Spring 2011 - the RNA

SHOWCASINGQUEENSLAND’S SPIRIT400,000 come together to celebratewhat makes this state greatFor the second year in a row, morethan 400,000 people flocked to theRoyal Queensland Show (Ekka)to enjoy the unique experience,great atmosphere and first classcompetitions.RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunnysaid this year’s show received ahuge response from the public anddemonstrated the importance ofbringing the city and country together.“After such a devastating start to theyear for many people, it was wonderful to see the Queenslandspirit showcased at their event and their celebration,” he said.“Some farmers who lost crops earlier this year in the floodsrallied with their communities to make sure their displaysfeatured in the Agricultural Hall, and it’s that kind of resilienceand community support we saw at the Ekka this year.”Mr Tunny said there were a few standouts which provedpopular with visitors.“This year featured handmade gourmet ice-cream in the EkkaStrawberry Sundaes, Australia’s very first free Royal ShowiPhone app and the biggest bull in 20 years, weighing in at 1.5tonne,” he said.Planning for Ekka 2012 is already underway as Queenslandersrestart the countdown.The Ekka’s sideshow alley lights up the night sky.Ward visitswith adifferenceTwo days beforeQueensland’s biggest eventkicked off, the RNA visitedits oldest and nearestneighbours to deliver anenjoyable Ekka experience.For the second year in a row,the RNA has taken treats,sideshow games, babyanimals and loads of fun tothose at the Royal Children’sHospital, who aren’t able togo to the show.RNA Chief ExecutiveJonathan Tunny said theday was designed to take aslice of the Ekka to the kidsat the hospital so no one missed out.Two year old Laura Crocker from Emeraldloved the Ekka farm animals’ visit to theRoyal Children’s Hospital.“For weeks in advance they can see all the rides being setup from their windows, so this is our way of making surethey can enjoy a few of the best bits of the Ekka,” he said.Mr Tunny and former president Allan Warby delivered 300showbags to children in the wards and brought visits fromBrisbane Roar players and Smurf characters.The day relied on the generosityof showbag operators, animalowners and those who volunteertheir time at the hospital.14,300children participatedin the BrisbaneCity Council EkkaLearning Trail.4Showbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011

Calais vocalist, Guy Stacey, rocking out in frontof a capacity crowd of 1,400 after winning theright to open for Wolfmother.NUDGEEBOYS BECOMEWOLFMOTHER’SOPENING ACTIn the lead-up to Ekka 2011,unsigned bands were invited toenter a competition which couldsee them open the show for rockgods Wolfmother. Brisbane bandsuploaded their performances toFacebook before 2,700 cast theirvote on the 37 bands entered.Two current and two past Nudgeestudents who formed Calais, afour piece rock band, won thecompetition earning the right to openfor Wolfmother on the final night ofEkka 2011.Wolfmother raisesthe benchmarkAustralia’s very own Wolfmother attracted a full houseof 1,400 to their first ever performance at the Ekka, withmany more lining out the door. The Grammy Awardwinners took to the stage on the final night of the Ekka fora spectacular closing night concert.Grammy Award winners Wolfmother closedthe Ekka for 2011 in front of a capacity crowd.622,000Showbags were viewed622,000 times on the EkkaiPhone app.Eight days earlierbrought the returnof Grinspoon whopreviously performed at theEkka in 2005. Frontman Phil Jamieson,bassist Joe Hansen, guitarist Pat Davern anddrummer Kristian Hopes fronted hundredsand rocked out all their best hits on thesecond night of the show.Grinspoon performed at Ekka onthe second day 24.797 of the mm show.Operatic ensemble, The Ten Tenors,proved popular on B105 People’s Dayat the Ekka. Currently making their wayaround Australia showcasing their tenthstudio album ‘Double Platinum’, TheTen Tenors have previously performed atLondon’s Royal Albert Hall, the SydneyOpera House and The Shrine Auditoriumin Los Angeles.TEN TENORS ON SONGThis year’s Ekka line-up included some of the bestvoices in Australia – The Ten Tenors.6Showbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011

