Bonus WiFi at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

Book this Bonus Wi-Fi Hot Deal now for some great savings!  

Rate includes complimentary Wi-Fi and car parking.

In the heart of Gladstone, our serviced one bedroom apartments are perfect for short or long stays, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and laundry. 

Book this Bonus WiFi at Metro Hotel and Apartments Gladstone

http://www.metro-hotel-apartments-gladstone.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.815.html

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) Australia Show Tour

Hot on the heels of selling out two shows at London's iconic Wembley Arena, the chart-topping Sydney boys are heading out on the road to play their first-ever headline Australian arena shows, touring in support of their recently released self-titled #1 smash hit debut album - not bad for four teenagers from the Western suburbs of Sydney. 

5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) – Luke, Calum, Michael and Ashton, started the month with an incredible five songs in the top 50 of the ARIA single chart: double platinum debut and worldwide iTunes #1 She Looks So Perfect, UK #2 Don't Stop, Amnesia, Kiss Me Kiss Me and Everything I Didn't Say. The lyric video for their upcoming single, Amnesia, has already had more than 5.7 million views.

5SOS are a worldwide success with more than 92 million views on YouTube, more than five million fans on Facebook, a combined 15-million-plus Twitter followers and more than 1.75 million followers on Instagram.

Australia Tour Dates:

Allphones Arena, Sydney NSW  Sat 20 Jun
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD  Tue 23 Jun
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC  Thu 25 Jun
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, SA  Sat 27 Jun
Perth Arena, WA   Mon 29 Jun

Ideal Show Accommodation | Metro Hotels

About 5SOS (5 Seconds of Summer)

Formed in Sydney in 2011, the band consists of Luke Hemmings (lead vocals, guitar), Michael Clifford (guitar, vocals), Calum Hood (bass guitar, vocals) and Ashton Irwin (drums, vocals). The group were originally YouTube celebrities, posting videos of themselves covering songs from various artists in 2011. 

From there, they gained a small following in 2012 after posting a series of cover versions of popular songs ontoYouTube, then rose to international fame when One Direction invited them on their Take Me Home Tour.

Summer Sporting Extravaganza to Boost Australian Economy

In Australia, summer is all about sport. This season the addition of two major international events to the calendar is a big bonus, not just for sports lovers but for the economy as well.

Australians who don't enjoy sport turn off the television and head for the beach at this time of year.

For everyone else, there's a smorgasbord of Test and one-day cricket, PGA golf, an internationally famous yacht race, a grand slam tennis event, cycling and Formula One races.

The country is set to enjoy an unprecedented quantity of world sport worth an estimated A$320m ($267m; £172m) to the economy thanks to the addition of two major events.

The Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup - being held across five cities in January - and the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup, which will be played in Australia and New Zealand in February and March, eclipse other events in size and dollar value.

The Asian Cup is the biggest sporting event in Asia and the cricket World Cup is the third biggest sporting event in the world after the summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

Australia's summer of sport

• December 9 - January 10: Four cricket Test matches, Australia v India.
• December 11-14: Australian PGA golf Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast.
• December 26-30: Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
• January 9 - January 31, 2015: Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup.
• January 16 - February 1: Cricket one-day international tri series, Australia, India and England.
• January 17-25: Tour Down Under cycling classic, Adelaide and South Australia.
• January 19 - February 1: Australian Open grand slam tennis, Melbourne.
• February 14 - March 29: ICC World Cup.
• March 12-15: Australian Grand Prix Formula One, Melbourne.

Every year, between 1 December and 1 April, there are five million tickets on sale for sport and entertainment events across New South Wales, according to state government body Destination NSW. For the same period in 2014-2015, there are eight million tickets on sale.

"That's what happens when you add an Asian Cup and a World Cup to the calendar," says Asian Cup chief executive officer Michael Brown. "There's going to be a lot more people spending a lot more dollars."

Test Cricket

Australia's golden summer begins with the first of four Test cricket matches between Australia and India on 9 December. The fixtures were rescheduled to start later in the month because of the sudden death in late November of 25-year old Australian Test player Phillip Hughes.

