Tourism in Australia

The Advertiser reports while Australia has recovered from the disastrous effects of the recession and our dollar is stronger than ever, many generation X and Y members have decided now is the perfect time to party Europe style and bask in the european sun with fellow Europeans who have stopped travelling here due to our increasingly stronger dollar.  

Australia prides itself on being a tourist’s dream with clear blue water, native animals, beaches and sunshine, but with our economy on the rise and our dollar stronger than ever, it’s turning people away from our country.

Australia is calling international tourists. Source: Olivia Noakes.

This is the biggest gap in the number of tourists arriving in and leaving Australia on record.

The number of Australians holidaying overseas was up 16 per cent while the arrivals only grew by three per cent.

As the Australian dollar remains strong our tourism sector weakens as more people are heading overseas with cheap airfares from an ever-growing number of competing carriers.

The Sunshine Coast

Queensland Tourism promotes the Sunshine Coast as a popular holiday destination for domestic and overseas travellers, with Noosa being one of its star attractions.

With the recent financial woes driving people overseas, Councillor Russel Green says it’s time to campaign energetically.

“Our own domestic market has certainly dropped,” Cr Green said.

“The tourism industry in Noosa is an $800m industry and many of our small businesses rely on the influx of tourists at peak season.

“We are still showing growth overall in our tourism figures over the last 12 months yet there were some segments struggling in comparison with the rest of Australia and our main competitors the Asia Pacific Rim,” he said.

In order to combat this, Tourism Noosa has created a new campaign with the aim to revitalise Noosa’s tourist brand.

The objective is to generate $1 billion in visitor spending by 2020 through luring Generation X and Y into relaxation mode.  Tourism Noosa CEO Steve Cooper said the campaign encourages thinking of the best holiday experiences and then tacks onto them – BY NOOSA.

“The world is changing but so is business and so are the many customer types that are emerging of that change,” Mr Cooper said.

“The key to this is recognising that the Generation X and Y are a different breed of cat.

“The way they seek information, the way they enjoy holiday experiences and the length of that experience they are looking for is continually evolving,” he said.

China: Driving the Australian economy

The ABS discovered the fourth largest number of tourists arriving in Australia in the last year was from China.

Financial Advisor Michael Goodwin said East Asia’s withdrawal from the international recession in 2009 was earlier and more vigorous than in other parts of the world.

He believes China is leading the global recuperation in industrial production and is helping Australia’s economy. 

He praises China’s trade relations and the boom of the mining industry for keeping our economy thriving.

“Australia coped quite well leading into the GFC due to previous strong government surpluses and strong mining exports to China therefore making it less volatile than other developed countries,” Mr Goodwin said.

“China is driving our country.

“If China got into trouble we would fall apart due to the mining industry and the exporting we are doing to China,” he said.

The Global Financial Crisis

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said the financial crisis was triggered by a liquidity deficit in the United States banking scheme; it has resulted in the failure of sizeable pecuniary institutions, the rescue of banks by national governments and downturns in supply markets worldwide. 

The ABS said the world economy is rising from the throes of a historically profound and synchronised recession aggravated by the convulsive worldwide monetary bubble. 

The consequences of the original bubble and the resultant disaster have been felt in almost every market whether or not it participated directly in the perilous behaviours that precipitated the boom-and-bust cycle.

The European Union

Financialmirror.com said the European Union (EU) had suffered most significantly including Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain (PIIGS). 

In early 2010, suspicions of a sovereign debt crisis developed concerning these countries. 

Stockbroker Rob Foote said this led to a crisis of confidence as well as the widening of bond yield spreads and risk insurance on credit default swaps between these countries and other EU members, most significantly Germany.

He said Greece is at the forefront of this crisis and the state of Greece’s public finances is a test not only for the country’s policymakers but also for other members of the European Union, particularly Germany whose economy is booming.

Mr Foote believes Germany should bail Greece out of debt as they are both members of the union.

