Santa Delivers Festive Spirit to Ipswich

Santa has a chat on Saturday with excited youngsters Blaise and Corey Wyatt.

SANTA Claus made a spectacular arrival in Ipswich aboard his sleigh, pulled by real-life reindeer Vixen and Cupid. 

Hundreds of shoppers turned out to welcome Santa and Mrs Claus as they weaved their way through the Riverlink shopping centre on Saturday. 

Their arrival was celebrated with a magical parade featuring fairies, angels on roller-skates, a gingerbread man, elves and carollers. 

Families lined the aisles as the procession made its way around the centre before concluding at the Gasometer area outside Cold Rock, where children were able to pet Vixen and Cupid and the other baby reindeer. 

The parade was complemented by a Christmas elves song and dance stage show, face painting, craft demonstrations and Christmas carols. 

HO, HO, HO: Santa with his helpers and reindeer tour Riverlink Shopping Centre on Saturday

Riverlink marketing manager Robyn Bannister-Tyrrell said Santa's arrival was well received by customers.

"We wanted to get shoppers into the Christmas spirit and enjoying themselves while doing their Christmas shopping," Mrs Bannister-Tyrrell said 

She said Santa's arrival would be followed by a series of family fun and entertainment events, including carollers and visits from the man in red in the lead-up to Christmas. 


Children will be able to have their photo taken with Santa daily in the East Mall, near Medicare, until December 24.

FEDERER LEADS ALL-STAR BRISBANE LINE-UP

Four of the Top 20 men – including tennis superstar Roger Federer – will headline Brisbane International 2014 presented by Suncorp.

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer will lead a strong men’s field, which features Top 20 players Kei Nishikori, Gilles Simon and Kevin Anderson alongside a raft of rising talent.

Brisbane International 2013 runner-up Grigor Dimitrov returns to the Sunshine State looking to go one better in 2014, but will be forced to overcome a world class field including local hopes Lleyton Hewitt (SA), Marinko Matosevic (Vic) and 18-year-old wildcard Nick Kyrgios (ACT) in his pursuit of the title.

Brisbane International Tournament Director Cameron Pearson said the 2014 field was one of the strongest in the event’s history.

“The calibre of the field assembled for Brisbane International 2014 is one of the greatest on record, and we’re certainly looking forward to welcoming the world’s top players to Queensland Tennis Centre in December,” he said.

“To have Roger Federer and Serena Williams headline the event, and a line-up that features four of the world’s Top 20 men and six of the Top 10 women, is a remarkable result and testament to the high regard the players have for the tournament.

“It’s thanks to the incredible support the event receives from Queensland tennis fans that so many of the world’s leading players have chosen to start their 2014 campaigns here in Brisbane, and consider the tournament their ideal lead-in to the Australian Open.

“Tennis fans can certainly look forward to eight days of world class action from some of the biggest stars of the game in 2014.”

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said she looked forward to seeing the world’s top tennis players step onto Pat Rafter Arena in December for one of Queensland’s most highly anticipated sporting events.

“We look forward to welcoming some of the biggest names in world tennis to Brisbane International 2014, now in its sixth year, and wish all the players the very best,” Ms Stuckey said.

“I have no doubt this exceptional line-up of tennis talent will attract bumper crowds to Brisbane for the event.

“The Queensland Government is proud to support Brisbane International 2014 as part of its goal to double the annual overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.”

The official ATP field for Brisbane International 2014 is as follows:

Player – Emirates ATP Ranking
Roger Federer (SUI) – 6
Kei Nishikori (JPN) – 17
Gilles Simon (FRA) – 19
Kevin Anderson (RSA) – 20
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) – 23
Jurgen Melzer (AUT) – 27
Feliciano Lopez (ESP) – 28
Dmitry Tursunov (RUS) – 29
Jeremy Chardy (FRA) – 34
Julien Benneteau (FRA) – 35
Marin Cilic (CRO) – 37
Jarkko Nieminen (FIN) – 39
Robin Haase (NED) – 43
Denis Istomin (UZB) – 45
Sam Querrey (USA) – 46
Nicolas Mahut (FRA) – 50
Adrian Mannarino (FRA) – 60
Lleyton Hewitt (AUS) – 61
Marinko Matosevic (AUS) – 62
Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) – 67
Igor Sijsling (NED) – 69
Nick Kyrgios (AUS) – 186 [WC]
WC – wildcard