Golf

The first Test now clashes with the Australian PGA golf event, while the Sydney to Hobart yacht race - which organisers claim is the largest spectator sporting event in the world - competes with the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race

An estimated one million spectators will watch the start of the yacht race - about 300,000 of them from the water and another 700,000 lining Sydney's harbour and coastline, says chief executive officer of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia, Mark Woolf.

Economic Ipmact

The economic impact, however, is incalculable, says Mr Woolf, because it is a free spectator event.

"The metrics that come out of this race are enormous," he says. "It's not a stadium event. We don't have a captive audience. But there are tentacles everywhere.

"There's the investment of transporting and accommodating 118 boats and crew for the start. The crews bring their friends and families. Then there's provisioning and fuelling and self-catering for spectator picnics.

"Even the NSW town of Eden gets an economic lift. It's the last safe harbour for boats to refuel and restock before crossing Bass Strait. Once they reach Hobart the boats and crews have to get back to Sydney.

"Then there's the impact of those TV pictures of a perfect Sydney harbour beaming into Europe and America in the middle of winter on their Christmas night. It's hard to quantify the publicity and future tourism impact."

Asia Cup Soccer

As the Test cricket ends the Asian Cup kicks off on 9 January, with 16 teams playing 32 matches in Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.

According to Mr Brown, PricewaterhouseCoopers has said the event will pump A$225m into the economy. Asian Cup organisers target ticket sales of 500,000, with 50,000 international visitors expected to attend.

Three of Australia's top ten trading partners - China, Japan and South Korea - have qualified, which means hosting the Asia Cup is a unique tourism, trade and investment opportunity for the country and the region, he says.

"The Asian Cup is Asia's biggest sporting event and football is the biggest team sport and the most popular sport in Asia," Mr Brown says. "In Asia, football outstrips cricket as a sport."

Tourism Tsunami

But the Asian Cup will also have to compete for spectators and TV audiences with the Tour Down Under cycling classic in South Australia and the Australian Open grand slam tennis tournament in Melbourne.

ICC World Cup Cricket

Then, the biggest sporting event of the summer begins on 14 February. More than one million people are expected to attend 49 one-day matches featuring 14 teams playing in the ICC World Cup at venues in Australia and New Zealand.

ICC World Cup chief executive officer John Harnden says 500,000 tickets have already been sold and tens of thousands of international spectators are expected to attend, creating a tourism tsunami between the two countries.

"There will be a lot of travel between Australia and New Zealand, and then India, the UK and the US are the three primary points of origin (for spectators)," says Mr Harnden.

"It is a great opportunity to showcase ourselves to the world and benefit from that great word of mouth from all those tens of thousands of tourists saying what a great time they had. If the Australian and New Zealand teams do well, that will be an even bigger bonus."

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Enabling Safe and Compliant UAV/RPAS Operations in Local Government | Conference Ipswich

Small remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), commonly referred to as drones or UAVs, are now becoming readily available to local government organizations as either an organic capability or purchased service. In the right hands, RPA can be an effective business tool for routine local government business operations. 






In the wrong hands, they can be an unpredictable risk. This conference, supported by practical workshops has been specifically designed to inform Local Government decision makers on how these technologies can be safely acquired and employed in accordance with the Australian regulations.

The conference will also address how local authorities can manage the growth of this technology within their council boundaries to ensure the safety of their constituents. By attending this conference, you will see the pathways and understand how this technology can be acquired, applied and employed in the daily activities of local government in a safe and compliant operation.

More Information about this event at the official website

Jetgo's first flight from Sydney has landed

The first Jetgo direct from Sydney to Gladstone passenger flight arrives in Gladstone.

1st Dec 2014

THE first Jetgo flight from Sydney landed at Gladstone Airport just after 7am today with about 10 passengers on board.

The inaugural flight marks the start of regular flights between Gladstone and Sydney, filling a gap left after Qantaslink cancelled their route between the cities.

The airport's firefighters were on hand to do a water cannon salute for the arrival of the first flight.