WHAT THEFOOD CRITICSTHOUGHT...MasterChef contestantEllie Paxton-HallThe Courier Mail, August 14, 2011• “I was actually really surprised bythe variety of food. It suited everydemographic pretty much.”• “I thought the overall quality wasreally good. Everything was wellmade, there were quality ingredients.I think it's a really impressive selectionof food.”• Strawberry Sundae - “Absolutelydelicious. I think I could have about10 in a row. It was lovely and fresh,and a good balance of cream andice-cream and strawberries, anabsolute winner.”Restaurant Two owner-chefDavid PughThe Courier Mail, August 12, 2011• “Something for everyone, from thebudget-conscious cheese toastie tothe best steak in Oz.”• “The experience is extremely goodvalue for money.”• Strawberry Sundae – “Au natural anda great Queensland success story.Rich and creamy and bursting withstrawberry flavour, with a surpriseending. Best-ever Ekka sundae.”Score: 9.5/10• Ekka pie – “Piefection by name andin the eating. The Jack Daniels ispacked with tender braised porkenveloped in crisp, flaky pastry.”Score: 10/10• Shucked oysters – “Unbeatable valueat the Seafood and Wine Bar. 10plump Coffin Bay oysters that tastesweetly of the ocean.” Score: 9/10Brisbane Times Wining andDining Editor Georgia WatersBrisbane Times, August 12, 2011• “The strawberry sundaes are so,so good.”• “I don't remember them ever beingas good before as they are this year- it must be the ice-cream.”• “Just get one. It will be the best$4.50 you'll spend at the Ekka(or maybe ever).”FOODIE’S HAVENWINS PRAISEThe RNA’s commitment to improvedfood choices at the show has pushedthe Ekka closer to becoming afoodie’s haven for 10 days each year.Some of Brisbane’s leading foodcritics praised The Sunday Mail RoyalQueensland Food and Wine Show Stagespearheaded by Dominique Rizzo, thefacelift of the Ekka’s iconic StrawberrySundae and the brand new RoyalQueensland Steakhouse serving upAustralia’s best steak. The WoolworthsFresh Food Pavilion was again one of theEkka’s most popular attractions featuring70 vendors and serving everything fromyum cha to cupcakes.SHOWSTOPPERS!• 40,000 oysters devoured, smashing last year’s record of 15,400.• Prawn sales tripled with almost 24,400 consumed during the show.• Glasses of wine were five times more popular at the Seafood and Wine Bar,with 8,616 glasses drunk.• CWA sold 10,600 scones during the show, compared to 4,375 last year.• More than 500kg of Wagyu steaks were eaten at The Royal QueenslandSteakhouse.• Dagwood dogs are still a show favourite, with at least 180,000 consumed.• Gotzinger sold more than 12,000 mini hotdogs – a new show favourite perhaps?• More than 23,000 Coon Cheese toasties were devoured.• 14,450 steak sandwiches and burgers were cooked, sold and eaten.• The Peanut Van sold more than two tonne of peanuts.• One tonne of Greek yoghurt was sold during the show.Australia’s best steak was served up at the RNA’s brand new Royal Queensland Steakhouse this year. Theaward winning AAco Master Kobe Wagyu took out the title earlier this year at the RNA’s Royal QueenslandFood and Wine Show and became the most popular dish on the steakhouse menu for 2011. Delightingdiners, the char grilled Wagyu rump was served with red onion relish, potato and onion rosti, seasonalvegetables and pepper sauce.30,000More than 30,000Ekka-goers visited theiconic Cotton and WoolParades.One of this year’s biggest hits – freshly shuckedCoffin Bay oysters from the Seafood and Wine Bar.Showbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011 7

TIPSFROM THETOPTurn your kitchen into arestaurant with this recipe madeon The Sunday Mail RoyalQueensland Food and Wine ShowStage by Dominique Rizzo.2,700More than 2,700 iPhoneapp offers (virtual coupons)were redeemed duringthe Ekka.Banana layered ice-cream terrine with macadamias, caramelisedbanana and chocolate (Serves 8-10)• 1.2 litres of banana ice-cream• 1 quantity of bought sponge cake,sliced to fit the tin at a thicknessof 1.5 cm• 2 tbsp lychee liqueur• 1 medium banana, diced into 1cmchunks• ¼ cup toasted shredded coconut• An extra 3 medium sized Cavendishbananas, sliced on the angle about½ cm wide• 50g caster sugar• 50g unsalted