No sacrifice for Sir Elton John concert volunteers

Does ushering 20,000 people in and out of a rock concert sound daunting? It’s no sacrifice for the Sunshine Coasters who’ve volunteered to do exactly that at this week’s Sir Elton John concerts.

More than 200 locals will donate their time on Tuesday and Wednesday night to assist concert goers before, during and after the biggest events our region has hosted. The two concerts at Sunshine Coast Stadium will be the second last on the Australian leg of Sir Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road World Tour and his final performances in Queensland.

For Kawana resident Lisa Pike, pulling on her purple limited edition Elton John volunteer shirt tonight will be a 40 year dream come true.

“I have been a fan of Elton John since I was a child of about 10 years old, listening to his latest hits on my transistor radio. I still love all his songs, they are timeless hits and Sir Elton has always been on my ‘bucket list as a must-see artist,” Lisa said.

“I love volunteering at local community events, I find being part of something great in your own community so fulfilling! Seeing Sir Elton come out on stage and start playing that first song will be such a thrill. I’m so excited to be there and be part of it with one of my best friends, who is also volunteering.

“With Sir Elton wanting to retire, it will be wonderful to say ‘I was there, I was part of it and I loved it’. I’ll be walking on cloud nine for weeks!”

Sunshine Coast Council Manager for Sport and Community Venues Grantley Switzer said the 217 volunteers who registered for the Sir Elton John concerts was the highest number for any event held at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

“Applications to volunteer at the Sir Elton John concerts opened in mid-December last year and the response from community members has been extremely positive,” Mr Switzer said.

“We’re blessed on the Sunshine Coast to have volunteering rates higher than the state average so when a once-in-a-lifetime event like a Sir Elton John concert comes along, it’s no surprise to see so many people in our community super keen to lend a hand.

“These two Sir Elton John concerts are going to attract the largest crowds we’ve ever accommodated at Sunshine Coast Stadium and our volunteers will play a vital role in helping to ensure that everyone enjoys the best possible experience.”

Beerwah resident Kim Wilson has spent a number of years volunteering at community events on the Sunshine Coast but admits to feeling goosebumps about her opportunity to lend a hand at the farewell event of a global superstar.

“I’ve been a fan for over 20 years and had an Elton John song played in my wedding,” Kim said.

“I haven’t been to a Sir Elton John concert before so having the chance to see him here on the Sunshine Coast and to volunteer is awesome.

“The atmosphere at Sunshine Coast Stadium is going to be incredible and I think it will be simply amazing. I’ve already got goosebumps and lots of excitement for sure. I can’t wait!”

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