A major survey will be conducted from the 21st to 23rd October to gain a better understanding of what the community want in the way of event venues and also to put some measure on the economic impact gained from one of the longest running events on the Sunshine Coast.
In 1991, Bob Carroll and his company, Australian Events, established the inaugural Sunshine Coast Home Show and staged it under giant circus tents on ovals 1 and 2 at the Kawana Sports Club Grounds. There have been a number of name changes to the venue since then but for 25 years it has played host to this major community event. The event remains today as a key marketing and promotional strategy for hundreds of businesses with equally as many products on show for those interested in building and renovating.
The event has also evolved to showcase another important side of life on the Sunshine Coast and that is boating, fishing, 4×4 and off-road as well as camping and caravanning. The event now soaks up around five hectares of display space across a number of ovals at the Sunshine Coast Sports Precinct and a further 4 hectares of space is needed for car parking. It is one of the largest consumer events of its kind in Queensland.
According to Mr Carroll, the survey is important so that he can demonstrate to the local and state governments the importance of this event to the community and the businesses that take part. He is also wanting to highlight the fact that many events have boycotted the Sunshine Coast because there is a distinct lack of event venues and the ones that are here are less than adequate.
“We have staged events all over Australia and for the size of this community there is simply not enough venues and the ones we have are not up to scratch. I am appealing to all who attend the Sunshine Coast Home Show and Caravan Camping and Boating Expo this year to complete our survey forms that will be available at special survey booths within the event. I am asking the community to take time to complete the 2 minute survey as it will help draw attention to this important issue. Hopefully it will be the catalyst to inspire Council and the State Government to seriously upgrade existing venues and develop a new major event centre because events are big business. Big for local tourism, big for local businesses and big for the local economy.”
Two major prizes are being offered as an incentive for people to complete the 2 minute survey. Anyone who completes a survey form will go into the draw to win a trip to Melbourne flying direct on the new Jetstar service out of Maroochydore and staying at the 5 star Crown Promenade Resort style Hotel. Second prize will be a large family fishing adventure package thanks to the Reef Science Fishing Show and Shimano.
For more details got to the event website www.sunshinecoasthomeshow.com.au