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Queensland Elvis Festival to Debut at Eatons Hill in 2024

The Queensland International Elvis Festival is set to make its highly anticipated debut at Eatons Hill Hotel, bringing a weekend packed with Elvis Presley-themed entertainment to the Australian community.

This three-day festival will feature internationally acclaimed performers who will pay tribute to the legendary King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in a series of concerts designed to capture different moments of his iconic career.

Scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 October 2024, the festival will highlight five unique shows over three days. Each performance will offer a different perspective on Elvis’s life and music, ensuring that there is something for every fan of the King.

The venue, Eatons Hill Hotel, known for its top-tier facilities, will host the festival. Attendees will have the convenience of accommodation, cafes, and restaurants, making the event a full weekend experience for fans travelling from near and far.

International Line-up of Elvis Tribute Artists

Despite having never performed in Australia, Elvis Presley’s popularity remains immense. His music continues to captivate generations of fans, keeping his legacy alive nearly five decades after his death. Australian fans have embraced his films, music, and style, with tribute artists and festivals like the Queensland Elvis Festival playing a key role in maintaining his influence. This enduring fascination with Elvis demonstrates the lasting impact of his cultural presence, even in places he never visited.

One of the key attractions of the Queensland International Elvis Festival is the impressive line-up of tribute artists. Heading the bill is Emilio Santoro, a rising star in the Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) world. Hailing from the UK, Santoro began gaining widespread attention in 2019 when he won the Images of the King World Championship Non-Pro Division at just 17 years of age. Since then, his career has soared, with victories across Europe and the United States. He has established himself as a premier young Elvis tribute artist, captivating audiences with his authentic and electrifying performances.

Joining him are Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) champions, including Jay Dupuis, Cote Deonath, and Ted Torres, all travelling from the United States for the event. Each of these performers has earned recognition for their portrayals of Elvis, bringing to life different stages of his career—from his early rockabilly days to his famous Las Vegas performances. Fans can expect an authentic and dynamic representation of Elvis’s music and personality, with these seasoned tribute artists delivering some of the King’s most beloved hits.

Five Unique Concerts Celebrating Elvis’s Legacy

The festival will feature five distinct concerts, each focusing on a different aspect of Elvis Presley’s career.

“All Out Elvis”will kick things off, taking the audience on a journey through the most iconic moments of Elvis’s life. It will showcase his rise to stardom and his influence on the music industry.

“From Tupelo to Vegas” will follow, tracing Elvis’s evolution from his humble beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his glitzy Las Vegas performances.

For those interested in the global reach of Elvis’s music, “Elvis On Tour” will provide a snapshot of his life on the road and the impact his live shows had around the world.

A special performance of “Elvis: The Story” will offer an in-depth exploration of the King’s life, bringing together music, history, and storytelling in a concert that Australian audiences have never seen before.

The final event, “It’s Carnival Time,” will celebrate Elvis’s film career, highlighting the songs that made him a pop culture icon on-screen and off.

Community Spirit and Anticipation

The Queensland International Elvis Festival is organised by Dom Arpa Productions, one of Australia’s leading concert promoters. With a reputation for bringing large-scale musical events to life, Arpa’s team aims to make this festival an annual tradition that will attract both local and international visitors.

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UK Band Busted to Play at Eatons Hill Hotel for First-Ever Australian Tour

British pop-punk band Busted will perform at Eatons Hill Hotel in Brisbane for the first time ever, as part of their highly anticipated Australian tour.

The band, formed in Essex in 2000, rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits such as *What I Go to School For* and *Crashed the Wedding*. Despite their success in the UK and worldwide, the group has never performed live in Australia until now.

Their debut Australian tour includes stops in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney, giving long-time fans an opportunity they’ve been waiting over two decades for.

They will perform in Brisbane on Friday, 1st November.

Busted at Eatons Hill Hotel — *Photo Credit: Eatons Hill Hotel*

A Pop-Punk Legacy

Busted’s popularity soared after their debut single, “What I Go to School For,” reached #3 on the UK charts. This was quickly followed by chart-topping hits like “Year 3000,” “Crashed the Wedding,” and “Thunderbirds Are Go.” Over the years, the band has sold over five million records worldwide, earned two BRIT Awards, and maintained its status as one of the UK’s most beloved pop-punk acts.

After a 20-year career, the band recently marked its anniversary by releasing its Greatest Hits 2.0 album, which topped the UK charts in 2023. This album brought collaborations with notable acts such as Simple Plan and All Time Low.