Source: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2013/11/47/Federer-Headlines-In-Brisbane.aspx

Barmy Army: England Cricket Supporters Hit Brisbane, Head Straight to the Pub

The Barmy Army is here to support this lot. No wonder they need a drink. Getty Images Source: Getty Images

THEY'RE loud, they're proud and they threaten to drown out the Gabba crowd.

For the second time this year, Brisbane has gone barmy with the arrival of thousands of English cricket tragics ahead of tomorrow's first Ashes Test of the summer.

It follows the midyear rugby tour of the British and Irish Lions which injected millions of dollars in to the state's economy.

The Barmy Army have made Brisbane's Pig N Whistle their unofficial capital over the past two days as they warm up for another summer of chanting, sledging and drinking under the hot Aussie sun.

They were met there by former Aussie paceman Jeff Thomson, who knows a thing or two about terrorising English batsmen.

Barmy Army co-founder Paul Burnham said Queensland-raised Aussie paceman Mitchell Johnson was already in their crosshairs for some good-natured sledging in a bid to shake his confidence.

"Mitchell Johnson copped a lot of stick last time," he said.

"We think he is pretty fragile so we will target him with some of the chants we used last time and a few new ones as well.

"We'll probably give Michael Clarke a bit of a go as well, but mostly it will be about getting behind our team and being as loud and supportive as we can."

During the Lions tour, Aussie rugby fans were often drowned out by the cheers of the Brits, but Fanatics tour manager David McClatchey said Australian sports fans were slowly catching up.

"The singing and chanting is great for atmosphere, but it's always been a British or European thing that a lot of Aussie sports fans haven't really bought in to until pretty recently," he said.

A bunch of Barmy Army invaders met Jeff Thomson at the Pig and Whistle in the Brisbane CBD. Thousands of English cricket fabns have descended on brisbane for the first Ashes Test. Source: News Corp Australia

"But we're seeing in the A-League (soccer) there's plenty of singing now so the tide is turning."

Cricket Australia expects up to 50,000 British tourists during the series, with almost 10,000 packages booked through official tour channels.

Thousands more will travel independently.

Almost all of Brisbane's 10,000 hotel rooms are booked solid for the next six days, giving the city's tourism industry its biggest week in years.

Donna Rodios from leading travel agency wotif.com said bookings were up 22 per cent on Brisbane's last Ashes Test three years ago.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind said the Ashes clash would deliver huge benefit to the city.

"It's a multi-day event for a start and it stretches in to the weekend which is great when you want to fill hotels in the city," he said.

"And there is such keen interest in this contest throughout the cricket-playing world and when you think of Britain and India, they are two of our biggest markets."

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.

Ashes 2013-14: Brisbane Ground Guide, History and Statistics

"The Harmison ball". Three words that still strike fear into any England supporter

Its official name is the Brisbane Cricket Ground, but the famous stadium on Vulture Street in the suburb of Woolloongabba is universally known as the Gabba. 

Handed Test status in 1931, the modern Gabba is not quite the "bear pit" of old, and is now capable of holding 42,000 fans in the vast stands encircling the arena in a manner not dissimilar to Melbourne's MCG.

Despite its redevelopment, the "Gabbatoir" remains an intimidating venue, where the Barmy Army trumpeter was ejected in 2006, and four years later even fans carrying bags with multiple zips  fell foul of the entry regulations.

England's poor record in the Queensland heat - only two wins in their last 17 Test visits, in 1978 and 1986 - has cemented Brisbane's place as the traditional first Test venue for each Ashes series.