butter• 1 tbsp verjuice• 100g dark chocolate, chopped intochunks• 80g toasted macadamia nuts,roughly chopped• Dollop of fresh cream to serve1. Line a 25cm x 11cm x 7cm loafpan with plastic wrap, allowing extra tohang over the sides. Remove the icecreamfrom the freezer to soften slightly.2. With a pastry brush, moisten both sides ofthe first slice of sponge with some of thelychee liqueur.3. Place the diced banana and the coconutinto the base of the tin. Smooth overhalf of the banana ice-cream. Press themoistened sponge into the ice-cream.Freeze for 1 hour or until firm.4. For the bananas, sprinkle the sugar intoa heavy based non-stick pan and meltover a moderate heat. Once the sugar hascompletely melted, turn the heat to highand cook to a mid-golden brown.5. Stir in the butter then add the bananasand toss to coat in the caramel. Cook for1-2 minutes until slightly golden and justtender but not mushy.Ekka food ambassador Dominique Rizzocooking on The Sunday Mail Royal QueenslandFood and Wine Show Stage at the Ekka.100All 100 chicks hatchedfrom their eggs.This amazing terrine recipe was created byDominique Rizzo and features gourmet ice-creammade by Olympic silver medallist Tatiana Grigroveria.Tatiana’s Ascot Caffe e Gelato Milany’s specialbanana ice-cream won the gold medal and the titleof Australia’s best ice-cream at the RNA’s RoyalQueensland Food and Wine Show earlier this year.Photo courtesy of The Courier Mail.6. Pour in the verjuice tossing the bananasaround the pan to loosen the mixture.Allow the bananas to cool slightly and thenspread these over the chilled sponge. Topwith another layer of lychee moistenedsponge and press down gently. Re-freezefor 15 minutes.7. Into the remaining banana ice-cream, stirin the chopped chocolate and toastedmacadamia nuts and then spread thisonto the sponge. Place a piece of bakingpaper onto the ice-cream and then wrapover the extra plastic. Re-freeze for atleast 2 hours until firm.8. To serve remove from the freezerand allow to soften for 5 minutes, invertonto a plate and then slice and serve witha dollop of fresh cream.8Showbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011

THE NEXT SPIELBERGTwo Queensland high schools havetaken out top honours in a recent Ekkafilm competition with their creative 60second videos which won praise fromtelevision and advertising professionals.In a comedic video game based take onthe Ekka, Coombabah State High Schoolslid into the top spot for senior teamswhile Anglican Church Grammar School’screativity was awarded in the junior sectionfor their humorous outlook on a day atthe show.Entries soared this year to 48, up from 21 in2010, with the challenge set to create, filmand edit an ad for the Ekka in only 48 hours.MISS SHOWGIRL WINNERAs the only contest of its kind run by a RoyalShow in Australia, the ENERGEX RaceAround Ekka Competition is designed todemystify the filmmaking process and makeit more accessibleto students.The top films from the junior and seniorteams each won $2,500 in prize money fortheir school and the opportunity to learnfrom the best at the Channel Nine televisioncommercial production department. Thewinning ads were shown on the big screenin the ENERGEX Community Arena duringthe final night of the Ekka.Samantha Gluer was crowned the 2011 Miss Showgirl and is actively encouragingother young Queenslanders to participate in their local shows. Growing up in Crow’sNest, Samantha is currently completing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at QUT,where she hopes to return home and specialise in paediatrics. This year marked the29th anniversary of the Miss Showgirl awards.This year’s Stud Beef Competition at the Ekkafeatured the biggest bull in more than 20 years,weighing in at 1.5 tonne and a hip height of morethan 1.5 metres.BIGGEST BULL IN20 YEARS – 1.5 TONNEAND GROWINGThe 2011 Ekka got even bigger with theaddition of a 1.5 tonne Black Angus bull,Monk, to the Stud Beef Competition.Hand-reared at the Pine Creek Angus Studin Bylong, New South Wales, Monk wasthe biggest bull at the Ekka in more than20 years. Monk certainly impressed showgoersand even made a couple of televisionappearances with visits from Channel 9 newsand The Today Show. At just under