The take-off from Sydney was smooth, according to Jetgo ground services supervisor Phil Burke, who was on board the first flight.

He said now that people could see Jetgo was operating, he expected bookings would be on the increase.

Jetgo is confident the route will be well supported by Gladstone residents.

The company is providing a direct jet service that will be twice as fast and a lot quieter than turbo prop jets currently flying out of Gladstone.

Flight times have been scheduled so passengers can easily do day trips between the two cities.

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/jetgos-first-flight-sydney-lands-today/2469974/

Leo Sayer – The Restless Years Tour 2015

From his debut 1973 smash hit The Show Must Go On to his 2006 UK No 1 remix of Thunder In My Heart, Leo Sayer has carved an incredible worldwide career over four decades including selling 80 million albums and a Grammy award.

In the international music charts there have been more than twenty top ten singles and five top ten albums in Leo’s illustrious recording career. Add to this his acclaimed talents as a songwriter with hits written for Tina Turner, Cliff Richard, Roger Daltrey, Dolly Parton, Three Dog Night, Gene Pitney and Jennifer Warnes.

His live performances are legendary and he’s touring Australia for the first time in four years to celebrate the release of his latest CD “Restless Years”. This show will feature his new Australian band performing songs from the new album together with the hits you’d expect such as Long Tall Glasses, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, When I Need You and More Than I Can Say.

VIP Ticket $99.00 ( includes CD and Pre Show Meet and Greet)

Duration: 120 Mins – 20 min Interval
When: Sat, 21 Mar 2015
Time: Starts 8pm
Where: Ipswich Civic Centre - Limestone St, Ipswich QLD 4305
Tel: (07) 3810 - 7751
Tickets: http://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/leo-sayer/

STROBE/SMOKE/HAZER machine may be in use. No photography or video allowed once inside the Auditorium.

Tripadvisor guest review - Apartments G60 Gladstone - Aug 2014

Apartments G60 Gladstone

“Great Appartments in the City”

Reviewed 24 August 2014 by simon S

These are good new apartments in the centre of Gladstone with 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms. I have stayed here a couple of times and the staff are always friendly and the rooms are always clean. Great value for money especially if there are two people travelling.

Room Tip: I like the rooms overlooking the street

• Stayed August 2014, travelled on business
• Source: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowUserReviews-g255336-d5557280-r223973232-Apartments_G60_Gladstone-Gladstone_Queensland.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

One Direction On the Road Again Australian tour 2015

Much to the excitement of teenage girls, the world's biggest boy band One Direction have announced they are heading back to Australia next year as part of their On the Road Again tour.

It's just seven months since Liam, Niall, Harry, Zayn and Louis toured Australia, but they are now lining up to play shows in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth next year. The band sold all 190,000 tickets for 18 shows across Australia and New Zealand for the Take Me Home at the end of last year.

"Our Australian fans have been there for us since day one, and we always have such a great time there," Liam Payne said.

"We'll see you all in February next year!"

The band are currently travelling with their mammoth Where We Are Tour which has just visited South America and will hit Europe and the US this year. Sydney boy band 5 Seconds of Summer are supporting.

Since the band were put together by Simon Cowell in 2010, they have been an unstoppable force around the globe, amassing a $US100 million fortune along the way, according to estimates.

Get your tickets from the official Ticket master website: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/One-Direction-tickets/artist/1645840

On the Road Again 2015 Australian tour dates:
February 7:   Sydney, Allianz Stadium
February 11: Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
February 14: Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
February 17: Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
February 20: Perth, Patersons Stadium

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/one-direction-heading-back-to-australia-for-2015-tour-20140519-zrgor.html



Need accommodation close to One Direction tour stadiums? 
Metro Hotels have hotels and serviced apartments in most major cities throughout Australia:


Sydney Hotels & Apartments (NSW):

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
• Aspire Hotel Sydney

Brisbane Hotels (QLD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Melbourne Apartments (VIC):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Western Australia:

• Metro Hotel Perth

KFC Big Bash 2014-2015 Twenty20 Cricket

Ticketing information:

General public tickets for all BBL|04 home-and-away matches will go on sale at 9am (local time) on Tuesday 28 October 2014.

