The redevelopment of the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre is all about providing a class venue at which big acts say 'I want to play there'. The venue is often the attractor, as much, and as well as, the city. When a big band arranges a regional tour, Gladstone wants its name to be on the tour manager's recognition list. If the playing atmosphere is great, the word spreads, and then the bands come.

The Gladstone City Council and the Ports Authority have had these aspects well in mind in their redevelopment of the Entertainment Centre.

The expanded centre has capacity for 1,500 standing for larger and higher-profile events in the new 1,000 sq m multi-use exhibition flat floor space. With the existing 675 seats in the auditorium, the centre can hold several events at one time.

Small, medium and large conferences can be held in the three divsions of the flexible conference rooms. The Piazza and Stage Door Bistro provide display space and function area close to great food and coffee. An extra 600 sq m is provided undercover in the Marquee.

Big name bands, musicals, concerts, business conventions, display shows, can all be hosted here. The huge five level carpark caters for the evening patrons and provides additional parking to the shopping centre during the day.

The Gladstone Municipal Band is looking forward to using the new spaces. With such a great venue, perhaps this band, together with the Gladstone Eisteddfod Association could arrange for the Australian National Bands Competition to be held here. That would be one-up on the Brolga Theatre in Maryborough which often holds the state championships.

The centre has the most modern equipment installed in all theatre and conference spaces. Mayor Gail Sellers said the $34m expansion would be: " ... giving the region the mantle of being the arts and cultural epicentre of regional Queensland". The range and quality of artists already booked to appear demonstrates the drawcard that the new building has already become, echoing Mayor Gail's words.

Arj Barker on Saturday 12th October 2013, and Luke Kennedy on 3rd of November 2103, had the honour of being amongst the last performers in entertainment centre's Marquee at the Gladstone Marina. Arj is arguably Australia's favourite American comedian. In recent years, he has spent more time in our country than his own and has come to understand our culture perhaps better than we understand it ourselves. His stand-up is both insightful and pointed, like a mind-reading thumbtack, if there was one of those.

Luke Kennedy was the 2103 runner-up in The Voice Australia. Luke's fans always expect a few surprises from this most versatile performer. As an idea of what will come all year, these are some of the events and artists for the early months in the newly completed Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.

The Melbourne Cup Luncheon on Tuesday 5th November 2013. This annual event benefits charities like Parkinson's Australia and Breast Cancer research. Frivolous fascinators, fun, food, fashion. And the more serious raffles, mystery boxes, auctions, speeches and entertainment.

Friday 7th November 2013 and Saturday 9th November 2013 brings the old regal court of Siam to Gladstone with the centre stage performance of The King and I. In this play by Rodgers and Hammerstein, the King, an absolute ruler brings an English teacher (Anna) to Thailand to educate his children and wives.

As the story progresses we see the King and Anna's respect for each other bring about many changes in the country. The young cast will thrill the audience with their amazing talent and energy.

Friday 8th November 2013 sees the stage taken by Tommy Emmanuel, one of Australia's favourite sons. Over five decades, he has amassed hundreds of thousands of fans worldwide. His unique style is akin to playing guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using all ten fingers. Rather than using a band for melody, rhythm, bass and drum parts, Tommy plays all that - and more - on one guitar.

Friday 15th November 2013, Kitty Flanagan has the show that answers all those difficult questions: What's wrong with lads and lasses? Why are babies so angry? What snack foods 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 room for which Mr Lavatory developed the equipment? 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?

Sat 16th November 2013 Harbour City Havoc Two brings spectacular gladiators for a night of boxing action. The port city of Gladstone, not the state capital of Brisbane, nor the nation's capital of Canberra, but yea, Gladstone, with its new Entertainment Convention Centre gets to host, not one, but two, world titles in boxing. Gladstone's adopted heavyweight, Mark Demori, takes on one of the best European boxers today.

Sunday 24th November 2013 brings Celtic Illusion. This new Irish dance show is created and directed by Australian Anthony Street. This explosive creative force is growing to be one of the biggest dance shows in the world. They are constantly adding new routines and modified existing ones.

Tuesday 3rd December must be getting close to the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and, some say, twin Thomas. Australia's most Popular Morning Show Company The Gaslight Company are touring North Queensland with their very Special Christmas Performance ... "The Spirit Of Christmas".

This 100% dedicated Christmas show will feature many Traditional Christmas Carols blended with some contemporary Christmas songs, such as Silent Night, Holy City, Oh Holy Night, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, and many more including a little bit of Aussie Christmas, mixed with Gaslights special kind of fun and comedy.

This company of 4, including Star Australian Tenor Roy Best, who has recorded no less than 4 CD's for ABC Classics, have become famous over the years for their Christmas Performances which are sure to get all who attend into the true Christmas Spirit.

The redevelopment of this Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre will prove to be one the most pivotal projects for the region. The first few months shows that national and international artists and events are already being attracted to this centre.

The city council and the ports authority are to be commended on their foresight, and willingness to get on with the job.

Gerry Clarke B. PED