threeyears old and a hip height of more than 1.5metres, he will be even heavier by Ekka 2012.Green with envyjunior_LL30115Artist ImpressionModern inner city apartments from$350,000 at the iconic RNA ShowgroundsSales & Information Centre open from 14 October, 482 St Pauls Tce.Register now for an appointment.Visit thegreenbrisbane.com or call 1800 448 757apartments brisbane• The most significant urban renewal project undertaken in Brisbane since South Bank• Selection of 1 & 2 bedroom apartments• Located in the $2.9billion RNA Showgrounds redevelopment at Bowen Hills• Five mid-rise buildings surrounding over 3,000sqm of lush courtyard gardens• A major public transport hub, only 1.6km from the Brisbane CBD• Close to Brisbane’s finest schools, universities and recreational facilities• $10K Queensland Building Boost and $17K First Home Owner Double DipBonus applies*• First Release in a multi-staged masterplan development.Due for completion mid 2013The information contained in this advertisement was correct at time of publication. However, the developer reserves the right to make changes without notice. Prospective purchasers should rely on their own enquiries. Artist impressions are forillustration purposes and are indicative only. A Sustainability Declaration is available for every apartment type upon request. *Eligible parties need to apply for State Government Grants. More information can be found on boost.treasury.qld.gov.auShowbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011 9

CLASSES CANCELLED,WE’RE OFF TO THE EKKAThe Ekka has helped give aQueensland primary schooldevastated by the January floods thechance to come together and refocusin a unique bonding experience,according to its principal.The RNA, together with ENERGEX,brought Murphys Creek State SchoolPrincipal Jo Sinclair-Jones and herentire school down for a day at thisyear’s Ekka.RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunnysaid it was a small gesture and the leastENERGEX and the Ekka could do for acommunity which had suffered so muchfrom the floods.“We wanted the kids to have a great dayat the Ekka and join in the celebration ofwhat makes this state great,” he said.Principal Jo Sinclair-Jones said thepositive feel around the school is backsince coming to the show.“It was that turning point of giving us afresh start and it did a world of good forall of us to refocus again, and I think itwas a good bonding time for us,”she said.“It was lovely; it really brought us all backtogether.”Jo said the students haven’t stoppedtalking about their day at the show.“None of them had been to the Ekkabefore so they were blown away, andso were the teachers,” she said.“The little ones really loved the mainarena; they sat there for ages justwatching the horses, and the prepstudents loved the chooks and theykept wanting to go back and haveanother look.“I think the animals, more so thananything, was their favourite part, andobviously going on all the rides is ahuge thing for kids.“I remember walking throughsideshow alley with the kids and theirmouths were wide open looking atthese rides because they’d neverbeen to a huge show like that.“It was just lovely watching the kids.”Jo said the students have now raised theirexpectations for next year’s excursions.“They’re all asking to come back nextyear and I think we will,” she said.“We’re trying to work it into a curriculumbased activity so we can come back.”The RNA was also honoured to haveJo and students Joshua Ragnoni, ZacKeogh, Jesse Sheehan and Ava Sinclairofficially launch this year's Ekka on July 21.“ It was lovely; itreally brought usall back together.”8686 lambs were born inthe Sunny QueenLittle Miracles NewbornCorner.Murphys Creek State School students Niki Cook, Molly Wilson and their classmates enjoyed a dayat the 2011 Ekka.10Showbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011

