‘Name Our Croc’

Festival Comp Launches With Snappy Prizes

Mackay’s beloved music and arts festival, Rhythm and The Reef, recently called on the community to help name its giant inflatable croc. The naming competition launched last Friday, with entries set to close this afternoon, Friday 8 August, at 5pm.

Submissions can be made via the festival’s social media channels, with the winning entry receiving a Festival Family Pass (two 18+ and two under-18 tickets), an EVA Motors e-scooter kit, a poster signed by all the festival artists and a backstage tour of the venue.

Director of naming rights partner FMS Group, Jason Smith, said they are “excited to see this eye-catching inflatable croc,” on display at the Meadowlands Amphitheatre on 22-23 August festival weekend.

“We’ve heard some wild suggestions already, but we know Mackay will come through with something clever, cheeky and unforgettable,” Mr Smith said.

Co-Event Organiser Dr James Slade said the ‘Name Our Croc’ competition was a “fun way to bring people together and set the tone for what’s going to be an incredible weekend”.

“What better way to kick things off than getting everyone to help name the croc?” Dr Slade said.

Alongside the musical lineup and 8m high inflatable croc, the festival will feature family-friendly entertainment, while also celebrating fresh support from the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) to nurture youth creativity through Rhythm and The Reef’s Arts & Music Scholarship.

Co-Event Organiser Michael Delaney said each year the festival has continued to “grow as a platform for music, art and creative expression in the Mackay region”.

“To mark our fifth anniversary, we’re working closely with local high schools and educational providers to help bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world,” Mr Delaney said.

“This year, we’re excited to launch a new Arts & Music Scholarship in partnership with Mackay North State High School.

“It’s a five-year scholarship worth $2,500 all up – with $500 awarded each year to a different student helping them stay supported, encouraged and inspired on their creative journey.

“We’re honored to support our community and help strengthen the grassroots music and arts scene across the region.”

Mayor Greg Williamson said, “This is just another great way we’re cementing the involvement of schools and young people in music, arts, and culture. That’s what Rhythm and The Reef delivers for our region.”

“We’ve had people from all over Australia – and even a couple of international visitors – attend Rhythm and The Reef.

“I can see this becoming an iconic feature for our region for many years to come.”

Final release tickets for Rhythm and the Reef are now on sale – visit www.rhythmandthereef.com.au or follow the festival on social media to enter the Name Our Croc comp and stay up to date.

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Director of naming rights partner FMS Group, Jason Smith, with community partner of Mackay Regional Council, Mayor Greg Williamson, and Event Co-organiser James Slade.

Mackay’s Rhythm and The Reef festival invited the community to name its giant inflatable croc, with entries closing at 5pm today, Friday 8 August, and an epic prize pack up for grabs. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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