Entertainment
14 June, 2026
Gong show was chockas
MORE than 1000 people attended Johno’s Gong Show at the weekend, with organisers hailing the event as a successful celebration of the much-loved local entertainer.
The event, which returned as part of Johno’s birthday celebrations, attracted crowds throughout the day, with visitors travelling from across Queensland.
Organiser Ric Montgomery said the Pier Bar was packed from start to finish.
“It was chock-a-block, I think they reckon they had about 1000 went through there over the day,” Mr Montgomery said.
The highlight of the day was the Gong Show competition, which featured a range of local performers competing for audience support and bragging rights.
Mr Montgomery said local all-girl band Chakra bc impressed both the crowd and judges to take out the top prize.
“There were some really good acts that got up on the Gong Show. There was an all-girl band,” he said.
“Chakra bc and they won the Gong Show. They were really good.”
Mr Montgomery said the group’s preparation and strong local support helped set them apart.
“All local girls, everybody knew them, and egged them on, and they did really well,” he said. “They’d rehearsed their stuff really well.”
Giles finished in second place, while Slyline secured third place in the competition.
Johno, 80, was also a major attraction, entertaining the crowd in his trademark style throughout the event. Johno was his usual self,” Mr Montgomery said. Future gong shows are on the cards.