“The european economy as a whole has reported quite strong growth figures in the second quarter of this year because of exports mainly from Germany due to the weak euro making their exports more attractive; the PIIGS have been growing at a much slower rate,” Mr Foote said.

“Greece doesn’t have many options and can only rely on the strength of the rest of Europe.

“They have had 20 years or longer of mismanagement of the economy and it’s not a recent problem and therefore Germany should be assisting Greece as they are all part of the European Union,” he said.

Could this mark the beginning of the end of the euro-era?

According to statistics published on the International Strategic Analysis website last year, Greece’s budget deficit reached 12.7 per cent of GDP.

Rob Foote said there were reported worries over whether the Greeks would act to cut their spending and deficits and this has caused paroxysms in the bond markets.

He said late last month the yield on ten-year Greek government bonds vaulted to 7.1 per cent, the highest since the country joined the euro area and about four percentage points more than on German bonds, the euro zone’s safest investment.

So what happens now? 

It’s hard to predict whether the European economy will remain slow to recover. 

Mr Foote said the financial sector is an abundance of questions and unknowns.

He said as the Australian dollar grows stronger, it could create a double-edged sword; Europeans will continue to stay home while Australians will travel. 

If Mr Goodwin’s views on China are correct one thing remains certain; this engine room of the world must not slow markedly as it would affect other world economies and leave the global financial market in limbo.

Owner of Eumundi Strawberries on the Sunshine Coast Ray Ladwig has been left picking up the pieces after a week of torrential rain.

Delicious red strawberries won't be around this Summer season. Source: Olivia Noakes.

“It’s a huge loss to us, we’re having about a 75 per cent throw out at the moment and if weather persists like this over the weekend we’ll probably have to finish for the season but we were hoping to go for another month,” Mr Ladwig said.

Mr Ladwig said it’s disappointing for staff who had to be let go earlier than usual.

“We’ve got about 35 people on staff at the moment and they will be affected as they’ll have to find work elsewhere,” he said.

The Wamuran Company supplies fruit growers on the Sunshine Coast with equipment and Retail Manager Bruce Koppen said the weather caught farmers and businesses off guard.

“This time of year towards the end of their crop and having this amount of rain is something that a lot of the growers out there haven’t expreienced and weren’t prepared for it,” Mr Koppen said.

Creating a downturn spiral affect, it has had a negative impact on Wamuran’s profits.

“It’ll probably take about 10-15 per cent of our bottom line at the end of the year,” Mr Koppen said.

Laurens Grobler from the Queensland Growers Association said capacity is down across South East Queensland.

“The whole Queensland strawberry industry is running now at around 30 per cent capacity,” Mr Grobler said.

“With all the rain across the highway the water replicated one big dam and all that water went through Strawberry Fields,” he said.

The owner of Strawberry Fields Jon Carmichael was left devastated  by his 50 tonne loss and says the season is all but over for the year.

“When it rains strawberries don’t like prolonged rain and then we have to pay people to pick them off and throw them away,” Mr Carmichael said.

“We can handle it once or twice but when it’s this continuous and this hard as it was this last instance the labour costs to clean up the farm just aren’t worth it,” he said.

Tourists will still be able to go and “pick their own” at Strawberry Fields farms at Palmview and Stanthorpe over the Summer.

“Spanish food is very popular in Brisbane and as we have a similar climate and similar personalities it works because we always need a change,” Ms Power said.

“I’m a total fan of Spain, they do everything well, eating to them is a total social component and something to share,” she said.

Spanish musicians play for locals in Brisbane. Source: Olivia Noakes.

As summer approaches and everyone dreams of squeezing into their itsy bitsy teeny weenie bikini, the Mediterranean diet appears to be in sync with both the Queensland climate and its health conscious, trendy population. 

The ingredients used in Spanish cooking are known to be fresh, natural and nourishing, with liberal use of herbs, oils and spices delivering scintillating flavours. 

