Powderfinger makes Cairns the only regional stop on national tour

• The Crisafulli Government has secured Cairns as the only regional Australian stop on Powderfinger’s highly anticipated reunion tour through Queensland's Mega and Strategic Events Fund.
• The exclusive Cairns performances will drive visitation to Tropical North Queensland, delivering a boost for local accommodation providers, tourism operators, hospitality venues and small businesses.
• The Crisafulli Government is cementing Queensland's reputation as the events capital of Australia, backing major events that bring visitors to our regions and support local jobs as part of its Destination 2045 tourism plan. 

The Crisafulli Government can today reveal that it has secured Cairns as the only regional Australian stop on Powderfinger's blockbuster reunion tour. 

Through a targeted and strategic bid, the Crisafulli Government brought the exclusive regional performance to Tropical North Queensland, delivering a major win for local tourism, hospitality and businesses. 

The result reinforces Queensland's growing reputation as Australia's events capital and demonstrates the Crisafulli Government's commitment to bringing world-class experiences to regional communities through Destination 2045.  

The successful campaign for Cairns has delivered a major coup for Tropical North Queensland, with Cairns securing back-to-back exclusive regional performances while Queensland will also host the opening leg of the national reunion tour. 

Fans wanting to catch Powderfinger during the opening weeks of their long-awaited return will need to travel to Queensland, delivering a major boost for accommodation providers, hospitality venues, tourism operators and small businesses. 

Premier David Crisafulli said securing the major coup was part of the Government’s plan to deliver more major events for all of Queensland.  

“Powderfinger are Queensland legends, a Queensland story, so it’s only fitting that Queensland has secured this major coup,” Premier Crisafulli said.  

“We went after this because we knew how much this would mean to Queenslanders, especially those in regional areas.  

“These Days, Queensland has a plan to become the events capital of the country, and that means the biggest shows and we’re working hard to get the biggest artists into our regions too." 

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said securing the tour showed what could be achieved when the Crisafulli Government set its sights on securing major events for regional Queensland. 

"For months we worked behind the scenes to ensure Cairns was part of one of the biggest music reunions Australia has ever seen," Minister Powell said. 

"When one of Queensland's greatest bands reunites, the Crisafulli Government is making sure Queensland and regional Queenslanders share in the benefits. 

"We're backing events that drive visitation, support local jobs and put Queensland firmly on the map as Australia's events capital. 

"Fans from across the country will come for Powderfinger and stay for everything Tropical North Queensland has to offer, creating real benefits for local businesses, accommodation providers and tourism operators." 

Assistant Minister for Tourism and Member for Barron River Bree James said securing the only regional stop on the tour was a major coup for Cairns and Tropical North Queensland. 

"Without the Crisafulli Government's determination to secure this event, Cairns would not be hosting the only regional stop on one of Australia's biggest reunion tours," Ms James said. 

"The only way fans can see Powderfinger at a regional venue anywhere in Australia is by coming to Cairns, delivering a major boost for our visitor economy and showcasing our region to a national audience. 

"Queensland is the home of the holiday, and this is exactly why we're investing in major events that bring visitors to our regions, support local businesses and give people another reason to choose Queensland." 

Powderfinger said they were excited to bring the tour to Cairns. 

"We all love Cairns and we're thrilled to be able to get there on this tour," they said. 

"It's the only regional show we're playing and that's thanks to the support of the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland. 

"We can't wait for locals and fans from across Australia to join us there." 

Queensland tour dates: 

• Friday 3 September – Brisbane, Brisbane Showgrounds
• Saturday 4 September – Brisbane, Brisbane Showgrounds
• Friday 10 September – Brisbane, Brisbane Showgrounds
• Saturday 11 September – Brisbane, Brisbane Showgrounds
• Friday 17 September – Cairns, Cazalys Stadium
• Saturday 18 September – Cairns, Cazalys Stadium 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Ruth McCosker 0406 331 114