Plenty of talent on offer during Australia Day celebrations

TALENTED people are invited to participate in the first ever ‘Gong Factor’ talent quest as part of this year’s Wollongong Australia Day celebrations.

Entries are now open for singers, dancers, musicians or any other performers to throw their hat in the ring and be in the running for a $750 voucher from Telstra. There’s no age limit, but entrants must be residents of the Wollongong Local Government Area, and only acoustic instruments can be used.

Ten finalists will be selected to perform on the Telstra Main Stage in Lang Park on Australia Day between 4.30 -5.30pm, with the winner to be announced at the event.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said he is hoping to discover great talent in the Gong Factor.

“Wollongong has produced a wealth of talented performers over the years, such as Natalie Bassingthwaite, Anthony Warlow and Richard Tognetti. We’d love the Gong Factor to be the start of someone else’s journey as a performer.

“This is a great opportunity for individuals or groups of up to six performers to show our community what they can do. I’d also encourage everyone to come along to Lang Park on Australia Day and cheer on our finalists.”

More information and entry forms are available on the Australia Day page on Council’s website. Entry forms need to be submitted, with a video of up to two minutes, by Friday January 18 to be in the running. A judging panel will then invite ten finalists to perform on Australia Day.

The full Australia Day program can be found on Council’s website, or call (02) 4227 7111 for details.