The Sunshine Coast local government area is on track for a $68 million injection into the economy from more than 60 Sunshine Coast Council sponsored major events in 2020.

Headlined by two Sir Elton John concerts, two NRL regular season games and the first time the Women’s State of Origin has been played in Qld, 2020 shapes as a blue-ribbon year for major events across the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Events Board Chairman Ralph Devlin AM QC, said major events expertise is in our DNA here on the Sunshine Coast. We are recognised throughout Australia as a leading events destination.

“Event promoters love our region’s natural and beautiful surrounds, friendly and welcoming community and vibrant tourism experiences that keep visitors happy and engaged.

“Sponsored major events have generated an estimated economic impact of more than $367 million for the region, over the last five years and supported more than 4,000 jobs,” Mr Devlin said.

Looking forward, the 2020 Sunshine Coast event calendar offers plenty for everyone. With events spread across the year and region, residents and visitors will have opportunity to enjoy exciting sporting, cultural and recreational events including marathons, triathlons, bowls, music, cricket, surfing and more.

Tickets are still available for the legendary singer, pianist and composer Sir Elton John, for his two performances at Sunshine Coast Stadium on March 3 and 4 as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road World Tour.

There will be three huge rugby league matches in 2020 with the Cronulla Sharks tackling the North Queensland Cowboys at Sunshine Coast Stadium on May 16 and the South Sydney Rabbitohs playing the New Zealand Warriors on August 15. Sunshine Coast Stadium will also host the 2020 Holden Women’s State of Origin match on June 19. Ticketing information will be released soon for these events.

In August, The Curated Plate food festival serves up the best Sunshine Coast produce from the land and sea, creating one-off menus and unique experiences for diners.

Horizon Festival offers 10 arts-fuelled days of visual art, music, performance, words and ideas, and creative workshops from August 28 to September 6.

Over the October long weekend, Kings Beach comes alive with the Caloundra Music Festival, a unique beachside music festival for all ages.

The 2020 calendar showcasing events that are sponsored or delivered by Sunshine Coast Council, or sponsored by Tourism Events Queensland can be found at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/events.

Tourism and Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray paid tribute to Mr Devlin who retires as Chairman of the Sunshine Coast Events Board at year end. Ralph’s legacy includes a major events portfolio that has grown significantly, with barely a week going by without a Sunshine Coast major event on the calendar and the development of a new events strategy in 2018. Council is sincerely grateful for his voluntary contribution.

Photo L to R: Barry Alsop, Eyes Wide Open Images, Allison Wallace, Digital Marketing Coordinator, Visit Sunshine Coast, Zoe Sparks, Spectacular World Travel & Events, Dr Lenny Vance, University of the Sunshine Coast attending the 2020 Sunshine Coast Major Events launch, 28 November at the new Malt Shovel Taphouse, Birtinya.