Busted expressed their excitement for their long-awaited Australian tour, noting their surprise that they had taken so long to perform in the country. They have promised an energetic show, inviting fans to “jump around and lose their minds” as they relive the hits that made them famous.

Support from Australian Talent

Melbourne-based pop-punk band Between You & Me is joining Busted on their Australian tour. This rising local band is set to open all three of Busted’s Australian shows, bringing their flavour of high-energy music to the stage.

Tickets for the Brisbane show at Eatons Hill Hotel and the other tour dates went on sale on 9th July, with pre-sales happening earlier for eager fans.

This marks a milestone in Australian pop-punk culture, with long-time listeners finally able to experience the iconic UK band live on their home soil.

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The show at Eatons Hill Hotel promises to be a highlight of Busted’s tour, as Brisbane fans prepare for what will likely be a night filled with nostalgia and fan favourites from the band’s extensive catalogue.

Eatons Hill Community Rallies to Revive Bike Bus for School Kids

A grassroots initiative in Eatons Hill has encouraged children to ride bikes to school in a revival of the bike bus concept, with numbers tripling since its launch.

Mindy Robinson, a mother of three, started the Eatons Hill bike bus in late April 2024 with just five children, inspired by a similar program in the US. Her initiative quickly grew, and now more than fifteen children participate.

Robinson’s motivation stemmed from her two older boys’ desire to ride their bikes to school and the inspirational videos of Sam Balto, a well-known bike bus organiser in Portland, USA.

Robinson highlighted that the kids are not just getting to school; they are developing friendships, overcoming fears, gaining confidence, and learning independence. She noted the community’s support and the joy it brings to the children, who look forward to the twice-a-week rides.

Challenges and Solutions

Starting a bike bus in Australia comes with its own set of challenges, such as the need for waivers, Blue Cards, and insurance. Robinson noted that Australia’s public liability laws differ significantly from the USA, creating additional hurdles. She expressed the need for government support or grants to help officiate the program, allowing local parents to volunteer without worrying about liability in case of mishaps.

Despite these challenges, Robinson found ways to ensure safety and compliance. The Eatons Hill bike bus uses footpaths and lollipop crossings, contrasting with Balto’s use of neighbourhood greenways in Portland, which feature speed bumps and traffic diverters to reduce cars on the road.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

The Eatons Hill bike bus has had a noticeable impact on the local community. Parents have reported their children being more eager to wake up and prepare for school on bike bus days. One parent shared that their child was never as enthusiastic in the mornings as on bike bus days.

The success of the bike bus in Eatons Hill has led to discussions about expanding the initiative. Robinson expressed hope that with government support, more bike buses could be set up in other suburbs, helping to reduce traffic congestion during school drop-off times and promoting healthier lifestyles for children.

The mother highlighted that the school commute in Brisbane makes up one in four car trips during the morning peak hour, and the roads are noticeably quieter during school holidays. She sees bike buses and walking buses as opportunities to reverse the trend of kids being chauffeured to the school car drop-off point.

Published 31-July-2024

Eatons Hill Hospitality Group Dominates QHA Awards, Snagging Five Wins

Photo Credit: Queensland Hotel Association Awards/ Facebook

Eatons Hill and the broader Moreton Bay area are basking in the glow of success as the Comiskey Group clinched five prestigious awards at the annual Queensland Hotels Association (QHA) Awards. This remarkable achievement underscores the group’s commitment to excellence in hospitality and tourism.

The Comiskey Group, renowned for its development and management of Eatons Hill Hotel and Sandstone Point Hotel, achieved top honours in multiple categories, showcasing its diverse strengths.

The group proudly took home awards for Best Family Dining with The Doonan, Best Mid-Range Accommodation and Best Tourism Initiative for Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, Best Retail Liquor Outlet for Harry Brown Liquor at Eatons Hill Hotel, and the Hall of Fame for Best Entertainment Venue awarded to Sandstone Point Hotel.

The Doonan, a relatively new addition to the Comiskey Group’s portfolio, was honoured with Best Family Dining. Opened just last year, The Doonan marks the first collaboration where Comiskey Group partnered with Josj Jones and Neville Allen. The group’s pride in this achievement was palpable, particularly as it was the venue’s inaugural entry into any awards competition.

The Best Retail Liquor Outlet award for Harry Brown Liquor at Eatons Hill Hotel is a testament to the venue’s excellence, securing this title for the second consecutive year. Following a successful renovation, the store had previously earned the national title and is poised to compete for the Australian title again this year.

