts rocking the lid off Central Queensland. Rockhampton's Oxford Street Party will be the coolest place to be in the countdown to the New Year.

The Winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition

The Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia is internationally recognised as one of the world’s great piano competitions for up and coming pianists both individually and as soloists with orchestras throughout the world. 36 are selected from live auditions and the prizewinners are announced on the evening of Saturday, 21 July 2012 in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House. As well as the cash prize there are concerts throughout Australia and also in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Previous competitors have been widely lauded on the world stage including Alexander Korsantiya, Piers Lane and, 2008 winner, Konstantin Shamray. “The Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia is an internationally recognised music event that attracts the world’s finest young pianists to Sydney every four years”. Australian Broadcasting Commission.

Troy Cassar-Daley and Band

If you love country music don't miss the iconic Troy Cassar-Daly. Troy is the true spirit of country music and his love of the art and all things Australian comes through in his songs. He has won numerous awards for his music and song writing and continues to do so, such is his love of country music. A larrikin by nature Troy embelishes his shows with humour and anyone fortunate enough to see this performer will thoroughly enjoy themselves.

Twilight Movies - Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emu Park, Gracemere

Rockhampton Regional Council presents Twilight Movies throughout the Region, generally once a month (with some exceptions). The movies are free for anyone to enjoy. Refreshments will be on sale. Movies start promptly at 7.00 p.m. Performances are subject to weather. The venue changes monthly so please check with the organiser.

Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart

Don't miss a rare opportunity to experience one of Germany's finest ensembles, the Chamber Philharmonia, Cologne, performing a diverse program of classics featuring Vivaldi, Bach and Mozart. Classical music the world over” – this is the motto of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne. The permanently expanding repertoire of the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne consists primarily of handpicked pieces. The appeal of the programme lies in the meeting of popular and unknown works from a wide variety of musical epochs. Familiar greats like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Vivaldi in dialogue with works from people such as Sergei Prokofieff through to the “King of Tango” Astor Piazzolla. This promises great diversity, without having to preach to the audience in the process. After all, music is for entertainment and not for instruction. To inspire people across the world to enjoy classical music – that’s what they view as their maxim!

Wrapt in Rocky

Get Wrapped in Rocky for an absolutely fabulous week long 'winter' event in all things fibre art and more. Wrapt in Rocky runs over seven days with five days of tutoring and an Open Day. Sellers, bazaar, traders on site and accompanying lectures and exhibitions. Choose from 16 fantastic workshops in fibre arts ranging from buttony and boxes to felting, silk dying, sashiko, pop up books, quilting, wearable art, leather hand bags, assemblage and weaving. All 16 Wrapt tutors are nationally recognised experts in the fibre art arena. An exciting addition to the program will be provided by the international tutor Carol Barton from the USA. Carol is a book artist, curator, teacher and author renowned for her amazing pop up and sculptural books and for her " How to" guide books The packet Paper Engineer.