In 1988 I along with most of Australia was glued to the television set as the swimmers turned for the last lap of the men’s 200 metre Olympic final, American Matt Biondi turned first, but right on his shoulder was Rockhampton’s Duncan Armstrong, as if body surfing Bondi’s wake Duncan passes him within metres of the wall to win the gold in world record time. Like to relive that moment, or maybe when Jamie Dwyer scored in extra time to win Olympic gold for the Kookaburra’s Hockey team? Perhaps Anna Meares inspiring Olympic silver medal ride after fracturing her back 7 months prior would be your preference. Or Glen Housman’s jubilation of being the first Australian to swim 1500 metres in under 15 minutes breaking the world record only to have it taken away. Would you pay $100 to hear first hand their stories in helping raise $100,000 to create a fund to develop future champions that currently live in Rockhampton? Add Wotif.com founder Graeme Wood, former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet in London Leanne Benjamin, Invincible Rod Reddy, Kevin Johnson singing Rock and Roll You Gave Me the Best Years of My Life, Mick Dittman recalling his Melbourne Cup winning ride on Gurners Lane; have Wayne Blair as the Director and it would be a night dreams are relived and inspired. All these people once called Rockhampton home. They like many others went on to achieve greatness in their field. Could they be enticed back to share their story? A full house at Pilbeam Theatre paying $100 a head would gross $97200. Money set aside to help nurture more champions from the Rockhampton region. As importantly the night would be a showcase highlighting the diversity of opportunities Rockhampton can provide. The stories could be utilised in marketing the region, including the basis for a Rockhampton YouTube channel; be on permanent display at the Art Gallery, Airport and Tourist Information Centres. It would take a little organising, but getting some of our most notable achievers in the one room for the one night would be incredible, gaining national recognition of Rockhampton being more than the Beef Capital and contribute to maintaining a fantastic legacy. Rod Laver is usually in the country in January, getting him would be my priority.