Queenslanders are jumping on the Mediterranean bandwagon with nine Spanish restaurants currently operating within a 5 kilometre radius of Brisbane’s CBD. 

Additionally, people are trying new and exciting delicacies at places from fine dining eateries to backstreet cafes or even sharing tapas and sangria round the deck at home watching the Queensland sunset.

Bistro C on Noosa’s world famous Hasting Street has hosted a Latin night every Wednesday for the last two years and the atmosphere, including Latin dancers, Spanish inspired cocktails, cuisine and cool canasta beats spun by Spanish DJ Seanesco Rodriquiz, make the patrons and staff feel like they’re in the midst of magical, midnight Madrid. 

Bistro C waitress, Tania Martin, says she looks forward to Wednesday and the surprises the night may bring.

“I’ve been working here for a year now and Latin night is by far my favourite shift to work; it’s a crazy night with so much laughter and adventure,” Ms Martin said.

“The atmosphere is amazing and everyone from staff to families to groups of friends get involved in the food, dancing and sheer fun of it all,” she said.

Language and Latin dance schools are also seeing increased numbers of people seeking to learn Spanish and the sexy, seductive and sultry moves of the Tango and the Samba. 

Latin dance teacher Anthea Tert, who’s been dancing for 33 years, believes the Spanish way of life is taking over as the international flavour in terms of music, culture, food and dance.

“I teach private classes and there has been a huge growth in popularity in the last two years as there are more people wanting to learn just for fun,” Mrs Tert said.

“Spanish music is very rich, it makes you feel like dancing and it has a special way of reaching people internally,” she said.

Owner of Brisbane’s Pintxo Spanish Taperia Tapas Restaurant  Melissa Telecican attributes Spanish food’s popularity to an assortment of various taste sensations and its unique social atmosphere.

“People like having variety and trying lots of different things and as the food comes out gradually it makes it ideal for the individual with our tapas train, couples or larger social groups,” Mrs Telecian said.

“We have Spanish tourists drop by for an authentic meal, however, we mainly cater to Brisbane locals, particularly those who have travelled to Spain and are passionate about the food and culture.

“I opened the restaurant after a trip to Spain, realising there were Spanish quarters in both Sydney and Melbourne yet there was a market for Spanish food in Brisbane that had yet to be discovered,” Mrs Telecican said.

A patron dining at Pintxo, Jason Quinell, said he would definitely be back.

“It’s my first time trying Spanish food and I love it,” Mr Quinell said. 

Seeing as Spanish cuisine is sizzling hot right now, you may venture out this summer, sangria in one hand, flamenco fan in the other and adopt a fearless fixation for the ‘latest’ fashionable food!

The camera and speaker system has the ability to send messages and images of distressing situations back to a localised unit.

Text messages are sent to on-call lifeguards who are aware they are to immediately respond to the alarm.

The cameras will be placed along infamous ‘black spots’ where lifesavers are unable to patrol.

Beaches included in the proposed plan include Noosa’s ‘unofficial’ nudist beach at Alexandria Bay,  which has seen three deaths since 2003.

Nude activist Dario Western supports this plan and feels it should not affect nudists wanting to visit the beach.

He says they are already aware that they are on display and are doing nothing to warrant extra attention.

“I don’t really have a problem with it, I have been a nudist for the past 20 years and have been going to Alexandria Bay since 1991.

“For the most part, everyone there is very well behaved.”

Widely known for its nudist culture, Alexandria Bay is a popular destination on the North Coast. Photo source: Rachel Claxton.

Surf Lifesaving Coordinator at the Sunshine Coast Aaron Purchase is positive the cameras will improve their ability to better patrol beaches.

“It’s something that Surf Lifesaving Queensland have had in place for a few years.”

“At the moment the introduction is more about the technology surrounding the equipment and what they can and can’t do.”

He’s confident the community will support the plan as it’s helping to keep beaches safe and enjoyable.

“In general the feedback that we have had has been quite positive, majority of the people understand that our aim  is to have zero preventable deaths and injuries across our beaches.”

