Cheers to Venue 114
A community that connects and celebrates, thrives. Jodie Cameron explores the past, present and future of the Sunshine Coast’s top-tier community venue…
If you’ve danced the night away to your favourite artist, been inspired at a youth or business forum, clapped wildly at a kids’ show, or supported local heroes at a fundraiser – chances are, you’ve been part of Venue 114’s story. Sunshine Coast Council’s largest premier community venue is celebrating 20 years of unforgettable moments, memories and magic.
Opening on 5 November 2005 as Lake Kawana Community Centre, the venue was born out of a vision to create a hub where the community could come together, connect, and celebrate. Located lakeside in the heart of Birtinya, Venue 114 was one of only two buildings in the area at the time – the other being Kawana Waters State College.
Fast forward to 2025, and Venue 114 is a bustling, versatile facility that hosts 500+ events annually, welcomes 50,000+ patrons through their doors each year and offers 15 different event spaces across three levels and two stages. From grassroots community events to full-scale music gigs, Australian Wearable Art Awards, Sunshine Coast Business Awards and major expos, it has consistently risen to meet the needs of a growing and diverse community.
Venue 114 Manager Louise Thompson started as an administration officer in 2007, acquiring her dream job as Venue Manager two years later. She recalls a lot of changes over the past two decades but says the community spirit has been there from day one.
“We support everything from concerts to conferences, gala dinners to wellness expos, and so many more amazing community focused events in between,” Louise says. “From 5am starts to 1am finishes – none of this would be possible without my remarkable team – they are the backbone of the venue.”
With a capacity for 1,400 people standing, 800 for theatre seating and 400 for banquet-style events, the venue has grown with the community’s needs. It has hosted some of Australia’s biggest acts including Xavier Rudd, Hilltop Hoods, Missy Higgins, The Living End, Powderfinger, Jimmy Barnes, Boy & Bear, Guy Sebastian, and more.
“Live music is good for the soul and providing space for people to sing and dance along to their favourite artist – that’s really special,” Louise reflects.
The venue has lit up kid’s faces with the likes of Josephine Wants to Dance, The Wiggles and Pevan & Sarah – and has been part of their journey into teenagers.
“From school formals and Battle of the Bands, youth events and graduations – Venue 114 is embedded in every stage of life,” Louise says. “We feel grateful to be a part of these milestones.”
Its design and versatility has also attracted awards nights and major expos from weddings to wellness, disability services to careers and Louise said some of the most rewarding moments have come from not-for-profit fundraisers, supporting organisations like SunnyKids, Wishlist, STEMM, endED, IFYS and more.
“I’ve shared hugs and happy tears with clients after events, hearing how much was raised for their cause,” she says. “That’s what it’s all about – connection, compassion, community.”
In 2018, a bold rebrand from Lake Kawana Community Centre to Venue 114 marked a shift into a more contemporary, creative identity, and today that momentum continues. Three local mural artists – Fuzeillear, David Houghton and EJ Zyla transformed the venue’s walls with energy, movement and connection to Country and Coast.
“The name change lifted our profile and helped us attract new clientele,” Louise says. “The murals bring the space to life, and it’s wonderful to include local artists in the venue’s story.”
The venue’s role as an Emergency Evacuation Centre during natural disasters further cements its importance as a safe, reliable space in times of crisis.
“Strong communities thrive through connection, people, place and space,” Louise states. “Making our venues accessible and inclusive is a priority.”
This includes Venue 114 becoming an EarthCheck Certified sustainable venue, implementing Cérge services, inclusive practices, and an Acknowledgement to Country across the nine council-owned venues that she manages. Looking ahead, the new Lake Kawana footbridge and ongoing growth means exciting new opportunities are on the horizon, but one thing that won’t change is the venue’s heartbeat: community.
“Venue 114 is more than bricks and mortar,” Louise says. “It’s where stories unfold, where dreams take shape, and where people from all walks of life come together – that’s the magic.”
Whether it’s Aiden Schofield’s Trivial Trickery, Burlesque L’Amour or the Oriana Choir 20th Anniversary Gala, join Venue 114 to celebrate in November.
“Spaces become sacred when they hold our stories, and Venue 114 has become a place where people feel seen, heard, and celebrated – and that’s what makes it truly special,” Louise beams. Encore!
Visit www.venue114.com.au for more.
BRAVO Venue 114!
- Over 10,000 events held
- 100+ major music gigs
- Hosting 500+ events every year
- Countless graduations and formals
- 50+ Not-for-Profit fundraisers
- Three unique murals by local artists
- Two performance stages
- Emergency Evacuation Centre
