COFFS Harbour’s successful Elton John concerts in February have taken out the National Major Event of the Year Award in the Parks and Leisure Australia 2020 Awards of Excellence, after winning the NSW/ACT Award in the competition last month.

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“Receiving the Major Event of the Year Award is a great honour and I want to congratulate the Coffs Harbour City Council staff, volunteers, suppliers, contractors, police, bus and traffic companies who brought this all together for our community,” Coffs Harbour Mayor Cr Denise Knight said.

“It was one of those major event experiences and greatest shows you will remember for the rest of your life, celebrating and enjoying a world class musician together as a community.

“This really cements our reputation of the regional events capital of Australia and shows that investing in major infrastructure projects pays off.”

The C.ex Coffs International Stadium played host to two nights of Sir Elton John’s global ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour’ in February.

The stadium hosted approximately 30,000 guests over the two concerts.

Council’s City Prosperity Group Leader Nikki Greenwood said Council’s role was to ensure the experience leading up to and around the concert was as amazing as the concerts themselves.

“The level of community engagement around the two concerts was unprecedented, with the business sector, retail and hospitality, schools, community groups, tourism operators, media, and more getting involved,” Ms Greenwood said.

“This experience and national accolade has opened up a whole world of opportunity when you think of developing a world class calendar of events across sporting, arts, culture and entertainment.”

Council’s Stadium and Major Events Section Leader Dan Heather added that the region has been continually building its reputation as an event friendly destination.

“Being awarded National Winner for the 2 Elton John concerts really rubber stamps that position,” Mr Heather said.

“As (COVID-19) restrictions lift, whether on the sports field or for entertainment, we look forward to welcoming more and more events back to the Coffs Coast.”

Cr Denise Knight said having venues that cater for all types of sports, arts and cultural entertainment was critical, especially in these times of COVID recovery.

“Council is currently progressing plans for another entertainment style venue for shows in the 600 to 1,000 seat capacity range,” Cr Knight said.

“This additional venue will house musicals, ballet, theatre and more intimate music shows and performances ensuring there is something for everyone.”

C.ex Coffs International Stadium was also the NSW Parks and Leisure Australia winner of the Community Facility of the Year Award.

By Emma DARBIN