Sandstone Point Hotel’s induction into the Hall of Fame for Best Entertainment Venue is a notable highlight. Having won this category three years in a row, the hotel will now take a break from this nomination to allow other venues a chance to shine. Similarly, the Sandstone Point Holiday Resort’s recognition as Best Mid-Range Accommodation for the third year running means it too will be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.

Director Rob Comiskey expressed immense pride in these accomplishments, highlighting the importance of the family-friendly environment that the Comiskey Group strives to create across all its venues. The dedication and hard work of the group’s 686 employees were also acknowledged as keys to their continued success.

*Photo Credit:* *Queensland Hotels Association*

The recognition of Eatons Hill Hotel’s Harry Brown Liquor store, coupled with the consistent accolades for Sandstone Point Hotel and Holiday Resort, underscores the Comiskey Group’s ongoing commitment to providing outstanding hospitality experiences. This year’s achievements not only celebrate past successes but also set a high bar for the future.

Published Date 19-June-2024

UB40 Bringing Red Red Wine Tour to Eatons Hill

Photo Credit: TEG Live

Get ready to revel! The world’s top-selling reggae group UB40 is headed to Eatons Hill Hotel on Sunday, October 13th as part of their massive Red Red Wine Tour celebrating 45 years of hits.

The iconic British band will be taking over the stage for what promises to be a night of pure reggae bliss. Fans can expect all the classics like “Red Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” “Kingston Town” and fresh cuts from UB40’s 45th anniversary album “UB45”.

“We are always buzzing to come back to Australia. The welcome we get from the fans down there is special,” said founding member Robin Campbell.

UB40 has withstood the test of time, with the current lineup boasting all but one of the surviving original members, bolstered by the “re-energising presence” of vocalist Matt Doyle. The band has achieved remarkable milestones, including over 100 million albums sold globally, 10 UK Top 10 albums, and most recently their 51st hit single “Forever True.”

**UB40 feat. Ali Campbell, Astro & Mickey Virtue @ Rock the Ring 2018**
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Sven Mandel

Joining the reggae revolutionaries for this not-to-be-missed Brisbane show is special guest Eagle-Eye Cherry. The Grammy-nominated Swedish singer/songwriter will bring his unique blend of melodic alternative rock to the stage, including hits like the ubiquitous “Save Tonight.”

This is a true generational music event blending genres, decades of hits, and an unbreakable reggae spirit. Whether you’re a longtime UB40 rude boy or just looking for a night of good vibrations, don’t miss the Red Red Wine Tour taking over Eatons Hill on October 13th!

click here for the event details!

Published 15-May-2024

Excitement Builds as Moreton Bay Welcomes Back Beloved Hills Festival

Moreton Bay’s ‘The Hills Festival’ returns for its seventh spectacular year, shaping up to be the biggest and most diverse yet, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Read: Pandemonium Tour Rocks On Despite Line-Up Shake-Up and Venue Changes, Moves Brisbane Show to Eatons Hill

Here are the free activities to look forward to each week at the 2024 Hills Festival:

Week 1

3 May 2024

The Hills Festival will kick off on May 3 with a “Movie in the Park” event at Eatons Hill, where attendees can enjoy an outdoor screening of the 2023 animated film Trolls Band Together.

In the movie, Poppy discovers that her friend Branch was once part of a popular boy band called “BroZone” with his brothers Floyd, John Dory, Spruce, and Clay. When Floyd is kidnapped, Branch and Poppy embark on a journey to reunite the band and rescue him.

Please note that closed captions will be provided during the film to ensure accessibility for all attendees.

Week 2

12 May 2024

The following weekend, on Mother’s Day, the Ferny Hills community will host a “Jazz & Shiraz” celebration, pairing smooth sounds with delicious local wines.

Spread out a picnic blanket and sample delectable bites from food trucks as you soak up the musical atmosphere. The Jazz & Shiraz event will feature a licensed bar offering an excellent selection of regional wines, local craft beers, and gourmet cheese platters.

Week 3

18 May 2024

Mark your calendars for May 18, from 1pm-5pm as Music in the Valley Samford promises an unforgettable experience at the Samford Showgrounds. Featuring a delightful lineup of local artists, food trucks, and festive face painting activities, this captivating event ensures an afternoon filled with joy, harmony, and a strong sense of community spirit.

What to Bring:

Picnic rug
Chairs
Hat
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle

Week 4

25 May 2024

The Hills Festival culminates in the annual Hills Carnivale, a free, family-friendly event on May 25 at George Willmore Park. This one-day celebration features an action-packed program across two stages, with one area dedicated solely to activities for kids.

