Elton John Rocks the Coffs Coast Crowned National Major Event of the Year

After taking out the NSW Award just last month the Elton John Rocks the Coast concerts have been crowned National Major Event of the Year in the Parks and Leisure Australia 2020 Awards.

“Receiving the Major Event of the Year Award is a great honour and I want to congratulate the Coffs Harbour City Council staff, volunteers, suppliers, contractors, police, bus and traffic companies who brought this all together for our community,” said Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight.

“It was one of those major event experiences and greatest shows you will remember for the rest of your life, celebrating and enjoying a world class musician together as a community.

“This really cements our reputation of the regional events capital of Australia and shows that investing in major infrastructure projects pays off.”

The C.ex Coffs International Stadium played host to two nights of Sir Elton John’s global ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ in February 2020.

Over 2 unforgettable nights the Stadium hosted approximately 30,000 guests which shows as a regional destination there will be more events of this scale, for world class artists and their crews.

The concerts delivered a combined direct and indirect economic output of $3.6m and provided the equivalent of 32 Full Time jobs within the local economy.  The benefits reached across a large number of industries.

“Elton John playing in Coffs Harbour was always going to be an amazing concert, however our role at Council was to ensure the experience leading up to and around the concert was equally amazing,” said Nikki Greenwood, Council’s Group Leader City Prosperity.

“The level of community engagement around the two concerts was unprecedented, with the business sector, retail and hospitality, schools, community groups, tourism operators, media, and more getting involved. The creation of ‘Elton Fest’ captured so many wonderful events, from the many tribute shows, themed menus, retail and city dressing up shopfronts, fund raising events, and art exhibitions, making all activities accessible for all.”

“This experience and national accolade has opened up a whole world of opportunity when you think of developing a world class calendar of events across sporting, arts, culture and entertainment,” she said.

Dan Heather, Council’s Section Leader for Stadium and Major Events added the Coffs Coast has been continually building its reputation an event friendly destination.

“Being awarded National Winner for the 2 Elton John concerts really rubber stamps that position. We strive to deliver outstanding outcomes for our stakeholders. Most recently this commitment was again demonstrated with the successful delivery of the Oz Tag Senior State Cup at the C.ex Coffs International Stadium, the first major sport competition since COVID19 restricted events in March of the year.

“Now, 7 months on a strong strategic and practical COVID Safety Plan allowed 3,000+ players and officials to compete on the Coffs Coast across 5 COVID safe venue zones. As restrictions lift, whether on the sports field or for entertainment, we look forward to welcoming more and more events back to the Coffs Coast.”

Councillor Knight added that having venues that cater for all types of sports, arts and cultural entertainment is critical especially in these times of COVID recovery.

“Council is currently progressing plans for another entertainment style venue for shows in the 600 to 1,000 seat capacity range.  This additional venue will house musicals, ballet, theatre and more intimate music shows and performances ensuring there is something for everyone.”

As well as this National Major Event of the Year Award, C.ex Coffs International Stadium was the NSW PLA winner in its own right of the Community Facility of the Year Award.

Parks and Leisure Australian (PLA) is the leading industry association for professionals in the sector. Through a broad range of services, it supports members to provide opportunities that strengthen communities through good use of leisure time for the social, environmental, economic and physical wellbeing of all Australians.