The much-loved Royston Sagigi-Baira will return to the Cape to perform at the Weipa Fishing Classic. It’s his first trip home since winning Australian Idol.
CAPE York sensation Royston Sagigi-Baira will return home for the first time since winning Australian Idol after he was booked to perform at next week’s Weipa Fishing Classic.
The Mapoon product, who performs under the stage name Royston Noell, will sing on both Saturday and Sunday nights in what is a major coup for the community.
“I’m really excited to see everyone,” he said from Sydney on Monday morning.
“People keep telling me they are excited to have me back, so it’ll be a good chance to celebrate.
“The Weipa Fishing Classic organisers reached out to me to see if I was interested in performing and it’s been great to make it happen. I have been to Classics before and I know it’s a big event for the community.”
Weipa Fishing Classic president Aaron Schleich said he expected Royston to get mobbed by locals upon his return.
“It’s going to be a great thing for the community,” he said.
“The thing about the Classic is that it’s always about the community and we always try and do something special each year.
“Bringing a role model to Weipa and putting them on stage is going to be a great thing for the young kids to see.”
Mr Schleich said while Royston would sing on both Saturday and Sunday, he wouldn’t be asked to perform a big set.
“We want him to mingle with the crowd and spend time with his family and friends,” he said.
“It’s a great opportunity to get him home after winning Australian Idol and reconnecting with the community.”
For Royston, life has been a whirlwind since he was crowned the winner on March 26.
No two days are the same as he mixes songwriting with recording and performing.
The 24-year-old has now made the move to Sydney and although the colder weather is a big change from the Cape, he’s enjoying the lifestyle.
“I haven’t bought anything too expensive yet other than putting money back into my career, but I am buying a lot of clothes to keep up with appearances! It’s nice to be able to explore myself through fashion,” he said.
“For me, it’s still quite busy and I think a lot of people are waiting for what’s next. There’s a lot happening in the background, though.”
The Weipa Fishing Classic will run from June 9 to 11.