LIAM’S BIG DAY OUTA suburban newspaper article whichgrabbed the attention of Ekka organisersled to a once in a lifetime adventure forfour year old Liam Little.Born with a very rare auto-immunecondition known as IPEX Syndrome,Liam isn’t able to do everything thatother children can do including going tocrowded places, such as the Ekka.RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunnysaid once the RNA heard about Liam’scondition, the Ekka team decided therewas something they could do.“The Ekka is about children having awonderful experience and creatinglifelong memories,” he said.“Liam couldn’t have this experience whenthe crowds were here so we thoughtwhy don’t we open the gates for him aday early so he gets to experience whatmillions of others have over the years.”Liam’s mother Natasha Little said he hadan absolute ball and still talks about it twomonths later.“Whenever he sees the word Ekkasomewhere or sees it on the TV he stillto this day talks about how much fun hehad,” she said.“He got really into it and was goingaround trying to pat the little chickens andhe really enjoyed that.”Natasha said although he talks aboutthe entire day his favourite parts weredefinitely the rides he went on, while theEkka Strawberry Sundae was also a hit.“He ran straight up to the counter,grabbed a sundae and took a big lick outof it,” she said.“We’ve tried to make our own at home butit certainly isn’t the same as the Ekka one.”Natasha said her and her husband Angushadn’t been to the Ekka before this yeareither which made a very special day forthe whole family.“It was something that we thought we’dsave until we had kids and then obviouslynot realising we’d have a child with majorhealth concerns who wouldn’t be able todo something like that,” she said.RNA Chief Executive Jonathan Tunny opened theEkka gates a day early for four year old Liam Little.“Suddenly for us it was something wewere never going to experience either so itwas a big deal for Angus and I as well.“Any mention of his special day at the Ekkaand Liam gets really excited.“As a parent, just to see your kids thathappy, that was the highlight for us.“It was an unbelievable day and gave us amemory we’re going to have for the rest ofour lives.”“As a parent, just to seeyour kids that happy, thatwas the highlight for us.”IPHONE APPPULLS RANKFor more than a week the brandnew Ekka iPhone app placed inthe top five free entertainmentapps in Australia as morethan 32,000 show visitors hit‘download’. Showbags trumpedas the most popular feature byfar, with more than 622,000page views made. The averageuser spent more than one houron the app and saved moneyby redeeming a total of 2,700virtual coupons. This was a hugeresponse from the public andalso from exhibitors who madegood use of the interactive map.On average,users spent1 hour and5 minutes usingthe Ekka iPhoneapp.HE’S AN EKKA LEGENDA man who has dedicated31 years of service to thedairy cattle competition hasbeen awarded the 2011Ekka Legend award. DonProtheroe of Kallangurbegan stewarding in the milk room in1976 and continued on as the DairySuperintendant until retiring in 2007. TheEkka Legend award is presented eachyear at the Royal Queensland ShowPresident’s Reception and recognises theresolute dedication and effort made by anindividual to both the RNA and the Ekka.Showbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011 11

DAIRY CATTLESupreme Dairy Cow of ShowPlana Magic Grace (Holstein–Friesian) –A D & S L Barron, Cambooya QLDCANINEBest in ShowDalmation – Ch. Paceaway Atrosemount– F E L Matthews, Gumdale QLDDuring its peak, theEkka iPhone app wasranked as the third mostpopular free entertainmentapp and the 27th free overallapp in Australia.FINE ARTSCookeryGrand Champion Cake DecoratingExhibit of Show – Brenden Clem,Brisbane QLDAlmost 2,500 dog entries competed in hope ofbeing awarded with the Best in Show ribbon.FELINEBest in ShowAbyssinian – Osiris (V) Talk Dirty To Me– Jenni McKernan, Dayboro QLDPOULTRYGrand Champion Fowl of ShowBantam Modern Game – Black TailWheaten Hen – Ryan Harris, Dubbo NSWEkka visitors got a glimpse of the weird andwonderful flock in the Poultry, Pigeons, Birdsand Eggs Pavilion.Some of the topselling showbags forEkka 2011 included theHarry Potter bag, CadburyDairy Milk andshow favouriteBertie Beetle.Grand Champion Waterfowl of ShowMuscovy – White Duck – ReubenStallwood, Logan Village QLDGrand Champion Pigeon of ShowJacobin – Old Hen – Gordon Jones,Capalaba QLDBOER GOATSSupreme Standard Boer Goat ofShowSenior Champion Standard Doe –Mugambi Ice–Man – Paul & JanetteOrmsby, Forbes