Runway Under The Stars

On Saturday 10 October 2026, Burketown Airport will become more than a runway, it will become a stage.

Runway Under The Stars is an invitation to celebrate the reopening of a vital regional asset, enjoy incredible live music from King Stingray, Dream Thieves, The DMC Boys, and come together as a community to mark a milestone that will benefit the Gulf for generations to come.

For remote communities, infrastructure like an airport is far more than a transport asset. It is a vital connection to healthcare, education, emergency services, business opportunities and family.

It keeps communities connected when roads are cut by floodwaters, supports local industry, and helps create the confidence needed for regional towns to grow and thrive.

The reopening of Burketown Airport represents an investment in the future of the Gulf, improving resilience, strengthening connections and ensuring people living in remote Australia have access to the same opportunities as those in larger centres.

Runway Under The Stars is a chance to celebrate not only the completion of an important project, but what that project means for the people who rely on it every day.

We look forward to celebrating with the Burketown community and visitors from across the region for an unforgettable evening under the Gulf sky.

Proudly supported by Durack Civil, Q Crush, Wirtgen, Austek, iOR, Cement Australia, Coates, Downer Group, ASCT, Burke Shire Council, and the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.

Date: Saturday 10 October 2026 from 3pm

Location: Burketown Airport

Admission: Free, Community BBQ, All Welcome

Accomodation: Camping Available

Who is Playing?

4.00-4.30pm

The DMC (Doomadgee Mission Community) Boys are legends of the Gulf. This 4 piece Indigenous rock-reggae band released their debut EP Yagurlda People in Feb 2026, sharing Dreamtime stories and a deep connection to their Gangalidda and Waanyi country in language and English. Working alongside the Dreamtime Music Academy and writing from their remote coastal homeland, The DMC Boys keep the culture and language of the Gangalidda alive whilst bringing the sound of the Gulf to a new generation.

5-5.45pm

Dream Thieves are a groove rock band from the Sunshine coast of Queensland. With Durack’s own Jarryd Dewar on drums, this 5 piece band brings a coastal vibe to the back of Burke. With a self-titled EP and an array of styles with epic riffage, soaring vocals and thundering drums.

6.30 -7pm

Hailing from the Northern Territory and Queensland, King Stingray is a tight-knit crew of Yolŋu (Aboriginal people of northeast Arnhem Land) and balanda (non-Indigenous) musicians. The last few years have seen their meteoric rise, from a sleepy surf-rock outfit to internationally touring ARIA award winners. Their self-titled debut album earned five ARIA nominations and won them theBreakthrough Artist gong. Then they took out the Australian Music Prize and won the Album of the Year and Best Independent Rock Album at the 2023 AIR Awards. That’s impressive for a band that have stayed true to themselves, blending raucous rock’n’roll and the ancient Indigenous tradition of manikay (song/songlines), organically building a fanbase until the momentum became unstoppable. In their own words “We were just a couple of kids/With a couple of big ideas”.

Where can I stay?

There is limited accomodation available in Burketown but you’re welcome to camp at the showground. Camping here is free courtesy of Burke Shire Council. There are no showers at the showground. 

What time does it start?

The concert begins at 4pm, but come down early, get your spot and watch the first plane land on the new runway

Will there be food?

Yes. There will be a free community sausage sizzle/bbq. If you have particular dietary requirements you are welcome to bring your own. 

Will there be alcohol? 

No. This is a dry event. The Burketown pub will still be open after the event. 

Where is the event and how do I get there? 

The event will be held at Burketown airport. There is parking available but we encourage everyone to get the shuttle bus which leaves from the Burketown pub every 15 minutes from 3pm. The airport bus from Doomadgee will do a special trip on Saturday morning, returning Sunday.