The hugely popular 'Schooners and Stories' returns for the 2023 Western Downs Words Out West: Readers and Writers Festival, with rugby league superstar Brent Tate at the helm for this year's events.
Schooners and Stories will be heading out to the Juandah Hotel Motel in Wandoan on Friday 10thMarch, followed by The Bun Hotel at Kaimkillenbun on Saturday 11thMarch.
Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development, Councillor Kaye Maguire, said this was an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with the football legend, whilst enjoying the best of country hospitality.
"Schooners and Stories is one of the most popular and beloved events on the Words Out West Festival calendar, so it's wonderful to have it return to the Western Downs this weekend," Cr Maguire said.
"We've had some fantastic headliners in the past, and 2023 is no exception. Brent Tate has a fascinating story to tell, from his childhood right up through his famously successful and well-decorated career in the NRL. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear about his challenges and triumphs from the man himself.
"Schooners and Stories is a chance to indulge in the vibrancy of our communities by getting together with friends and family at the local watering hole, sitting back, and spending some time rubbing shoulders with one of the country's best sportsmen."
NRL legend and Schooners and Stories headliner Brent Tate said he was excited to head out to the Western Downs to meet fans and share his personal and professional journey.
"I'm excited to be coming out to the Western Downs this weekend - it's really refreshing to be amongst country people and having a chat. I was born in Roma and have family out this way, so the country is my home in a way. Schooners and Stories will be a new and different experience for me, but it will be different in a good way," Mr Tate said.
"I think that it's important that athletes and sportspeople have a forum for sharing our stories. Everyone has such a unique personal story. In my career I've had ups and downs, but I've overcome a lot of challenges, and I think that resonates with people. I hope that when I share my story people will get something valuable out of it.
"You get the most out of an experience when you are relaxed and feel your best, so I'm confident that Schooners and Stories will be a casual, open forum where I'll have the chance to talk to people and hopefully answer some of their questions.
"I'm looking forward to being a part of Schooners and Stories in Wandoan and Kaimkillenbun - it's going to be a great time."