Memberships for clubs will be on sale in October, so fans can secure the best seats in the house and other benefits for the entire season.

Games information:

Round 1 to 4 -

Round 5 to 8 -

For more details, visit T20 official website: http://www.bigbash.com.au/match-centre/fixture


Feature Team:
The Melbourne Renegades represent modern Melbourne – vibrant, diverse and progressive. They have a healthy streak of anti-establishment and will play out of a non-traditional cricket venue, Etihad Stadium. The Renegades will deliver entertaining, bold cricket in this world-class facility, where the rafters will shake with the noise and passion of the fans. T20 was made for the Renegades.


Need accommodation close to T20 games? 
Metro Hotels have hotels and serviced apartments in most major cities throughout Australia:


Sydney Hotels & Apartments (NSW):

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
• Aspire Hotel Sydney

Melbourne Apartments (VIC):

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Brisbane Hotels (QLD):

• Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Western Australia:

• Metro Hotel Perth

New Gladstone Shopping Centre Open for Business

IN BUSINESS: Developer Geoff Bonney, long-time resident Betty Mergard, and Foodworks owners Peter Kinder and Michelle Irvine cut the ribbon.

BETTY Mergard officially opened the new Agnes Water Central shopping centre on Saturday.

Twelve hundred square metres has been developed to create a much-needed full line supermarket for the town.

And while grocery shopping enters a new era in Agnes Water, it's the interactive floor that has everyone celebrating.

Developer Geoff Bonney said the structure would be highly beneficial to the community.

"We had a basic design but we sat down with the architect and tailored it to what the locals need," he said.

"There was only a convenience store previously but this new development has really opened up opportunities.

"The bigger centre means it will increase employment rates too."

The facilities the centre features are state-of-the-art, with only four like it in Australia.

A revolutionary refrigeration and air conditioning unit behind the scenes and 5m interactive floor is what has locals so excited.

Iconic local Betty Mergard said she'd seen nothing like it in her 75 years.

"It's got the wow factor," she said. "The moving flooring and post office layout is just amazing."

The Mergard family's long term tourist industry input made her the perfect candidate to cut the official ribbon.

"I was really representing the community and their future enjoyment of the facility," she said.

Betty's daughter Desley O'Grady said it was fantastic for the area, "especially for holiday makers who will have more of a range for shopping".

"We've been coming here for over 70 years, and it's a big moment for us," she said.

Backpacker Tamara Volk said the food looked pretty good.

"It's not too expensive so it's great for us," she said. "The interactive floor will be good for the kids."

While Mark Mergard said it would "help the growth of the area".

Joel O'Grady said it was nice and neat and not cluttered.

"The interactive floor is fantastic."

Currently Foodworks and the post office are operational.

Wonderful World of Model Railways on Show at Ipswich this Weekend at the Queensland Model Railway Show

The captivating world of model railways will come alive at Ipswich this weekend at the Queensland Model Railway Show.

The Workshops Rail Museum, North Ipswich will host the event on October 18-19 with railway modellers, demonstrators, and traders set to showcase their passion to thousands of visitors.

Museum director Andrew Moritz said the event would offer a fun filled family day out.

“We love putting on this show and seeing the appreciation in the eyes of adults and children, even if you’re ‘not into trains’, it’s hard not to stop and stare at the layouts,” Mr Moritz said.

“You can see that many hours have been spent putting together layouts and models, and modellers are happy to discuss their exhibit and much loved passion.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to admire miniature trains from different Australian states, America and the United Kingdom.

There will also be plenty of offer for kids with a construction station, kids craft and indoor Nippers Railway playground.

Mr Moritz said visitors can also enjoy a mini steam train ride thanks to Grandchester Live Model Steam.

Additional charges apply and visitors must wear closed in shoes.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch and allow at least three hours for all activities.

Museum entry price includes all exhibits- family ticket $59, adult $20, concession $17, child $11.50 and children under three years free.

