Innovation and Activation

Music by the River

17 September 2018

A ‘Space’ before a ‘Place’

• Undergone significant change

• Bordering the National Capital-Canberra

• 3 hrs. south of Sydney by road, 1hr by Air

• Population 41,000, Projected to grow to 75,000

by 2035

• Evolved as working class town for construction

of Canberra

• Struggle Town

Queanbeyan CBD 2010

River Precinct

Construction Phase

Queanbeyan River Precinct 2017

Queanbeyan Music by the River

• Encompasses the character of the region while still

being outwardly ambitious about our people and place.

• Is a harmonious example of strategic partnering

between the arts (Canberra Symphony Orchestra –

CSO), Government (Queanbeyan Palerang Regional

Council) and a commercial body (Icon Water).

Activation – A space became a place

The key changes and improvements which occurred

1. Increased visitation and new audiences

2. Stimulated business opportunities

3. Experience arts and culture in a relaxed and

inexpensive way.

4. Showcased Queanbeyan's Queen Elizabeth II

Park.

5. Further reinforce the importance of the

Queanbeyan River as a place to both enjoy and

protect.

6. A mutually prosperous relationship

Excellence in innovation

Music lives in the heart

What you can see

• Awarded highly commended at the 2018 Local Government

Awards – ‘Local Economic Contribution’

• Finalist in the RH Dougherty Awards (2018) for innovation in

Special Events

• Awarded Destination NSW Funding – Incubator Funding

• Feature in the 2019 Season program for the Canberra Symphony

Orchestra

• Ticket sell out in 2018 with 93% of those surveyed would return

again.

• “best night ever” … Garry

The Results

What you can feel

• Emotion on the night… the only time its ok to cry

• Excitement of the CSO musical director

• Community anticipation

• Confidence in the events team

The Results

Longevity

• A benchmark for other events

• Icon water is a strong community and

corporate partner

• CSO regional program (Schools program)

• The ‘Place’ is valued and there is greater

focus on improving the location as a

destination

Future Activation

• Trust your partners to do their part

• Don’t be scared to target a strong audience

• It’s called an opportunity for a reason

• Raise the bar – now jump

• Make risk your friend

• Build in measures for being ‘too’ successful

Key Lessons Learnt

Questions