Ashes Tests: 19 (Australia won 10, England won four, with five draws)

First Ashes Test: 10-16 February 1933 - a timeless Test, the fourth of the notorious "Bodyline" series. England's hero Eddie Paynter was suffering with tonsillitis when he rose from his hospital bed to make 83 in the first innings, before hitting a six to win the match and regain the Ashes in the second innings.

Highest Ashes total: 645 all out by Australia in November 1946, in the first Ashes Test after World War II. Don Bradman made 187, adding 276 with Lindsay Hassett (128).

Lowest Ashes total: 58 all out by Australia in December 1936. Needing 381 to win, they were skittled in 12.3 overs by England captain Gubby Allen (5-36) and Bill Voce (4-16).

Highest individual Ashes score: 235 not out by England's Alastair Cook on their last visit in November 2010. His match-saving innings lasted 625 minutes and 428 balls.

Most Ashes runs: 464 by ex-Australia skipper Ricky Ponting, who made two centuries and two fifties on four visits between 1998 and 2010, averaging 92.80.

Best Ashes bowling (innings): 8-71 by legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne in November 1994, when he spun them to a 184-run victory and returned match figures of 11-110.

Most Ashes wickets: 22 by Aussie seamer Glenn McGrath, who collected six-wicket hauls in 1998 and 2006.

Ashes runs scored: 10,500, for the loss of 271 wickets at an average of 38.75 runs per wicket.

Ashes boundaries: 1,073 (1,041 fours, 32 sixes)

Venue: The Gabba, Brisbane

   

Date: 21-25 November

   

Start time: 00:00 GMT

Coverage: Ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio 4 Long Wave and via the BBC iPlayer Radio app, BBC Sport website & BBC Sport app; updates on BBC Radio 5 live; live text commentary on BBC Sport website, app & mobile devices

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

The Observer Boyne Tannum HookUp Fishing Competition Gladstone

The Boyne Tannum HookUp is Australia's top family fishing competition! The HookUp offers the simple joy of discovering the art of fishing and the strength of the human spirit. 

The 2014 HookUp has had a change and will run on the first weekend in May, and promises to be bigger and better than ever. The entertainment line up will blow you away with the NRL sending nine current and retired players to join the HookUp.

The prize pool for this years event is a cracker! Ten boats up for grabs, plus holidays, fishing gear and more!

Information:

Entry Cost Adult:$85.00 These costs are only applicable to those wishing to participate in the event or be eligible to win prizes. From: 02-May-2014 To:04-May-2014 Child (3 - 16 yrs):$40.00 These costs are only applicable to those wishing to participate in the event or be eligible to win prizes. Junior competitors must be under the age of 16 years but no less that three years at the time of the event. From: 02-May-2014 To:04-May-2014

Opening Hours Public Holiday: Official opening time is 0700 on Friday 2 May ...... 0700 Contact Us Tollfree: 1300 664 199 Email: enquiries@boynetannumhookup.com.au Website: www.boynetannumhookup.com.au

Details

Disabled Access:

Yes. The venue is located at an outdoor venue which wheelchairs may be able to traverse

Hello Kitty Flanagan - Live in Gladstone

Kitty returns with her highly anticipated new show and this time she answers all the difficult questions: What’s wrong with teenagers? Why are babies so angry? 

What snackfoods should be avoided when dating? Should cabaret be outlawed? 

When did rappers start hating on ladies? Is it okay to take hot beverages into the dunny can? Is dunny can an acceptable term for toilet? What makes ham so delicious? Which religion is best for me? And of course, are all women who own cats mental?

“If you’ve seen Flanagan on The 7pm Project and Good News Week you’ll have an idea of what to expect but she’s even better – and faster – live.” The Independent Weekly

*15years+ show

TIME: 8pm

TICKETS:

Adults: $44.90

Friends of the Theatre: $39.90
Pensioner/Senior Card Holder: $39.90
Students (17 yrs and under): $39.90
Tertiary Students:$39.90
Groups (10+): $39.90ea