The Workshops Rail Museum is at North St, North Ipswich.

For information call 3432 5100 or visit theworkshops.qm.qld.gov.au

Tourism Set to Cash In On Big Summer For International Sport

An unprecedented summer of international sport is set to boost Canberra's tourist numbers after a major decline in business stays and spending in the past year.

With seven Asian Cup football games including a quarter final, three cricket World Cup games and an extra one day International in November, Canberra's tourism boss expected locals to be joined by a mass of regional and international visitors for the sporting feast.

VisitCanberra director Ian Hill said it would be the strongest summer of sport the city had enjoyed. 

"Two absolutely world class events, and I certainly know tickets for those cricket World Cup games have been selling really well."

The National Visitor Survey released last month showed visitor nights were down 790,000 in the domestic business sector for the year to June, a drop of 37.5 per cent. Overall domestic nights were down 16.4 per cent and expenditure down 11.4 per cent, or $14 million. 

International visitor nights also fell 12 per cent, or 570,000 nights, in the same period, with expenditure down 6 per cent.

Mr Hill said the tourism authority was working closely with hoteliers and organisations elsewhere to help them package and promote events.  

"One of those [Asian Cup] games is a China [vs] Korea game; China don't play in Sydney and there's a big group of Chinese background people who live in Sydney, so we're working with some of the multicultural media in Sydney," he said. 

The tourism chief said the key to maximising the windfall for Canberra was ensuring visitors saw other attractions  during their stay, and a rejuvenated cultural and hotel scene would help.

"Places like Braddon are important, Lonsdale Street Roasters is an important place, New Acton, and with new hotels like Hotel Hotel, Peppers has just rebranded, we've seen QT do a fit out at Rydges, the Kurrajong is about to reopen after being refitted – a great location for visitors in the Parliamentary Triangle. I think visitors are seeing a new side of Canberra," Mr Hill said. 

Mr Hill said stories on last week's OECD finding that Canberra was the world's best city to live in,  trumpeted in the New York Times and elsewhere, helped spread the word. 

The Australian Hotels Association ACT recently told ABC TV that occupancy rates were at about 65 per cent, down from the same time last year, but investment was strong, with another 500-600 hotel rooms available by mid-next year. 

Mariah Carey "The Elusive Chanteuse” Tour

On the heels of the most critically acclaimed album of her career, ‘Me. I am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse,’ the best-selling female artist of all time, MARIAH CAREY, has confirmed Australian dates, extending her previously announced “The Elusive Chanteuse Show” world tour.

Live Nation are thrilled to announce that Nathaniel will be the support act on the Australian leg of Mariah Carey’s “The Elusive Chanteuse Show” world tour.

Mariah Carey will tour Australia in just over a month.

The five-time Grammy Award-winning songstress has extended her The Elusive Chanteuse Show world tour to include a national tour Down Under - her first in more than 15 years.

Fans in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney will have a chance to see Carey perform live, while she'll also do winery shows at A Day on the Green in the Yarra Valley and Mount Cotton, near Brisbane.

Carey’s set list will be an exciting mix of her biggest hits, fan-favourite album cuts, never-before-performed selections from her #1 R&B Album “Me. I am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse” and many more surprises! 

“I want to experience the spontaneity and emotion that I put into this album on stage with my fans,” says Carey. “I can’t stop writing songs so don’t be surprised if you hear a brand new song that I just wrote the night before the show in your city!”

Carey last visited Australia for three east coast shows in January 2013.

But the highest-selling female artist of all time hasn't performed a national tour since her Butterfly world tour in 1998.

Last year, the 44-year-old was joined in Australia by her toddler twins Monroe and Moroccan and her actor and comedian husband Nick Cannon.

The couple, who married in 2008, recently split.

Carey will kick off her world tour in Japan on October 4. No further dates have been announced after the Australian leg.

"I want to experience the spontaneity and emotion that I put into this album on stage with my fans," Carey said of the tour in a statement released on Thursday.

"I can't stop writing songs so don't be surprised if you hear a brand new song that I just wrote the night before the show in your city."

