Coffs Harbour Student’s Role as Production Assistant at Schools Spectacular in Sydney Highlights Opportunities for Regional Students and Boosts Australian Entertainment Tourism

Published on December 14, 2025

In the heart of Sydney, one of the world’s largest amateur variety shows, Schools Spectacular, was held at the Qudos Bank Arena on November 29-30, 2025. Among the 6000 students who participated in this monumental event was Grace Sutherland, a Year 12 student from Coffs Harbour Senior College. Her role in this high-profile event not only marks a significant milestone in her career journey but also highlights the profound impact of live production training and its connection to both education and tourism in Australia.

The Schools Spectacular is known for its breathtaking performances, where students from all over Australia come together to showcase their talents in dance, singing, and acrobatic feats. But behind the scenes, there is another layer of magic happening—where hundreds of students train in vocational education and training (VET), managing camera operations, sound, lighting, styling, and event management. Grace, a student of Certificate III in Live Production and Services, worked as a production assistant at SpecFest, the outdoor festival that accompanies the show. This role gave her invaluable experience in sound operation and audio engineering, as well as the opportunity to be part of a community of creative professionals working together to make the show a success.

For Grace, participating in Schools Spectacular was not just a chance to be involved in a large-scale performance but a pivotal moment in her educational journey. She served as a sound operator, handling surround sound and microphone setups for the performers, a responsibility that requires technical expertise and strong communication skills. She recalled the excitement and fulfillment she felt when she learned how to adjust audio levels and manipulate performers’ voices through simple adjustments on the sound system. Grace’s experience in audio mixing and technical services has enhanced her understanding of the live performance world, and she has gained skills that will be invaluable as she progresses toward her future aspirations of working in stage management at NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art).

This hands-on experience is a vital part of her learning process, as the event offers a tangible, real-world application of the skills she has been acquiring through her studies. SpecFest not only provided Grace with exposure to high-level technical operations but also reinforced her desire to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. The Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathway is increasingly recognized as a crucial part of the Australian education system, offering students like Grace the chance to combine theoretical learning with practical, on-the-job experience.

Moreover, Grace’s involvement in Schools Spectacular is a testament to the growing role of regional students in Australia’s entertainment scene. While large cities like Sydney and Melbourne are often the focal points for entertainment industry opportunities, this festival highlights the importance of regional representation. For students like Grace, who hail from smaller towns, the event serves as a platform for showcasing their talents and learning from industry professionals. The festival’s inclusion of regional students offers them the same opportunities to shine as their city counterparts, helping bridge the gap between urban and regional Australia in the entertainment sector.

Schools Spectacular also has far-reaching effects on Australian tourism, especially within the entertainment and events sectors. As one of the largest amateur variety shows in the world, it attracts thousands of visitors to Sydney, not just from across Australia but also internationally. Families and friends of the participants travel from different states and regions, while international tourists who are interested in Australian arts and culture also come to experience the festival’s vibrancy. This influx of visitors contributes significantly to the local economy, benefiting hospitality, retail, and transportation industries.

The festival’s impact on tourism is evident in the way it brings attention to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, a venue renowned for hosting some of the world’s largest events. The Schools Spectacular gives a platform to regional students while promoting Sydney as a key destination for entertainment tourism. For those visiting Sydney, attending a performance like Schools Spectacular adds an extra layer to their travel experience, offering a unique cultural insight into Australia’s youth talent and live production scene.

Additionally, the SpecFest component of the event, where students like Grace worked, fosters a deeper engagement with the festival experience by offering the public a chance to interact with various aspects of live event production. It showcases the technical side of the industry and allows visitors to see firsthand the dedication, teamwork, and technical expertise that go into creating a large-scale show. This exposure to the behind-the-scenes work encourages an appreciation of the complex infrastructure that makes such events possible and promotes the artistic side of tourism.

Furthermore, this event is an example of how youth engagement in cultural tourism can help spark a lifelong interest in arts and entertainment. By offering students an opportunity to participate in events of this scale, Schools Spectacular nurtures the next generation of artists, technicians, and stage managers, fostering creative industries that will continue to thrive in the Australian tourism market. The festival, by showcasing the talents of students from across the country, underscores the importance of arts education in the wider tourism economy.

The educational value of these events extends far beyond just the students themselves. SpecFest, as part of Schools Spectacular, provides local communities and schools with the chance to see the real-world applications of education and career pathways. It bridges the gap between school-based learning and the entertainment industry, showing students that their studies can lead to exciting, fulfilling careers in the arts. These experiences make cultural tourism in Australia not just about visiting iconic landmarks or nature reserves, but also about immersing oneself in the creative arts and experiencing the work of the next generation of Australian entertainers.

Grace’s experience at the Schools Spectacular not only shaped her personal career aspirations but also made an important contribution to the growing recognition of regional students in the national entertainment industry. It is clear that the tourism sector benefits from events that bring together youth, creativity, and culture, and Schools Spectacular is a perfect example of how such events can be a driving force in both education and tourism in Australia.

In conclusion, Grace Sutherland’s involvement in Schools Spectacular exemplifies how young talent from regional Australia is contributing to the entertainment and tourism industries. The event itself plays a key role in promoting Sydney as a major destination for both cultural tourism and live performance enthusiasts. Through this immersive, hands-on experience, students are not only given the chance to refine their skills but also play a part in the wider tourism experience, enhancing the city’s appeal as a hub for arts and culture. As regional students like Grace continue to gain recognition in the entertainment sector, events like Schools Spectacular will remain vital in fostering talent and promoting the diverse contributions of young Australians to the tourism economy.