Sunshine Coast resident Sharon Wells supports this decision.

“There are still plenty of hours that aren’t patrolled, so I think it is still necessary to have the Surf Lifesavers there for protection during the busier periods but using surveillance as an extra precaution is a great idea.

Gold Coast beaches have already begun a three to six month trial of the cameras and Surf Lifesaving Queensland will introduce them along the Sunshine Coast immediately after.

The current trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of the camera’s abilities and is taking place for the most part on beaches at Surfers Paradise.

Gold Coast resident Brock Langley says the cameras are promoting a safer image for Queensland beaches.

“We are known for our beaches and tourists come from all over to spend time on them. This is helping to make everyone on these beaches feel that little bit safer.”

Echoing sentiments it’s one of the best places to live, the chamber says it’s one of the worst places to do business.

Mr Goodwin said the Sunshine Coast is now one of the worst performing regions in Queensland.

Division 2 Councillor Tim Dwyer is responsible for growing areas including Caloundra  and agrees with the views held by Mr Goodwin.

“We here on the Sunshine Coast are not sending out the right message,” Cr Dwyer said.

“I think we’ve got some great long-term vision but you want to work in the short term to get action,” he said.

Cr Dwyer said the regional council must form a partnership with business owners in order to bring the coast forward.

“We have to think more about how we can work with our partners here on the Sunshine Coast being small business large business, the development industry, the tourism industry and start treating them like partners not as if they’re just another entity here on the coast working in isolation from us,” Cr Dwyer said.

He believes the council should act now instead of thinking long-term in order for the Sunshine Coast to economically bounce back.

“The vision we’ve got is for long-term outcomes and I think we’ve dropped the ball with regards to making sure we look to things to drive our economy as we look towards our ultimate vision which is to be the most sustainable region in Australia,” Cr Dwyer said.

Fellow Sunshine Coast Councillor Jenny Mckay disagrees with her colleague saying the council is doing all they can to restore the business sector.

“Council has committed and is committed to planning sustainably for our future together with our community and our community’s aspirations,” Cr Mckay said.

“We are looking at inviting any business in and across the region that would like to do business here.

Alexandra Headlands: Part of the 'third world economy' on the Sunshine Coast. Source: Olivia Noakes.

“I don’t believe we are a third world economy but if we don’t keep pursuing every opportunity well any economy can continue to spiral down,” she said.

Mr Goodwin said although Australia escaped recession during the Global Financial Crisis, Queensland  had experienced five successive quarters of negative economic growth.

Struggling business owners on the Sunshine Coast like copy printer Martin Bushell are demanding council step in before developers take their business elsewhere.

“The council has the final decision and I do think some of the councillors don’t understand the reality of business and would like to live in an ideal world rather than the real world,” Mr Bushell said.

“Business people just won’t wait. They’ll go to Ipswich, Gold Coast or Brisbane or somewhere else if they can’t get into the Sunshine Coast and if it’s their preferred model; then the council should be bending over backwards.

“You can’t just stagnate business and think it’s all good and it’s going to look nice and green and lovely; you’ve got to have some business to make the economy work otherwise we’ll end up as one large retirement village,” he said.

The business community has raised their voices in unity in order to be heard by the council.

Tourism and Indigenous experts believe Australia needs a better Aboriginal or Indigenous theme to the tourist industry.  

This Indigenous memorial in Cairns is popular with tourists. Source: Jennie Adams

 At the conference later this month, the key topic will be how to provide travellers with an authentic Aboriginal experience. 

 Kym Cheatham, CEO of Ecotourism Australia said the conference will be important to people who want to learn more about Indigenous culture. 

“The conference is to give operators and people involved in Indigenous tourism an opportunity to extend their knowledge,” she said.

“At the same time they can gain experience by talking to others who have experiences in Indigenous tourism.”

Ms Cheatham said more and more there’s a higher demand from international travellers for an authentic Aboriginal culture.

