Get Ready for Australia Day in the Big Shed
Published on 20 December 2024
Rockhampton's Australia Day event goes undercover with an epic country music celebration that promises to deliver a "shed load of fun" at the Rockhampton Showgrounds on Sunday 26 January 2025.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams is excited about the event's location providing a sun-safe Australia Day celebration for the whole community that was trialled last year in a last-minute move due to bad weather.
"We're taking our Australia Day celebrations to the next level in 2025! Rain or shine, we're guaranteeing a jam-packed day of music, games, and true-blue Aussie spirit – all under the Big Shed at the Rockhampton Showgrounds!" said Mayor Williams.
“Australia Day in the Big Shed will kick off at 2pm on Sunday, January 26th, transforming the indoor and outdoor Robert Schwarten Pavilions into a hub of entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a country music concert plus a Big Backyard of games and amusements on the lawn. Highlights include free rides, delicious food vendors, local markets, a licensed bar, and an air-conditioned chill-out zone.”
The Kookaburra Stage lineup features an incredible mix of local and emerging country music talent including:
- Gemma Kirby
- Brad Butcher
- Lewis McKee
- Rachael Dee
- Kate Mahood
- Blake Benecke
Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager Zac Garven shared his enthusiasm.
"We understand our community's incredible love for local country music, and we're thrilled to continue that tradition with another sensational free concert that brings everyone together," said Mr Garven.
"We're inviting locals to bring their families, friends, and true-blue spirit to what promises to be the first of many fantastic community events in 2025."
“So, grab your mates, pack the family, and head down to the Big Shed for a day of music, games, and celebration. It's time to have a "shed load of fun" this Australia Day!”
For more information visit www.explorerockhampton.com.au/australiaday
EVENT DETAILS
Australia Day in the Big Shed
Date | Sunday 26 January 2025
Time | 2pm - 8pm with gates open from 1:30pm
Location | Rockhampton Showgrounds, Entry via Gate 5 Graeme Acton Way
Entry | Free
KOOKABURRA STAGE
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2pm
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Blake Benecke
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3pm
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Kate Mahood
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4pm
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Rachael Dee
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5pm
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Lewis McKee
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6pm
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Brad Butcher
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7pm
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Gemma Kirby
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BIG BACKYARD
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2:00pm
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8:00pm
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Amusement Rides
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2:00pm
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8:00pm
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Bean bag Toss Drop In Activity
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2:00pm
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8:00pm
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Snakes and Ladders Drop In Activity
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2:00pm
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8:00pm
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Naughts and Crosses Drop In Activity
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2:00pm
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8:00pm
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Lasso a Timber Cow Drop In Activity
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2:30pm
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3:15pm
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Lasso a Timber Cow Competition
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3:30pm
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4:15pm
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Chuck a Double Plugga Competition
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4:30pm
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8:00pm
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Backyard Cricket Drop In Activity
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5:30pm
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6:30pm
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Tug of War Kids Competition
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6:30pm
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7:30pm
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Tug of War Adults Competition
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ARTIST BIOS
GEMMA KIRBY
Gemma Kirby and her band are bringing their powerhouse performance to Australia Day. Gemma brings a wealth of experience and energy to the stage, having opened for iconic acts like Jimmy Barnes and Shannon Noll. With her debut single "Fallen Soldier" making waves in 2015 and her second single "Coal Train" further solidifying her presence in the country music scene, Gemma Kirby's transformation to country-rock is nothing short of spectacular!
Spotify | YouTube | Instagram
BRAD BUTCHER
Brad Butcher is a two-time Golden Guitar Award Winner (2018 | 2020), a QLD Music Award winner (2018) and is “viewed as one of the most esteemed songwriters” – Susan Jarvis, Country Capital News. With 5 albums released to date and a staggering 30 plus award nominations, Brad Butcher is an artist, producer and storyteller of the highest calibre.
Spotify | YouTube | Instagram
LEWIS MCKEE
Lewis McKee is Rockhampton born and raised! McKee’s style lends from a diverse background and broad range of musical influences across Rock n Roll, Blues, Country and Pop. After nearly a decade of performing in a spectrum of venue sizes, festivals and supporting major country and pop acts McKee released his Debut EP in June 2024. This follows the success he has had with independent single releases “Into My Soul”, “Coming Home” & “That Love” across 2022 and 2023.
Spotify | YouTube | Instagram
RACHAEL DEE
Rachael has a passion for connecting with people. With an authentic twang you cannot deny her country roots, having been raised in the outback in Central Western Queensland. Rachael has dipped her toe into the world of artistry, having successfully released singles 'Little eyes' and 'Braveheart in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
Spotify | YouTube | Instagram
KATE MAHOOD
Blending folk stylings and country storytelling, Kate Mahood's songs portray an honesty and vulnerability that resonate deeply with her listeners. Heartfelt and often haunting lyrics coupled with stirring vocals and beautifully crafted guitar melodies, give Mahood a unique and original sound that is truly her own. Mahood’s much anticipated debut single ‘Man of Honour’ was released in 2022 followed by ‘Silver and Gold’ (2022), ‘Changeling’ (2023).
Spotify | YouTube | Instagram
BLAKE BENECKE
Having grown up in a small Central Queensland town singer/songwriter Blake Benecke has had plenty of inspiration to create a mixture of raw folk and country sounds. Blake's inspiration comes from his equal love for the land and the ocean and continues to find stories through his own wanderings through life. Blake hopes to connect to listeners through emotion and a perspective that people can relate to.
Spotify | Instagram
The Kookaburra Stage program is proudly assisted by the Australian Government through the National Australia Day Council.