Number 10 turns up the volume on Nambour's Special Entertainment Prospects

David Dean from Hostile Entertainment, Andrea Smith from Applause Genie, and Ted O’Brien with Phil Turvey and Justine Hemmings from ‘Number 10’.

A Nambour business has announced ambitious plans to transform part of their Bury Street warehouse into the Sunshine Coast’s newest live-music venue with the support of a $53,368 Federal Government Grant.

Construction is underway on the 300 square meter venue, ‘Number 10’, which will include a large garden bar for acoustic performances, an indoor bar and entertainment area and a kitchen specialising in pizza and crepes. 

Owners Phil Turvey and Justine Hemmings  are trying to re-energise a major building and reinvigorate the music scene under Nambour CBD’s Special Entertainment Precinct status. Number 10 is part of the footprint of  Big Audio Live in the old Bi-Rite — 1200 square metre premises fronting both Currie and Bury Streets — which had stood vacant for 5 years.

Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said the funding boost was not just a major win for Nambour, but a real showstopper for the live-music sector on the Sunshine Coast.

“Nambour remains the soul of the Sunshine Coast and ‘Number 10’ is going to make sure that that soul is brought to life for the future and the Federal Government is delighted to be contributing,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The stage is set for Nambour to amplify its reputation as a live-music and arts hub on the Sunshine Coast.

“It’s no secret that the past two years have been incredibly difficult for the live-music industry, but today’s announcement is another sign that the music is back.

“I am delighted to support Phil and his new venture which will provide so many opportunities for the local music scene.”

Big Audio will be the first venue to open in Nambour under Council’s Special Entertainment Precinct regulations which means  the business is exempt from the amplified music noise requirements of the Queensland Government’s liquor licensing laws.

“This is a gamechanger for us, and it moves us so much further down the track,” said Mr Turvey.  “We hope to be a flagship and we hope other businesses will follow because we need the nightlife in Nambour to boost our economy here.

“The grant covers 84 lunch-time shows for original Australian content. They’ll do a two-hour set every lunch time, for three months from April on.

“This venue will be all about providing a platform for local original music to thrive on the Sunshine Coast.

“Unfortunately, there are not a lot of live music venues left on the Coast, despite the public and the industry screaming out for more options.

“That’s why we are so excited to open our doors early next year and plug live-music straight back into the lives of locals in an effort to bring a vibrant night time economy to Nambour.”

Big Audio will feature everything from acoustic sets, blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll to cover bands and Sunday sessions.

With over 20 years’ experience in the industry, including long-time support of the Woodford Folk Festival, Mr Turvey says he has tapped into what people want and cannot wait to deliver it.

“I know what entertains people because I’ve seen what people like and what flavour to put out there” Mr Turvey said.

“That’s what this venue is all about – entertainment.” 

Local band boi & eSKae entertains at Number 10.