“From an international point of view, Indigenous cultural experiences are incredibly important,” she said.

“It’s important that the experiences are ethical and culturally appropriate.”

Natalie Stoeckl, an associate professor in economics at James Cook University has done surveys on how important Indigenous culture is to travellers.

A randomly chosen group of travellers in Alice Springs was surveyed, with the research showing Indigenous culture is a big factor.

“The visitors might not have come to Uluru, or may have spent less time there, if they didn’t think they were going to experience some Aboriginal culture and heritage,” she said.

Aborginial rock paintings are very popular among tourists. Source: Jennie Adams

Dr Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, a lecturer in tourism at the University of South Australia, agreed Indigenous orientated tourism attracts a lot of international travellers.

“The international community, particularly Europeans, have a very keen interest because Indigenous cultures are quite fascinating for international visitors,” she said.

The domestic market has been the hardest to tap in Australia but Dr Higgins-Desbiolles believes it can be fixed through more Aboriginal orientated holidays.

“One example is Desert Tracks, which takes people out in Central Australia, for a very intensive engagement with the Anangu community,” she said.

“It teaches non-Indigenous people to value and respect Indigenous cultures.”

“I call it reconciliation through tourism.”

The Global Eco Asia Pacific Conference will run from 25-28 of October.

Cyclists hope Wednesday's ride will encourage investment in more cycling facilities similar to the RBWH cycle centre. Photo: Jessica Uhlmann.

Ride to Work Day will proceed this Wednesday despite wet weather, and is expected to top last year’s national record-breaking attendance by 55,000.

Ride to Work Program Manager Elysia Delaine says an unprecedented number of people are riding to improve the environment and traffic congestion.

“We have seen a big jump in registrations this year so this is expected to be our biggest Ride to Work Day yet,” Ms Delaine says.

“We want to top last year’s effort in which our registered riders pedalled enough to ride around the world 17 times,” she says.

Manager of Bicycle Queensland Ben Wilson says the surge in registrations is proof that Brisbane residents are embracing cycling.

“On average, (Ride to Work Day) sees an increase of 20% of new people getting into cycling and our research shows us that many of these people do keep cycling afterwards,” Mr Wilson says.

Mr Wilson says this is a significant achievement because it often takes time for people to change their habits.

Safety warning for riders

But while cyclists are looking forward to the festivities, the Brisbane City Council has urged riders to take caution in the wet weather.

A spokesperson for the Brisbane City Council warned that paths may be slippery and has advised cyclists to avoid using bike paths in floodplains, such as Kedron Brook.

The spokesperson also said there may be debris on paths due to strong winds.

What to expect on the day

Mr Wilson says Ride to Work Day is ultimately about encouraging people to have fun with cyling and make good use of their local bike riding facilities.

He says the event is not restricted to “serious riders dressed in lycra” and cyclists of all capabilities can make the ride a social occasion by getting a group of friends or workmates together.

Novice riders can arrange an experienced “bike buddy” to cycle with them for support.

Cyclists will meet up for free breakfasts from seven to nine o’clock at the RBWH Cycle Centre and at Emma Miller Place in the city.

Organisers hope that high levels of support will help in campaigning for better cycling facilities. 

Cyclists can support the case by registering their ride for free until October 20.

Construction for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 is underway. Source: Kayla Brereton

The set-up for next month’s V8 Supercar race on the Gold Coast has just begun and despite last year’s drama, organisers are staying positive.

Organisers have taken a new approach this year, after spectator numbers dropped when international cars pulled out a week before last year’s race.

The newly-named Armor All Gold Coast 600 is set to be a hit, with a three-night music festival joining the motoring spectacular.

Cole Hitchcock from V8 Supercars Australia said the race has generated a positive response.

“The response this year has been really positive,” he said.

“We are going through a re-building stage after the issues from last year, particularly with the collapse of the A1 grand prix.”

“But we have started turning things around; the Queensland government have commissioned us to take the race back to its glory days.”

