Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery and Gong Factor organiser Cilla Aslanidis. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
Television has The X Factor and now Wollongong has its very own Gong Factor - a new competition designed to unearth the region's best performer.
To be held on Australia Day, the Wollongong City Council-sponsored contest is open to singers, dancers, musicians and even jugglers who would like to show off their talent in front of the crowds at Lang Park.
Wollongong residents of all ages and talents are encouraged to enter and are required to submit an entry form and two-minute video to the council by next Friday, January 18.
Theatre personality and former TV producer Cilla Aslanidis will be one of three judges and said she was expecting a great response to the competition.
"Wollongong actually has the most amazing talent pool - so many people have gone on to bigger and better things," she said.
She said the winner could follow in the footsteps of local performers like Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Richard Tognetti and Anthony Warlow.
"Sometimes it's about being in the right place at the right time - so it could absolutely be the start of a journey for someone," Mrs Aslanidis said.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said the competition would be "a bit of fun", but he was also expecting some serious results from the competition.
"We have so much talent in Wollongong, so there's all sorts of possibilities - hopefully we can recognise somebody who needs just that little start," Cr Bradbery said.
The 10 best video entries received by next week will be chosen to perform live on the Telstra Main Stage between 4.30-5.30pm on Australia Day. The winner will receive a $750 voucher from Telstra.
Contact Wollongong City Council on 4227 7111 for further details and to receive entry forms.