Carey's latest album Me. I Am Mariah ... The Elusive Chanteuse has been a critical success, but sales since its release in May have been unspectacular.

Tickets for all shows go on sale on September 26 at 9am (AEST).

MARIAH CAREY AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES:

November 2 - Sandalford Estate, Perth

November 5 - Entertainment Centre, Adelaide

November 7 - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

November 8 - Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (A Day on the Green)

November 10 - Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney

November 16 - Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, Brisbane (A Day on the Green)

Mariah Carey is a true music icon and the best-selling female artist of all time, with more than 220 million albums sold to date and 18 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles (17 self-penned), including 'Fantasy', 'Always Be My Baby', 'Hero', 'Touch My Body', 'One Sweet Day', and 'We Belong Together' - more than any solo artist in history.

With her distinct five-octave vocal range, prolific songwriting, and producing talent, Mariah has redefined the modern pop performance. As a singer/songwriter/producer, she has been recognized with multiple Grammy Awards, 21 American Music Awards, Billboard's “Artist of the Decade” Award, the World Music Award for “World's Best Selling Female Artist of the Millennium,” and BMI's “Icon Award” for her outstanding achievements in songwriting, to name a

Mariah Carey's ongoing impact transcends the music industry to leave an indelible imprint upon the world at large. She has made substantial marks in film with critically acclaimed roles in Precious (2009) and also in Lee Daniel’s The Butler (2013).

A Congressional Award recipient, Mariah has generously donated her time and energy to a range of philanthropic causes near to her heart including Save the Music, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Hunger Relief, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, among many others.

A tremendous supporter of children’s charities, both domestic and international, Mariah founded Camp Mariah in partnership with the Fresh Air Fund, a retreat for inner city children to explore career development.

Prices:

• Diamond - $299.90
• Platinum - $250.00
• Gold - $199.90
• Silver - $159.90
• Bronze - $99.90

Payment processing and transaction fees apply.
Get Tickets to this show

Workshops Railway Museum Ipswich

Workshops Rail Museum | Ipswich, QLD

The Workshops Rail Museum, part of the Queensland Museum, is winner of Australian and Queensland Tourism Awards for Heritage & Cultural Tourism

All aboard for a wholly interactive authentic heritage and cultural experience located at Australia’s oldest railway workshops still in operation.

Make history come alive with hands-on exhibits, multi-media encounters and colourful stories coupled with huge steam locomotives and massive industrial machinery.

Meet some true Aussie characters as you step into a real heritage railway workshop and see it in operation, just as it has been for over 140 years. See genuine restoration of the Heritage Steam Train Fleet up close and hear living history from railway workers – plus a few tall stories!

Explore over 15 larger-than-life exhibits to discover the enormous impact rail has had on our lives, beautifully restored carriages, the largest model railway of beautiful Queensland, the future of rail and treasured icons including the Vice-Regal carriage and Australia’s oldest working steam locomotive.

Find out more about the Workshops Rail Museum Ipswich

Find more Ipswich Tourist Attractions

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

Ipswich Civic Theatre

Ipswich Civic Theatre

Ipswich Civic Centre is a stunning combination of premier entertainment venue and community-focused function centre.

We  provide a range of services and facilities to support a wide cross-section of the local community and through the exciting Festival of Theatre program presents live music, special events and theatrical performances.

Located in the heart of Ipswich Central (on the corner of Limestone and Nicholas Streets) the Civic Centre has been proudly serving the Ipswich community and guests since 1975.

More information is available on the hire of the venue for functions (including weddings) and performances.

Tickets for performances and events can be purchased online at any time (ceasing just 18 hours prior to performance) and over the phone or in-person via our box office.

Find Out What’s On at Ipswich Civic Theatre

Ipswich Civic Theatre is located next door to Metro Hotel Ipswich International, A popular Ipswich CBD Hotel and Apartments Accommodation Provider

View the official Civic Theatre Website http://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/

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What's on in Gladstone this weekend

LOOKING for something to do in the Gladstone region this weekend? 
Here's a rundown of some of the events and activities on offer.

