Main picture Jon Coghill of Powderfinger attends a Nambour community event with Yelo music editor Penny Brand.

The community push to “make Nambour great again” continues with Powderfinger drummer Jon Coghill taking up a Christmas challenge to dust off his famous drumsticks again.

Coghill will play a full set with Sunshine Coast swamp-blues artist 8Ball Aitken (pictured) at the Tramfest Christmas Festival on December 9.

Tramfest is supported by Sunshine Coast Council and was formed to help activate Nambour’s town centre and the Special Entertainment Precinct.

It runs regular events to raise money for its vision of having a tram in the city.

So, how did this all happen?

Coghill says it all came about at a community event where he was cooking sausages with former Nambour Councillor Greg Rogerson.

“Rogo was working the barbecue at an event in Nambour when he got a call,” he says.

“I had to pull his phone out of his back pocket and it said ‘8 Ball Aitken’.

“He was calling Rogo to say his drummer had pulled out of the (Christmas) gig.

“Rogo looked at me and I could see him calculating. Next thing you know I’ve agreed to the gig and I’m pumped.”

Coghill graduated from Nambour State High School in 1988, where his father was a physics teacher. It’s also where several other famous alumni attended such as former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

“I met 8 Ball years ago when he was at the ABC and I was presenting – bloody lovely guy and a Sunny Coast genius,” he says.

“I’ve never played with him in my life, but his music is awesome. He’s a seriously good songwriter and musician, and I’m gonna be pushed to keep up with such a master.

“I am not in fine form. I will have to practice.”

Nambour’s long line of noteable characters

Once known for being “the sugar mill capital of the Sunshine Coast”, Nambour has a rich history and is chock-full of character-buildings and charm.

Coghill has joined a long list of others who also want their city to return to its former glory.

“Bring it on. Let’s see the next AC/DC from Burnside or the Heights for goodness sakes.

“It’s gonna rock the bejesus outta Nambour and might even light up some sugar cane paddocks and rain black snow. Yew!”

For more information on the Nambour Christmas Festival visit https://www.facebook.com/.

What’s Your Reaction?

3In Love4Happy0Not Sure0OMG0Angry0Sad1LOL0Cry0Silly0Crazy