An intimate gig, dubbed 'Savannah Sounds on the Reef', will be staged on the Great Barrier Reef to increase awareness of this year's 'Savannah in the Round', a country music event with growing acclaim hosted in Tropical North Queensland.

Supported by the Australian and Queensland Governments as part of post-Cyclone Jasper recovery efforts, 'Savannah Sounds on the Reef' will bring together high-profile Australian artists including Sheppard and Lee Kernaghan, along with Max Jackson and Kairos Kin to perform in front of 100 community heroes. This intimate gig will take place on Reef Magic's state-of-the-art floating pontoon off Cairns on Saturday 27 April 2024.

'Savannah Sounds on the Reef' aims to put a spotlight on the region's annual country music festival 'Savannah in the Round' to be held in the Cairns Hinterland town of Mareeba from 11 - 13 October 2024, while also celebrating community heroes and the Great Barrier Reef. 'Savannah Sounds on the Reef' will reveal the final lineup for 'Savannah in the Round', introducing around a dozen new names to the already star-studded lineup. Fans can anticipate a stellar selection of artists, including newly-announced festival headliner and prominent US country music singer and songwriter Kip Moore. Tickets available now at https://savannahintheround.com.au

A limited number of spots for 'Savannah Sounds on the Reef' are available which will be awarded to community heroes, nominated via competition. The search for community heroes from across Australia, including those from the Tropical North Queensland region who have demonstrated significant positive contribution to their local community, kicks off today, Friday April 5, and closes April 19. Details are available at https://savannahintheround.com.au/communityheroes.

Community heroes may have volunteered to help in cyclone and flood clean ups, may be long-standing, selfless community members who keep the local environment pristine or people who care for others.

'Savannah Sounds on the Reef' will be held on Reef Magic's state-of-the-art pontoon at Moore Reef. Owned by Experience Co and holding Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation, Reef Magic is recognised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as a High Standard Tourism Operator. Community heroes will travel by Reef Magic's high-speed vessel to enjoy the intimate gig which will be staged from 12pm – 3pm on Saturday 27 April.

Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for the Great Barrier Reef Nita Green:

“The Albanese Government is thrilled to be working with our Queensland counterparts on new initiatives which support Far North Queensland's recovery from ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper and to be able to provide community members, first responders, and volunteers, the opportunity to have a once-in-a-life time experience.

“The tourism industry is so significant for Cairns and the surrounding region, and this world-class event in the middle of Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef demonstrates that it's more than ready to receive visitors again.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Tourism and Member for Cairns, Michael Healy:

“While you hardly need an excuse to book a trip to this spectacular part of the world, Savannah in the Round this October is certainly a special excuse, and with globally renowned country music star Kip Moore confirmed to headline the event, and more artists to come, tickets are now being snapped up quickly.

“This very special event will make international headlines and shine a spotlight on the Great Barrier Reef and the incredible experience on offer here in Cairns and Great Barrier Reef.

“This is all part of the Australian and Queensland Government's ongoing support of this region following the devastating weather impacts late last year and I thank the artists for taking part to make this a wonderful promotion of the reef and to inspire visitors here.

“I can't wait to see the excited grins on the faces of our local heroes who truly deserve an extraordinary experience to thank them for everything they do for our community.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Mark Olsen:

“I am delighted that some of our community's heroes will be rewarded with an extraordinary gig on the Great Barrier Reef. Savannah Sounds on the Reef is a great way to show our appreciation and gives a taste of Savannah in the Round taking place in October later this year.  

“Savannah in the Round, located on the doorstep of the outback, is quickly becoming one of the must-do events on the Tropical North Queensland calendar. As the largest country music festival in the region, the event is filled with an amazing lineup of global artists and offers eventgoers a chance to experience a Tropical North Queensland holiday amongst the Great Barrier Reef and the world's oldest tropical rainforest.”

Quotes attributable to Lee Kernaghan:

“I'm proud to be a part of Savannah Sounds on the Reef to acknowledge all the community heroes across the country who lean in to support their fellow Aussies when volunteering in the times their help is most needed. I can't think of a better way to celebrate these true national heroes than putting on an awesome gig for them on the Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland!”

Quotes attributable to Sheppard:

"We're thrilled to be returning to the Tropical North for Savannah Sounds on the Reef this April. Playing on what might just be the world's most stunning stage, with breathtaking views of one of the seven wonders of the world - it'll be the experience of a lifetime.”

Quotes attributable to CEO, Experience CO, John O' Sullivan:

“Experience Co. operates an extensive range of touring on the Great Barrier Reef including snorkelling and diving tours and Island day trips from Port Douglas and Cairns.

“In 2022, with support from a Queensland State Government grant, we built the Reef Magic pontoon to provide increased opportunities for guests to the region to explore and understand the incredible reef system.

“In addition to offering marine activities such as snorkelling and diving, there is an onboard science lab which allows our marine biologists to showcase current research and conservation work such as the planting of Reef Stars which are helping us to protect and regenerate the reef.

“Our guests are also able to learn from our Indigenous guides who help them to understand Sea Country from a Traditional Owner's perspective.”

For more information, and to enter the competition, go to https://savannahintheround.com.au/communityheroes

ENDS

Images: Google drive with talent, event and destination images