NSWDAIRY GOATSSupreme Dairy Doe of ShowChampion British Alpine Doe –Glendowen Miss Hatley– Lesley & TomMcDowell, Baan Baa NSWANGORA GOATSGrand Champion Angora Goat ofShowX19 Tarren – Warwick State HighSchool, Warwick QLDALPACASupreme Champion Huacaya ofShowChampion Junior Male – “KarawillFagan” – W J & K D Gilbert,Armidale NSWFLEECEGrand Champion Merino Fleece ofShowJ F & A M Doak, Bundarra NSWPISCICULTUREChampion Fish of ShowNorthern and Central American Cichlids– Cary Bielenberg, Wamuran QLDQUILTS ACROSSQUEENSLANDBest of Show“Fairy Fantasia” – Winsome Cadoo,Deception Bay QLDMore than 100 beautifully decorated cakes wereon display for all to see at the 2011 Ekka.CREATIVE ART ANDCRAFTGrand Champion Exhibit of ShowSmocked Dress Matching Bonnet –Alexis Parkinson, Kuttabul QLDPAINTING AND DRAWINGChampion Portrait of Show“Peter” – Louise Corke, Oxenford QLDSCULPTUREChampion Sculpture of Show“The Dancer” – Peter Stellar, WellingtonPoint QLDPHOTOGRAPHYChampion Print of Show“Renee In Mono” – Gordon Dixon, EightMile Plains QLDShowbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011 13

UNEARTHING AUSTRALIA'SBEST BEERHead brewer on the judging panelStimulating thetaste buds of everythirsty Queenslander,the RNA’s RoyalQueensland Foodand Wine Show BeerCompetition is set tounearth Australia’sbest brew.This year the competition hasexpanded and will now unearth thenation’s best lager, ale, stout, porter,wheat and strong beers, beforeawarding an overall champion onOctober 26.Now in its second year, thecompetition features a well respectedjudging panel including Head Brewerfor Carlton United Brewers at theYatala Brewery, Geoff Day (pictured).In his role, Geoff manages the entirebrewing process from raw materialsto the finished product for more than30 beer brands.Q. How long have you worked in thebrewing industry?A. For 26 years since joining CUB at theCarlton Brewery in Melbourne in 1985.Q. What do you enjoy most aboutyour job?A. Working with the people in the brewingindustry. There is a certain culture in theindustry which always has a positivevibe. In a brewery there is alwayssomething changing, such as newproducts being brewed or upgradingbrewing technology. Also at the end ofeveryday there is tangible evidence ofthe job completed with beer transferredinto the warehouse and trucks fullyloaded leaving the brewery.Q. How long have you been judgingand what competitions are youinvolved with?A. I have been judging for six years at theAustralian International Beer Awards inMelbourne – the second largest beercompetition in the world.Q. Why is this an important competitionin Australian culture and for ourconsumers?A. It gives recognition to the art andscience of brewing by assessingand publishing the many excellentbeers brewed here in Queensland.There is actually more beer brewedin Queensland than any other statein Australia.Q. What are the current trends in thebeer industry?A. Beer trends are changing. Consumersare looking for new experiencesand as a result their beer repertoireis broadening. Consumers are alsobecoming more health conscious andlooking for beers that are easy drinkingand don't knock them around thenext day. This has led to the growth inthe new world beer segment. Overallalcohol consumption per capita isdeclining and many consumers arelooking for quality, resulting in a shifttowards international, domesticpremium and craft beers. Whilst beeris still a “blokes” drink, more femaleconsumers are enjoying beer andlook to gender neutral beers like PureBlonde and sweeter flavoured beerslike Carlton Dry Fusion.Q. Where do you see the industrymoving?A. New products will continue to drivegrowth in the industry and whilst“low carb” has become “wall paper”,consumers are starting to lookfor healthier options, more “pure”ingredients. They also look for brandsthat speak to what they stand forand who and where they want to be.For example, Great Northern speaksto escaping the rat race, gettingaway and enjoying Queensland andeverything on offer.Q. What should we expect to see atthis year’s beer competition?A. A greater number of different styles ofbeers as brewers react to the trend formore diversity from consumers.Q. Golden lagers, dark lagers, paleand golden