SunPAC turns 5 in 2021!
SunPAC celebrates five years of arts and culture on Brisbane’s southside
The premier performing arts and cultural centre in Brisbane’s southern suburbs is celebrating its 5th birthday in October.
The Sunnybank Performing Arts and Cultural Centre – or SunPAC as it’s affectionately known – has staged over 800 performances, shows and events since it was officially opened on 15 October 2016 by then Brisbane Lord Mayor Cr Graham Quirk.
Architecturally striking, SunPAC is the creative heart of Sunnybank, nestled in the community sports precinct that’s home to Sunnybank Rugby Union, MacGregor Netball and MacGregor Cricket.
SunPAC is the brainchild of Brisbane City Council and the Sunnybank Rugby Union Club who partnered to deliver the vision for an arts, entertainment and cultural hub for the southside, each contributing $5 million to the development which adjoins the rugby club’s Sunnybank Community and Sports Club.
In its first five years, SunPAC has entertained more than 125,000 visitors throughout the centre which boasts a 300 seat theatre, soaring Skyview Foyer, private meeting room and alfresco SunPAC Green.
Look who’s wishing SunPAC a happy birthday!
SunPAC 5th Birthday Video Clip
As well as a year-round program of musicals, live theatre, and family and educational activities, SunPAC produces the annual multicultural community festival, Summerfest, a colourful celebration and reflection of the diverse and talented local community of Sunnybank and surrounds. A free event supported by Brisbane City Council, this year’s Summerfest free family fun day on Saturday 13 November will feature more than 150 performers on the outdoor and theatre stages, children’s entertainment including jumping castle, animals and shows, plus tasty treats from around the globe. Summerfest will launch in style on Friday evening with the acclaimed Queensland Symphony Orchestra’s popular concert returning to the SunPAC Theatre.
Brisbane’s most popular festivals have hosted performances at SunPAC including Brisbane Festival’s Street Serenades, 4MBS Festival of Classics, and the Brisbane Comedy Festival, bringing the best in arts and entertainment to the local area.
Reflecting its surrounding community, SunPAC has a well-deserved reputation as a multicultural hub with Korean, Chinese, Taiwanese, Indian, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, Fijian, Polynesian, Filipino, Malaysian, Maori and Islamic communities amongst those taking advantage of the centre’s professional facilities to stage events, performances and celebrations.
Community groups who have used SunPAC include schools, colleges, dance schools, local artists, amateur theatre groups, conference organisers, wedding planners, local chambers of commerce, charities and churches.
SunPAC star highlights over the first five years include:
The Voice Australia and stars Naomi Price and Luke Kennedy
ARIA award winning band Peking Duk
Songstress Katie Noonan
Queensland Symphony Orchestra
Opera Queensland
Brisbane based and world-leading contemporary circus, Circa
Tenori, three of Australia’s favourite tenors
Comedians Jimeoin and Tahir Bilgiç of Fat Pizza fame
So You Think You Can Dance Australia winner Jack Chambers’ Raw Dance
Acclaimed concert pianist, local community champion and Harmonie Music School founder Vian Lin