Little ones will delight in amusement rides, workshops, games, and roving entertainers in the designated Kids Zone. Meanwhile, parents can explore the numerous lifestyle markets and multicultural food stalls while enjoying live music from local artists.

Read: Echoes of Pink Floyd to Recreate Historic Pink Floyd Tour at Eatons Hill Grand Ballroom

For a full schedule of events and ticket information, be sure to visit the festival’s website at www.hillsfestival.com.au. With so much on offer, this year’s Hills Festival is shaping up to be the best one yet.

Published 17-April-2024

Pandemonium Tour Rocks On Despite Line-Up Shake-Up and Venue Changes, Moves Brisbane Show to Eatons Hill

Photo Credit: Pandemonium Rocks/Facebook

The much-anticipated Pandemonium Tour will proceed with notable changes to its line-up and venue, including a significant move of its Brisbane show to Eatons Hill, dispelling widespread cancellation rumours and presenting a reshaped musical showcase.

Australia’s rock music enthusiasts can breathe a sigh of relief as the Pandemonium Tour, set to commence in Melbourne on the 20th of April 2024, has been confirmed to go ahead with alterations previously announced. Amidst unverified media reports suggesting the event’s cancellation, the tour’s organisers, alongside headliners Alice Cooper and Blondie, have clarified that the festival is set to rock the nation with a revised artist roster and venue adjustments.

Line-Up and Venue Changes

The festival will feature Alice Cooper, Blondie, The Psychedelic Furs, Wheatus, Wolfmother, Palaye Royale, and Cosmic Psychos, despite the withdrawal of Deep Purple, Placebo, and several other acts. Notably, the Gold Coast event has been relocated to Broadwater Parklands, and the Sunshine Coast’s concert is now slated for Brisbane at Eatons Hill Hotel, reflecting the organisers’ adaptability in the face of logistical challenges.

In light of the alterations, festival-goers have been presented with three compensation options: a complimentary additional ticket, a partial refund, or a Pandemonium hoodie, with ticket prices adjusted to $190 for all shows except Brisbane, now priced at $165 plus fees.

While some attendees have expressed frustration over the changes, others remain excited, highlighting the polarised sentiment surrounding the restructuring of the event.

Tour Dates and Details

The tour’s itinerary includes performances in Melbourne, Newcastle, Sydney, Gold Coast, and Brisbane. Despite Blondie’s absence from the Brisbane lineup, the organisers promise a thrilling experience for rock music fans across these cities. Blondie will also join Alice Cooper, the Psychedelic Furs, and Wolfmother in a consolidated show on the 23rd of April in Newcastle.

Table: Top 10 Acts Still Performing

Rank	Artist
1	Alice Cooper
2	Blondie (excluding Brisbane)
3	The Psychedelic Furs
4	Wheatus
5	Wolfmother
6	Palaye Royale
7	Cosmic Psychos
8	Other Acts
9	To Be Announced
10	To Be Announced

Economic Impact and Industry Perspective

The Pandemonium Tour’s continuation amidst the current economic climate and a spate of festival cancellations underscores the resilience of Australia’s live music industry. Organisers cite the importance of sustaining the live music ecosystem, from venue operators to roadies, as a key driver behind their decision to proceed with the event, albeit in a modified format.

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Published 11-April-2024

Get Your Cupcake Craving Fixed At Whisk & Grind Cafe Eatons Hill

Eatons Hill is known for many great coffee shops, and Whisk & Grind Cafe– which has just opened along Bunya Park Drive–did not disappoint with their delicious coffee and a full range of sweet and savoury cafe-style dishes.

Read: Bluegrass Barbecue Offers Eatons Hill Popular American Dishes

This charming little cafe only opened in January 2023, but the owner, Kim, isn’t a newbie when it comes to running a food business. In fact, she has merged her cupcake shop, The Sugar Shack, into the cafe.

So don’t be surprised if you find endless flavour variations of cupcakes here. There’s vanilla, choc orange, lime coconut and white choc, vanilla biscoff, raspberry with white chocolate, chocolate mint, and red velvet among others.

Photo credit: Whisk & Grind Cafe/Facebook

Aside from gourmet cupcakes, they also have bagels, cheesecakes, waffles, brownies, schnitzels, and croissants. You can also go on a guiltless dessert feast as they have added more vegan treats to their range, which include the vegan carrot cake and the choc rasp muffin.

Coffee is sourced from The Coffee Commune, which is known for its wide range of coffee products, from roasted coffee beans to raw ones.

