Whitsunday Local Performs Alongside Stars In Sydney

Seventeen-year-old Airlie Beach performer Blake Hanks is quickly emerging as one of North Queensland’s brightest young talents, turning years of dedication on the school stage into a show-stopping national opportunity. Fresh from graduating Year 12, Blake’s passion for performance has seen him shine in musicals, eisteddfods and talent competitions — culminating in a major win that took him from regional Queensland to the spotlight of Sydney’s biggest stages.

He recently won the 2025 NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase and as part as that it earned him an all-expenses-paid trip to Sydney, including a mentoring session with acclaimed performer Hugh Sheridan (Packed to the Rafters, California Crooners Club).

Blake opened the Double Bay Christmas Carols with festive favourites Holly Jolly Christmas and Winter Wonderland, before later performing Last Christmas. He shared the stage with celebrated artists including Dami Im, Sheppard, Jael Wena and Taysha Ferrugia, joining them for the finale before counting down to the fireworks in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 people.

Blake described the experience as “unforgettable,” saying:

“Thank you to the organisers of Fast Track to Fame – this has truly been an incredible opportunity. Performing alongside such high-calibre artists and meeting Hugh Sheridan was an honour I’ll never forget.”

The NQ Fast Track Talent Showcase is hosted by the Burdekin Shire Council and Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said Blake’s success highlights the impact of local initiatives.

“It’s fantastic to see such a significant opportunity arise from a Burdekin event,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“The Fast Track Talent Showcase not only celebrates local talent but also opens doors for young people to shine on a national stage. Council is proud to support events like these, which create pathways for our youth to achieve their dreams.”

Christine Collyer, Founder of Fast Track Talent, also praised Blake’s performance.

“Blake was an absolute star and embraced every moment of this opportunity. We’re thrilled to see the Burdekin Shire Council supporting such a fantastic platform for young artists,” she said.

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Blake on stage. Photo sourced: Online