ales, dark ales, stouts,porters, wheat and strong beersare going head to head for the toptrophy, what do you think will comeout on top?A. I don’t expect much to be betweenthe top beers so it’s going to be avery open competition, because thereare now so many great tasting beersbrewed in Queensland.Q. Many Australians would think youhave the best job so how do youbecome a beer judge?A. You need a passion for beer andbrewing. I guess my invitation was dueto my practical experience working inthe brewing industry where everydaywe do tasting to assess the quality ofthe beers.Q. What do you look for in a championbeer?A. Appearance, colour and clarity,appealing head retention, a goodbalance flavour through choice ofmalt, hops, yeast and water by thebrewer; trueness to the style of thebeer is important; technical quality interms of how the beer was brewedby the brewer is also important asis the drinkability of a beer which isoften overlooked. Lastly and mostimportantly...it must taste great.Q. What are you looking forward toat this year’s competition?A. I am really looking forward to tryingall the great beers entered. While thejudging will be tough work with somany beers to assess, I will soldierthrough the process.Q. What is your favourite beer?A. My favourite beer is Pure Blonde.It’s low in carbs but still has plentyof flavour and a clean finish. I also enjoythe hoppy character associated withthe Hersbruker aroma hops used inthis beer.14Showbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011

ARMIN VAN BUURENHEADLINESSTEREOSONICThe first DJ to be named number one in theDJ MAG Top 100 poll four times in a row willheadline Stereosonic on December 4.THE WIGGLESBIG BIRTHDAYIN THE BIG TENTAustralia’s most successful children’sentertainers, The Wiggles, arecelebrating their 20th birthday at the RNAShowgrounds from December 9 to 11.Anthony, Murray, Jeff and Sam will bring sixshows filled with all the favourite songs andsome new tunes that will have children, mums,dads and grandparents dancing in the aisles.Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said he can’t wait for the party to start.“Moving out of arenas gives us the chance to get up close and personal withour wiggly audience in the warm and friendly environment of the Wiggly BigTent,” he said.Come along to the RNA Showgrounds and celebrate 20 years with The Wiggles.Armin van Buuren has been DJ’ing and producing for more than 14 years andwill this year play in front of more than 20,000 people at the RNA Showgroundsin the 10 hour festival.With almost 40 acts appearing in this year’s Stereosonic line up, it’s difficult tosay who has had the biggest year. From American duo LMFAO spending morethan 11 weeks at the number one spot in Australia with their two massive hits‘Party Rockin’ and ‘Shufflin’, to fellow artist Afrojack winning a Grammy.Now in its fifth year, Stereosonic will launch the start of summer to excitedcrowds on December 4 at the RNA Showgrounds.EVENTCALENDARWHAT’SCOMINGUP …OCTOBER 2011Oktoberfest Brisbane 2011Friday 14 – Sunday 16 OctoberBrisbane Retirement &Lifestyle ExpoFriday 14 – Sunday 16 October2011 Pre Christmas Caravan &Camping SaleThursday 20 – Sunday 23 OctoberBrisbane Relay for Life(Cancer Council)Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 OctoberNOVEMBER 2011Supanova Pop Culture ExpoFriday 4 – Sunday 6 NovemberMO Fest 2011Saturday 12 NovemberCollectorama Antiques andCollectables FairFriday 25 – Saturday 26 NovemberDECEMBER 2011StereosonicSunday 4 DecemberThe WigglesFriday 9 – Sunday 11 DecemberOnly the best at your next barbequeShowcasing the humble 'banger' inan entirely new light, the SausageKing competition at the Ekka awardedQueensland’s best pork, continental,traditional Australian, gourmet and poultrysausages. Here’s where to buy the bestsnags in Queensland:Traditional Australian Beef – Norm Milner ButchersTraditional Australian Pork – Carey BrosAustralian Lamb – Prime Specialty Meats, Lamb, Tomato and OnionContinental – Circle T Meats, ChorizoPoultry – Village Meats Rosalie, Duck and OrangeGourmet – Narangba Select Meats, Beef, Bacon, Cheese and TomatoShowbiz Magazine Spring Edition, 2011 15

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