Ashley Rocks On

Local student Ashley Dunn is putting her studies into practice by helping young musicians get a start in the music industry.

The Southern Cross University Bachelor of Business in Convention and Event Management student is the driving force behind the Bendigo Bank Tugun Stage which will showcase professional bands along with a mixture of bands from local schools at the Cooly Rocks On Festival set to take place this weekend (June 11 and 12).

Ashley, who is responsible for identifying, booking and organising the bands for the stage on the day, is completing the project as part of a four-month internship with Cooly Rocks on organised through Southern Cross University’s Centre for Tourism Leisure and Work.

The inaugural Cooly Rocks On Festival is presented by Southern Gold Coast/Pure Gold, and will replace Wintersun as the region’s annual rock and roll festival.

School bands booked by Ashley to mix it with the professionals this weekend include the 32-piece Wollumbin High School Band, the 13-piece Tallebudgera School of Rock band from Tallebudgera State Primary School, the Lindisfarne Kings of Rock and Brisbane-based bands the QACI Funk Band and Cordobas both from the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries.

Ashley, who is based in Elanora and studies at the Gold Coast campus of Southern Cross University, said she was looking forward to the event.

“The stage showcases the theme of the festival which is 1950s and 60s rock and roll, but it is aimed at broadening the spectrum of ages and getting all aspects of the community involved,” said Ashley.

“It’s all about promoting young talent and creating a family orientated atmosphere, which is very satisfying to be involved in.

“Organising a youth line up at a music festival is a level of responsibility I’ve never had before and I’m so grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me through this internship.

“I was even able to travel overseas with my supervisor to promote Cooly Rocks On at an event called Beach Hop in New Zealand which is similar to the event in Coolangatta. That was my first time overseas so of course I was absolutely thrilled – and now I’ve got the travel bug!”

Professor Kerry Brown, director of Southern Cross University’s Research Centre for Tourism, Leisure and Work which is supporting Cooly Rocks On and the Bendigo Bank Tugun Stage said she was proud to be involved in the event.

“The University and the Research Centre for Tourism Leisure and Work are delighted to contribute to community events such as this which support the economic development of the Southern Gold Coast,” said Professor Brown.

“It’s not just about having a fun event, it’s about creating a positive benefit for the community, bringing youth to participate in the rock and roll culture and nurturing our next generation of musicians.”

For Ashley, Cooly Rocks On is just the beginning.

“I enjoy knowing how things work, not just the end product, which is why events management is such a passion for me – there are so many facets to it and great opportunities within the industry,” said Ashley.

“I’m just trying to gain as much work experience as I can in the industry before I graduate next year, so that I will be equipped to take on other opportunities as they arise.”

Photo: Southern Cross University internship student Ashley Dunn is looking forward to the Cooly Rocks On Festival this weekend (high resolution image available on request).