FRIDAY

Spring Morning Tea

A SPRING Morning Tea will be hosted by the St Andrew's Presbyterian Women's Association at 10am.

The morning will include a fashion parade by Limestone Clothing, prizes for the best spring outfit and best spring hat, and entertainment by the Gladstone Musical Society.

It's on at 2 Bloomfield St, Calliope. Phone 4975 6619 for more details.

Sydney Comedy Festival showcase

THE Sydney Comedy Festival has hit the road with an awesome line-up of international and local acts from the festival.

The festival's funniest have been squeezed into one hilarious night of world-class comed at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre.

The show, which starts at 7.30pm, is recommended for audiences 15 years and over.

Tickets cost $30 and are available here.

Country singer at RGs

COUNTRY singer Nicky Convine will play at RGs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

The Casino-born songwriter has won or been a finalist in numerous competitions, and in 2005 was one of the final 40 to audition for Australian Idol.

Her music has been played on Triple J's Unearthed and she recently finished recording her debut album, Parade.

The shows kick off at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 3pm on Sunday.

Movie session for parents and kids

MUMS, dads and bubs are invited to come along to the Gladstone cinemas to attend a child-friendly event at 9.30am.

Ticket are $8 or $20 for Gold room.

The lights will be left on and dimmed and the sound is lowered  Visit the website for more information.

SATURDAY

Gladstone Community Hub markets

GLADSTONE Community Hub will host markets and an open day at 5 Butler St, Gladstone.

There will be lucky door prizes, sample bags, sausage sizzle, face painting, Old Macdonald's Farm, live and free entertainment, and art exhibition.

The event will run from 10am to 1pm. Phone 4979 4821 for more details.

The Lego Movie screening

HILLCLOSE estate in Gladstone will host an outdoor screening of The Lego Movie.

Live music will begin at 4.45pm, with the movie screening at 6.15pm.

Food and drinks will be available to purchase. Bean bags are available for hire, and there are Lego prizes to be won.

The event will be held in Harmony Park, Sundowner Rd, Clinton. Phone 1300 650 614 for more details or click here.

Industries of Gladstone cricket match

THE annual 20/20 cricket competition where industry vs industry is on this weekend.

Game one will begin at 11am on Saturday, with the final game at 2.30pm on Sunday, when the Harbour City All Stars will take on the Queensland Bulls Masters.

Entry is free. There will be entertainment for the kids, and canteen and bar facilities will be available each day. 

The action takes place at the Boyne Island Tannum Sands Oval, Jacaranda Drive, Boyne Island.

BITS Classic Pool Competition

THE 2014 BITS Classic Pool Competition will be held at the BITS Club, Jacaranda Dr, Boyne Island from 9.30am to 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Prize money of $5000 is up for grabs, with up to 64 players able to register.

The top 32 players will go through to the big money round, and the bottom 32 will go through to the repo-charge.

A Calcutta will be held on Saturday from 9.30am, so get there early to buy up the big gun players.

Spectators are welcome to watch the competition over the two days. Entry is free.

Phone Tom Johnson on 0448 803 818 for more details.

Biloela Markets

HELD on the third Saturday of each month, Biloela Markets in the Park offer a wide variety of stalls for everyone to enjoy.

Those attending can enjoy fresh produce, try their green thumb with huge variety of plants, and find a special piece of jewellery, clothing, accessories and hand crafted goodies.

The markets are held in Barimis Park in Callide St, Biloela, and run from 9.30am to 2pm.

Phone 0400 162 219 for more details.

International Day of Peace

GLADSTONE Region Interfaith Network will host an International Day of Peace prayer event from 3-4pm at Anzac Park in Tank St.

The International Day of Peace, also known as Peace Day, provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and nations to create practical acts of peace on a shared date. 

All attendees are encouraged to take a plate of food and a chair to the event, which will finish with an informal group discussion.

Phone 4976 6352.

Cent sale at bowls club

THE St John Ambulance will host a cent sale on at the Gladstone Bowls Club from 11am with a 1pm start.

