One of Powderfinger’s best releases was the chronically underrated 1998 album Internationalist.
Now the Queensland government will be hoping the legendary Brisbane band’s bassist, John “JC” Collins, is himself something of an internationalist, having tasked him with turning the state’s nightlife into a jewel in its tourism crown.
Collins, awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in King’s Birthday honours this year for “significant service to the arts through music, and to the community”, has been a key figure in the entertainment sector as the owner of Brisbane live music venues The Triffid and Fortitude Music Hall.
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Now he’ll use his expertise in his appointment as the Sunshine State’s first nightlife economy commissioner by Premier Steven Miles.
The position was created by Miles “to work with businesses, live music venues, and entertainment precincts to create a vibrant and safe nightlife environment”.
“Queensland needs someone with the vision and energy to harness the incredible potential of our nightlife — someone who can amplify the unique spirit of our communities — and turn Queensland into the ultimate nighttime destination,” Small Business Minister Lance McCallum said of the role in August.
“We’re so serious, we’re legislating it, as an urgent priority.
“With our new law, and this new role, the Miles Labor Government is not just strengthening the Sunshine State, we’re making it the Starlit State too.”
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Collins told the Courier Mail the role gave an opportunity to “get our house in order to get ready for the world’s biggest party” — the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics.
Miles has described him as a “champion of Queensland’s nightlife”.
“JC is synonymous with success, whether that’s on stage or in business,” the premier said on Tuesday
“He is a great appointment for Queensland and brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and know-how to drive our nightlife economy to a different level and help businesses of all sizes to thrive.
“We will continue to work closely to ensure we protect the safe environment my government has worked hard to build and enforce, while also growing opportunities for our business and arts sectors.”
Collins also sits on the board of the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.