High school students will get the chance to showcase their skills thanks to Next Level, a talent competition launched by the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and local singer-songwriter, Abby Skye.
High school-aged soloists, duets, bands and other ensembles are invited to participate with two winners taking home the opportunity to perform live on radio and as part of match day celebrations for the Bulldogs v Dolphins NRL fixture in Round 22 of the 2023 NRL Premiership.
With the Bulldogs bringing its second NRL match in as many years to the Bundaberg Region, the club will host the Redcliffe Dolphins at Salter Oval on July 30 where two winners will be invited to perform.
Next Level is the brainchild of Bulldogs’ Director Andrew Gifford and Bundaberg-based Abby Skye, one of Queensland’s premier performing and recording artists.
The talent competition idea was hatched over a luncheon earlier in the year, where Abby was performing, and Gifford was in attendance.
“The Bulldogs are an iconic club with a rich history. But more than that, we are The Family Club and the community club,” Andrew said.
“We are excited to host this competition to give high schoolers and aspiring musicians in the local area, the opportunity to showcase their talents and be part of a great match day celebration.”
Abby said she was delighted to be working with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to bring the opportunity to younger musicians of Bundaberg.
“It’s a chance for them to kick-start their musical career with an amazing performance opportunity, and the chance to win some great prizes,” she said.
Other sponsors of the competition include Triple M Bundy, Bout Time Music, Empirical Music and Bundy Gig Guide.
Applications are now open and close on Friday 19 May.
Successful applicants will be invited to perform in heats, which will be held at The Waves Sports Club on June 7 and 14 from 6 pm.
Application forms will be available from participating high schools in the Bundaberg Region, Triple M Reception, Bout Time Music and online here and here.
The competition, which is being run by the Rotary Club of Bundaberg Sunrise, is open to all high school students in the region and will offer a $500 prize for the winning act.Rotary Club of Bundaberg Sunrise president David Virtue said the competition was a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents and possibly take their skills to the next level.”We’re really keen to support local young people and this is a great way to do it,” he said.”It’s also a great opportunity for the community to come together and support our young people.”The competition will be held on Saturday, May 6, at the Bundaberg Civic Centre.For more information, or to register, visit http://www.rotarybundabergsunrise.org.au.