However, Daniel Gschwind, CEO of Tourism Council Queensland said last year’s drama has caused some damage.

“The drama last year was certainly not something that was welcomed by anybody,” he said.

“It was most unfortunate the way things developed. It’s never a good thing and has obviously done some damage to their reputation.”

The New Approach

Mr Gschwind says V8 Supercars’ new domestic approach, which focuses on the Australian market, is the reason they are back on track.

“I think this year is much more focused on the cars rather than the international race format that we have had in the past,” he said.

“This new approach will give better opportunities to promote the domestic market.”

With a domestically-focused approach, the event is likely to see more Gold Coast residents and families attend.

Rebecca Frizelle from the event’s major sponsor Audi, says the race now appeals to the entire community.

“You will see a lot of local people going. The Gold Coast needs an event that appeals to the entire community and this one does,” she said.

“They are building it so there is something for everyone including families, couples and individuals.”

The Armor Gold Coast 600 is expected to be viewed on television by millions of people around the world.

It is also expected to attract more than 200 thousand fans over the three days (October 22 – October 24, 2010), with tickets available online.

A national principle of responsible gambling declared in 2009 that children should not be exposed to gambling within gambling venues has had little success. Photo courtesy of Jayne Andd

An anti-gambling advocate says children who are frequently exposed to gambling venues and pokie machines are more likely to become problem gamblers later in life.

The proposal to build a soundproof children’s play area within view of poker machines in the Pink Hill Hotel in Melbourne has sparked fresh debate around the ‘normalisation’ of gambling in Australia.

Paul Bendat, anti-gambling advocate and founder of PokieAct.org, says children are “lured” into pubs and normalised to the sights and sounds of gambling culture.

“[This] will lead to a greater prevalence of problem gambling,” he says.

Judgements like the Pink Hill Hotel decision “are a massive, massive mistake.”

‘Water-tight’ legislation

The 1999 Productivity Commission’s report National Approach to Problem Gambling showed around 290,000 Australians are problem gamblers.

Mr Bendat says this number will increase without “perspective legislation” to control gambling practices throughout Australia and greater restrictions on children’s exposure to gambling.

He says a national principle of responsible gambling,  declared in July 2009, that children should not be exposed to gambling within gambling venues has had little success.

“Unless there is a specific type of legislation in a water-tight way saying, ‘you will do this’ – [gambling venues] don’t do it,” he says.

It is a legislative requirement for venues such as casinos to not permit children on the premises, except for restricted dining areas and accommodation.

Michelle Pillonel, Treasury Casinos’ Corporate Affairs Manager for South East Queensland says the Treasury Casino child play areas or child minding was “not on the agenda”.

“We don’t enter into that at all – we’re strictly 18-plus,” she says.

The Queensland Gaming Commission and Clubs Queensland were unavailable for comment.

Children ‘dumped’?

The designer of the Pink Hill Hotel, Mr David Gordon, wanted gamblers to be able to keep watch of their machines and children at all times.

However, Mr Bendat says there remains concerns about the welfare and supervision of children “dumped” in child play areas within gambling venues.

He says parents often do not actively supervise their children when gambling.

A card-dealer at the Treasury Casino says he frequently sees problem gamblers and has concerns about children exposed to gambling and possible child neglect.

“ [On-premise child play areas are] a pretty bad idea because it’s allowing people to be irresponsible by gambling instead of taking care of their children,” he says.

Related Links:

Productivity Commission – National Approach to Problem Gambling Report 1999

Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulations (VCGR)  – Decision for Pink Hill Hotel application

Paul Bendant, PokieAct.org – Make Pokie Places Kid Free

Gambling Help – Helpline and Advice

Gamblers Anonymous – Recovering from Addiction

The band will now have the opportunity to compete in the regional final, hosted by Brisbane’s Hi-Fi Bar.

