- Australia’s Eurovision sensations Voyager will perform rendition of Australia II anthem Down Under during their set at a free event in Fremantle on 24 September
- Slim Jim & The FATTS Band will open the 80s themed music concert, which will be headlined by Hoodoo Gurus and Baby Animals before an amazing drone show finale
- Cook Government supports September-long celebrations to recognise the 40th anniversary of Royal Perth Yacht Club breaking the longest winning streak in sport
Western Australia’s Minister for Culture and the Arts David Templeman has met with renowned local bands Voyager and Slim Jim & The FATTS to hear about their planned sets for the Australia II 40 Years On free music concert happening in Fremantle on 24 September 2023.
The groups toured Royal Perth Yacht Club and saw memorabilia from the historic 1983 America’s Cup victory, including a replica trophy and the Wardroom where then Prime Minister Bob Hawke said: “Any boss who sacks anyone for not turning up today is a bum.”
Voyager plan to perform a cover of the Australia II anthem Down Under when they take to the stage at Victoria Quay precinct on 24 September from around 3pm. Perth’s Slim Jim & The FATTS open the show from 2pm and will cover iconic songs from the 1980s. Baby Animals will be on from about 4.15pm and Hoodoo Gurus from around 5.30pm.
A drone show, co-designed by winning team members Skip Lissiman and John Longley and inspired by the historic victory is the event finale from 7pm. Free public transport is available to encourage all Western Australians to take part in the celebrations. All the event details are at www.australia2.com.au.
There is free entry to the WA Maritime Museum on 23-26 September, with a special new Australia II 40 Years On exhibition and film. The exhibition will include previously unseen items and photos, boxing kangaroo flags and the famous yacht, which is housed there permanently. Tickets can be purchased to a Theatre 180 production called Taking Liberty about the America’s Cup win showing at the WA Maritime Museum theatrette.
Royal Perth Yacht Club is hosting a gala dinner on 26 September with the 1983 winning team attending. Tickets are available to members and the general public at https://www.rpyc.com.au/australia-ii-40-years-on-gala-dinner/.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
“We’re just days away from a massive celebration to mark the40th anniversary of our 1983 America’s Cup win.
“It’s apt that a band like Voyager who represented our country at Eurovision will be performing as part of the free music concert on 24 September.
“Use free public transport and get along to Victoria Quay Fremantle in your 80s gear if you’re so inclined and party to cover songs by Slim Jim & The FATTS Band from 2pm.
“Expect a marvellous rendition of the Australia II theme song Down Under from Voyager. Headliners Hoodoo Gurus and Baby Animals will have you rocking until about 7pm. Then listen and look up for an amazing drone show finale.
“So many of us remember proudly and fondly the momentous Australian sporting victory and now we get to turn back time and celebrate all over again. We’ll even be joined by the original winning team. I cannot wait and I hope to see you all there!”
