Written By Mark Phillips
Hervey Bay isn’t exactly known as a clubbing capital. But for a few hours every so often, the deck of the Hervey Bay Surf Lifesaving Club transforms into a sun-kissed dance floor filled with smiling faces, familiar beats, and the unmistakable energy of community. That’s when Not Dead Yet rolls into town — a free periodical music event celebrating the sounds that once shook the fields, warehouses, and dance floors of 1990s Britain.
Behind the decks are two seasoned selectors who call themselves The Benchwarmers: Mark Phillips (aka DJ Capi) and Chris Farrelly (Vinyl Richie). Both UK-born and residents of Hervey Bay, these two friends have been spinning records for “longer than they care to remember.” What binds them together, beyond the years and the records, is a shared love of dance music and the culture it inspired.
The idea came about, fittingly, while sitting on a bench. “We were on the Scarness Esplanade, talking about the scene here — or lack of one — and how much we missed that sense of togetherness from the early rave days,” Mark recalls. “That’s when the name The Benchwarmers was born, and soon after, Not Dead Yet followed.”
From that conversation came a simple but heartfelt idea: to create a space for people “of a certain vintage” to reconnect with the music that once defined their youth — and still does. “It’s not about reliving the past,” Chris adds. “It’s about celebrating what never really left us. Those tunes still make people move, still make them smile. Why shouldn’t we enjoy them now?”
Not Dead Yet (NDY) isn’t your average DJ night. There are no VIP booths and no overpriced door charge — just a warm, inclusive vibe where everyone’s welcome. “We wanted to strip it back to what mattered most,” says Mark. “Great music, great people, and a sense of connection.”
That community spirit is what sets NDY apart. The crowd ranges from lifelong ravers to curious locals who simply love good tunes, a good dance and good company. After the music stops, the conversations start — people chatting, laughing, swapping stories about old club nights or new beginnings. “It’s amazing to see people who didn’t know each other at the start of the night leaving as friends,” Chris says. “That’s exactly what it’s about.”
The duo’s musical style mirrors their philosophy: back-to-basics, heartfelt, and full of groove. They spin vinyl records through a rotary mixer — “Analogue baby!” as Chris loves to declare — creating that warm, tactile sound digital systems can’t quite replicate. Expect classic house and dance tracks from the 1990s, the kind that transport you straight back to the golden age of Ministry of Sound, Cream, and Ibiza sunsets.
The last Not Dead Yet event was a huge success. The deck was buzzing, the energy was high, and the vibe was — as one guest put it — “pure joy.” What started as a nostalgic experiment has grown into one of the Bay’s most talked-about gatherings. The Surf Lifesaving Club in Torquay has been more than supportive, providing a licensed bar, a stunning ocean-front setting, and a relaxed, friendly environment that fits perfectly with the spirit of the night.
“Honestly, the Surf Club’s been brilliant,” Mark says. “They’ve shown us nothing but encouragement. It’s rare to find a venue that gets what we’re trying to do — and they totally do.”
The next Not Dead Yet will again be held on the deck at the Hervey Bay Surf Lifesavers Club in Torquay on January 9th. The details — including times and set list teasers — will be announced soon on the Not Dead Yet Facebook page. You can also reach out via email at notdeadyetdancetherapy@gmail.com.
If you grew up dancing under strobe lights and warehouse roofs, or if you just love good music and better company, you’ll feel right at home. “We call it dance therapy for a reason,” Chris laughs. “Everyone leaves lighter than when they arrived.”
So, dust off your dancing shoes, dig out that old smiley-face T-shirt, and join The Benchwarmers for a night that proves — quite literally — that we’re Not Dead Yet.