There are 400 prizes to be won and a homemade cake walk. For bookings phone Cheryl on 0418 792 244 or Sue on 4975 6473.

Miriam Vale Markets in the Park

THE Miriam Vale Lions Club hosts the Miriam Vale Markets on the third Saturday of each month at Blomfield St, Miriam Vale.

Stroll through the delightful cool and shady park to view a variety of stalls, or try a sizzling fillet steak, sausage or bacon burger.

The markets run from 7am to noon.

Friends of Bindaree Markets

THE Friends of Bindaree Garage Sale is a popular market event at Boyne Island run monthly by Bindaree Lodge Aged Care Facility.

You can find lots of bargains on second hand clothing, manchester, books, footwear, toys, furniture and much more.

The markets run from 7am to noon at 1 Beacon Ave, Boyne Island.

Spend a morning with acoustic tunes

JHAM Bar Gladstone will host Acoustic JHAMS, a morning of music by local artists each Saturday from 9am-noon.

Sit and have a coffee and watch the world go by while enjoying music by Animal Throwdown, White Room and Rob (Country) Hopkins at JHAM Bar, 117 Toolooa St, Gladstone.

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.

Register online here before your first run.

SUNDAY

Rotary Kmart Markets

THE Rotary Club of Gladstone Midday Markets are held on the third Saturday of each month in the Kmart car park on Phillip St, Gladstone.

There is a wide range of goods on offer including food, coffee, cakes, jewellery, hand-made soaps, plants, toys, clothes and bric-a-brac.

There also is entertainment from local artists. The markets run from 6am to 1.30pm.

Chill out at Sunday session

LIGHTBOX Espresso and Wine Bar is the hottest place to be in Gladstone at the moment and Sunday is where you can try it out.

Take your friends along to the bar in Goondoon St, next to the Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre, for a cocktail this weekend.

The Sunday sessions are a chilled way of wrapping up a weekend while listening to some live acoustic music.

You can order some tapas and sit at one of the booths from 2pm onwards for a relaxed afternoon.

Sunday Coffee Cruise

TAKE a cruise around the Gladstone harbour and surrounding island every Sunday and Wednesday on a a Curtis Ferry Services Coffee Cruise.

Enjoy a two-hour cruise with morning tea and commentary on the Gladstone region, while keeping an eye out for turtles, dolphins and dugongs.

Cruises are held 11am-1pm. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Gladstone Visitor Information Centre.

Passengers must collect their ticket from the Information Centre at 72 Bryan Jordan Drive) before departure, and ensure they arrive at Curtis Ferry Services Terminal by 10.45am.

If the Information Centre is closed, tickets and payments can be made from the departure point.

The Sunday Coffee Cruise will run until September 28.

Tickets cost $24 adults, $22 concession and $16 children aged 7-16. Phone 4972 9000 for more details.

Sunday session at Yachties

GLADSTONE Yacht Club will have a Sunday session in Yachties Beer Garden with live music by Tim Anderson from 2.30pm.

There will be great drink specials and a great atmosphere to wind-down your weekend.

The Sunday session runs until 6.30pm.

PUBS AND CLUBS

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
• Reef Hotel, 888 PL Poker registration, 6.30pm for 7.30pm start
• Diggers Arms Hotel, karaoke, 8pm
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 8pm
• Agnes Tavern, See You Next Tuesday, 8pm

SATURDAY

• Yaralla Sports Club, free poker, 7pm
• Queens Hotel, dance until late with Karina and Mak
• Club Hotel, 888 PL Poker, registration from 1pm for 2pm start
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 8pm
• Tannum Sands Hotel, Relics, 8.15pm
• Agnes Tavern, Uncle Arthur

SUNDAY

• Young Aus Hotel, raffles, 11.30am
• JD's Karaoke, 8pm
• 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
• Rocky Glen Hotel, Nicky Convine, 3pm
• Tannum Sands Hotel, Ben Beasley, 1pm
• The Reef, Adrian Brown, 4pm
• Agnes Tavern, Steve Jay, 2pm

Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/whats-gladstone-weekend-sept19-21/2389943/