John Collins, known as JC, Queensland’s first appointed Night-Life Economy Commissioner, is out and about on tour making connections to hotspots in regional Queensland. With the Government appointing an expert panel to ‘dial up’ Queensland’s night-life, JC has come to Airlie Beach to see how the locals swing it.
As the new commissioner, he is touring regional Queensland to understand local nightlife dynamics and advocate for vibrant nightlife across the state. The primary function of his role is supporting the economic development and preservation of the nightlife sector, serving as a central point of contact and advocating for live music venues, nightclubs, festival organisers, bars and restaurants, entertainment precincts, arts outlets, and local pubs to boost the economic impact of the sector and ensure long term sustainability Queensland-wide.
His excitement to be in Airlie Beach was apparent as he was keen to witness the town known as the ‘heart’ of live music. Airlie Beach was a highpoint of the tour for its unique live music scene, offering entertainment seven nights a week, 365 days a year.
“I’m excited to be out of Brisbane and looking at other areas across the state. Airlie Beach has got such a vibrant night-life, I really wanted to see what was going on here and just talk to people who are involved in the local industry.”
JC emphasized the importance of direct engagement with local councils and industry operators with his goal to foster connections and support nightlife growth especially in smaller regional towns. Having visited Cairns and Townsville, and with the main office based in Brisbane, JC was making it his mission to listen and recognise what smaller towns contribute to the overall economic impact that night-life brings to the state.
Airlie Beach is an internationally recognised destination, not just for its pubs and clubs but for music festivals too. In 2024, Airlie Beach Festival of Music attracted thousands of individuals and generated direct and incremental expenditures of $4,144,096, attributable to the Whitsundays Region economy, and $4,746,057 attributable to the Queensland economy.
As Commissioner, JC is making important connections and collecting data to build a foundation that will be able to support all levels of the night-life industry. He passionately commended Airlie Beach for being so vibrant, going at its own pace, and being recognisably different from other towns and cities he’s toured.
Gavin Butlin, Margie Murphy, John Collins (J.C.), Rebecca Cook, Stacy Harvey, and Pam Geekiyanage outside Airlie Beach’s own Magnums beer garden. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Stacy Harvey, Margie Murphy, John Collins (J.C.), Rebecca Cook, and Gavin Butlin visiting Magnums. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
Margie Murphy, John Collins (J.C.), and Rebecca Cook outside Airlie Beach’s own Magnum's beer garden. Photo Credit: Victoria Velton
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