Entertainment
23 July, 2026
Cassowary Coast has talent
YOUNG performers across the Cassowary Coast have the chance to shine, with more than $3500 in cash and trophy prizes up for grabs at this year’s Cassowary Coast Talent Quest.
Auditions kick off at 10am on Saturday 25 July at the Tully State High School Multipurpose Centre, where children aged 5-18 will step into the spotlight and compete for a place in the grand final.
Now in its second year, the event has quickly become a vibrant, inclusive platform for emerging performers to showcase their creativity in front of a supportive local audience.
Event organiser Yvette Rose said the quest welcomed every kind of talent, including solos, duos, trios or groups.
“We encourage all types of talents and genres from dance to cultural performances, instrumental duos, singing, magic, comedy, musical theatre and poetry,” she said.
“Now we can also accept tap dancers, thanks to Pretty Things Dance Studio for the loan of their portable tap dance floor.
“No matter how weird, wonderful and quirky your talent is, we want to see it.”
Four compassionate judges – Cindy Cherie, Lissy Entwistle, Jaymen Drahm and Rosie Menzies – will guide contestants through their first audition experience and help them secure a spot in the grand final on Sunday 2 August at 2pm.
Judge Lissy Entwistle said she will be looking for “authenticity, originality, confidence, stage presence and the dedication that comes from genuine practice and preparation”.
The quest features 14 categories across three age divisions: 5-9 years, 10-13 years and 14-18 years.
Each category offers first, second and third prizes, along with four judge’s choice awards.
The live audience will also vote for the people’s choice award.
The event was created to fill a gap in opportunities for young creatives in the region.
Last year’s contestants said the experience was well worth the brave leap of performing in front of hundreds of people.
“There is real value in experiencing the journey that all creatives go through, the highs and lows are equally important, they help build character, resilience and self-confidence.”
The talent quest has again attracted strong community backing, including $4900 in funding through the Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s RADF grant and the Queensland Government.
Organisers say grassroots events like this are vital in regional Queensland, where young performers often lack access to funding and pathways to develop their skills.
Any young performers eager to be part of something exciting and extraordinary can email cassowarycoasttalentquest@gmail.com for an audition application, with walk-ins also accepted on the day.
Families and supporters are encouraged to settle in for an afternoon celebrating local talent and the performing arts. Grand final tickets are now on sale at www.observer.s.gy/SFpoEe
Read More: Tully