The Lingerers play Emergenza. Photo: Mitch Sabine

While the international final is still months away, hundreds of bands worldwide have participated in heats, with the hope of reaching the penultimate stage of the competition.

Since 1992, Emergenza has given unsigned and emerging bands the opportunity to perform in front of real audiences and judges, an opportunity that has often resulted in widespread attention for the best bands.

The competition runs in a battle-of-the-bands format, with heats taking place in major capital cities, before regional and national finals, which determine who will represent their country at the Taubertal Open Air Festival in Germany.

In ten years between 1996 and 2006, Emergenza has expanded the competition from Italy and Germany alone to include all of Europe, along with North America, Japan, Australia and soon China.

Executive Vice President, Sabrina Baroni, says the expansion allows for a musically and culturally diversified experience.

“The idea that musicians from North America, Asia and Europe can compete in a worldwide competition is still something very unique,” Ms Baroni said.

A passionate supporter of emerging musical talent, Ms Baroni said it was important for the organisation to provide the best outcomes for the musicians participating.

“By running this competition we’re ensuring the next generation of musical talent is not lost…we’d like to see a diverse range of musicians continue to perform, whether that be locally, nationally or internationally,” Ms Baroni said.

Previous years have produced winners such as Swedish band Royal Republic and Americans After The Fall.

The Lingerers

Formed in 2009 by good friends Hadley Perkins, Ben Jackson and Stirling Blacket, The Lingerers have been very vocal in Brisbane’s local music scene lately.

In the last year, the band has booked gigs in some of Brisbane’s best live venues, such as Barsoma, The Troubador, the Hi-Fi bar and The Step Inn.

Blacket describes the band’s sound as ‘eclectic’, gathering sounds from the progressive rock, alternative, indie and psychedelic rock genres.

It’s one quality that the local Brisbane band attributes to their recent success, most of which has stemmed from their recent involvement in Emergenza.

The band was at first pessimistic about their chances in the competition, as no members had ever received technical training or played in a band before.

But their infectious and unique live sound has seen them progress from the heats with ease.

“Obviously we were very surprised…it means quite a lot to be involved in this stage of the competition,” Mr Blacket explains.

Mr Blacket agrees the competition is one of the best ways for unsigned bands to get noticed.

“The opportunity to play in front of a live crowd of a thousand people is something you don’t often get as an unsigned band,” Mr Blacket says.

Brisbane’s local scene

An important part of Emergenza is uncovering the best local talent from each area, something which Mr Blacket is supportive of.

“Competitions like this are where some of the best bands have been signed…they’re an important part of the Australian music scene, which I think is very strong at the moment,” Mr Blacket says.

Minister for the Arts and Premier, Anna Bligh, says the continual funding of live entertainment areas such as Fortitude Valley is paying dividends for Brisbane.

“The importance of live venues such as Fortitude Valley is significant…they make a huge contribution to Brisbane’s cultural identity,” Ms Bligh said.

Mr Blacket believes areas like Fortitude Valley are essential if Australia wants to produce quality musicians in the future.

Last year's winners HANATOCHIRURAN playing Taubertal Festival. Photo: Jason Lackie.

“We wouldn’t have had the opportunities we’ve had if it wasn’t for places like Barsoma or The Hi-Fi…every night of the week there’s great local bands playing,” Mr Blacket said.

Australian Emergenza Manager, Bo Philips, believes the opportunity to play in some of Australia’s most prestigious venues is a great experience for competing bands.

“It gives the bands a chance to see what performing in front of a live audience is like,” Mr Philips said.

Mr Philips also said he had seen many good Australian bands slip through the cracks due to poor self-promotion, the most important part of succeeding in the music industry.

“Certainly there are a lot of good bands out there, but what we want is for bands to be able to promote their own shows and be successful,” Mr Philips said.

For now, The Lingerers are focused on reaching the international final of Emergenza.

“To play in front of a crowd that big, alongside bands like The Prodigy, would be unreal for us as musicians. I can’t imagine a better opportunity,” Mr Blacket said.