The space is a beauty, flooded with shades of turquoise and pops of wood, just the kind of place that will make you comfortable whilst catching up with friends or having your breakfast before heading straight to work.

Beyond the friendly and comfortable atmosphere, this cafe is also dog-friendly. Your furry friends can even have their own treats from the cafe.

Read: The Café for The Common Good in Albany Creek Wins Outstanding Social Enterprise

Whisk & Grind Cafe opens 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays. You can find them at 6 Bunya Park Dr, Eatons Hill.

Eatons Hill Hotel Owners Bringing Massive Festival Venue To Sunshine Coast

Did you know that a massive festival venue, dubbed as “Coochin Fields” will be established on the Sunshine Coast and is set to rival major festivals such as Coachella?

Read: New Look! Club Pine Rivers in Bray Park Undergoes Upgrades

This comes after the Comiskey Group, the company behind Eatons Hill and Sandstone Point hotels, announced plans to open a brand new festival site on a 150-ha land in Coochin Creek, south of Caloundra.

“I am excited to bring something special to the Sunshine Coast, the natural festival site is a similar size to North Byron Parklands, so there is plenty of opportunity to host both small and large-scale events with international artists and multiple stages,” said Rob Comiskey, director at Comiskey Group.

Comiskey promises to bring more local, national and international artists to the venue, hoping to bring live music back to South East Queensland in a big way following the pandemic.

With a space as huge as 22 football fields combined, Coochin Fields is expected to rival famous festivals in the world, such as the widely popular Coachella, which takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California every year.

The Comiskey Group have a long history operating as hoteliers but made a name for themselves by bringing some of the biggest names in music to their award-winning venues; some of which include, Prince, Ice Cube, Rita Ora, Khalid, The Beach Boys, Ke$ha, Tyga, Bryan Adams, Good Charlotte, SIX60 and Post Malone, to name a few.

Since acquiring the land in 2021, the company has been in talks with Council regarding plans to bring some small and large events to South East Queensland. At present, there are two turf farms and a strawberry farm operating on the land.

Just like the group’s other entertainment facilities, the Comiskey Group is looking at how they can make the offering at Coochin Fields as convenient as possible for their patrons.

Mr Comiskey did not reveal much about the features of the festival grounds but he said the new concert site will see on-site camping and the ability to book a return bus from a range of locations around Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

Eatons Hill Residents Are Queensland’s Biggest Online Shoppers: Report

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Common / DealDrop via Flickr

Did you know that Eatons Hill residents are some of the biggest online shoppers in the country? According to a new report from the Australian Post, Eatons Hill ranks third among the postcodes with the most shopping activity at major stores or discount outlets, online marketplaces, and home ware outlets.

In 2020, about 82 percent of households shopped for goods online during the pandemic, with some postcodes shopping twice as they did in 2019. Whilst Victorians spent more money on goods online, the whole country’s online shopping activities increased to 57 percent.

“As social distancing, border closures and lockdowns became commonplace, Australians turned online for the things they needed. And they did so in record numbers with over four in five Australian households – almost 9 million – making an online purchase at some point during the year,” said Rodney Boys, CEO of the Australian Post.

Highlights

Eatons Hill residents shopped online the most among Queenslanders in 2020.
The whole country’s online shopping activity increased to 82 percent during the pandemic lockdowns.
Online shoppers mostly bought home and garden items or furniture.

The report also revealed that new and distinct groups of online shoppers have emerged during the lockdown. The first are the young families who are conscious of where their money goes and the second are older households in retired or rural communities. From these groups, purchases of home and garden items have been significant. Homeware items were also popular with seasoned online shoppers, alongside appliances.

“Many retailers have done incredibly well through COVID-19, including those in household goods. With so many of us confined to our homes during the pandemic, and now choosing to work flexibly, people have invested in household items like new furniture or office and tech equipment, said Paul Zahra the CEO of the Australian Retailers Association.

“Having said that, brick and mortar stores still have an important role to play – it’s where the bulk of retail sales still occur – so store managers, sales assistants, and the like are still in-demand roles. Hence, we expect to see retailers continue to reduce their physical footprint and invest heavily in digital.”

Top 10 Suburbs in Australia with Highest Online Shopping Activity

Narre Warren North, VIC

Secret Harbour, WA

Eatons Hill, QLD

Frenchs Forest, NSW

Wakerly, QLD

Jerrabomberra, NSW

Wattle Grove, NSW

Narangba, QLD

Mount Annan, NSW

Warrandyte, VIC