Spirits Soar With Sunset Music

Tess Reeve, from Kingaroy, with Cr Danita Potter and Rob and Clare Fitz-Herbert, from RYZA

November 9, 2023

A concert designed to lift the spirits of a community which has been hit in recent years by drought, floods and fire enticed a large number of family groups to gather at Kingaroy Town Hall on Saturday night.

The Burnett Sunsets concert had been planned to be held in the Forecourt but the threat of storms forced it indoors.

And no one seemed to mind.

Up-and-coming South Burnett singer Nathan Hartley was first to hit the stage, followed by the young musicians from Kingaroy State High School’s stage band.

Conductor Matt Phillips pointed out that for the Year 12 students on stage, this was their last performance together before graduating.

Youngsters from the Ally Walker Dance Academy also displayed their skills.

Then local group RYZA performed two sets, putting their unique style on a mix of well-known songs.

Rotary members were kept busy at the licensed bar, while others tended to a barbecue.

Council staff distributed chairs and tables around the hall for families to use, although some people also brought along their own.

While the music played on stage, children were taking advantage of the contoured area at the back of the hall to run around and have fun with their friends.

The concert was funded through the joint Federal / State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Kingaroy State High School principal David Thomson and his wife Janet, second from right, with Peter and Sandra Chaplin, from the Sunshine Coast

Cr Jane Erkens with Mark Hartley, from Nanango … Mark is the proud father of young performer Nathan

Having fun at the free concert were Paula Roon, Proston; Jo Burns, Goomeri; Sharon Zoldak, Proston; Debbie Hartley, Nanango; and Lou Dingle, Brisbane

Sean and Tiahna Wicks and Candice Braithwaite, all from Kingaroy

Cr Jane Erkens, performer Nathan Hartley, Acting Mayor Gavin Jones and Cr Danita Potter

Kat Butcher and Debbie Hails, from Kingaroy Rotary, were selling drinks tickets and also promoting Rotary’s 2024 calendar, which is available from local visitor information centres and many pharmacies

Kingaroy Rotary colunteers were working in the kitchen to help keep people fed

Chairs and tables were laid out in the hall with a space at the back for kids to play, and, at front, for people to dance

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Gallery Of Photos

Some photos we snapped of the Kingaroy State High School band and RYZA on stage at the Burnett Sunsets concert in Kingaroy Town Hall. The evening was compered by Damien Martoo: