THE premier entertainment centre on the Sunshine Coast desperately needs you.

And you only have until Valentine's Day, February 14 to play your part.

The Sunshine Coast Council is calling on the community to support its application for $3 million Federal Government funding to upgrade the aging Events Centre in Caloundra.

The funding is required for a planned $6 million refurbishment that will install new air-conditioning, a covered sit-down area in the front of the building, disabled toilets and a lift from the car park to the foyer.

The other $3 million will be funded by the Council

Chairman of　The　Sunshine Coast　Events Centre Pty Ltd (SCEC) councillor Tim Dwyer the Federal Government's Building Better Regions program had grants available for this kind of funding and the council didn't want to miss out.

"For the past 37 years, the Caloundra Events Centre has been the Sunshine Coast's premier cultural and performing arts centre,” he said.

"It's an iconic part of the Sunshine Coast's cultural scene and over the years it has proudly played host to a number of local, national and international acts, as well as countless community events.

"The funding will provide for the installation of a new air-conditioning system, improved acoustics and sound systems in the Main Theatre as well as a covered set-down area at the front of the centre. It will also it will also allow us to build dedicated disabled toilets and a lift between the car park and the foyer.

"This is an old building in need of significant upgrades in order to continue to deliver a high quality experience to its many patrons, and to attract great national and international performers and better serve the community.”

Cr Dwyer said the success of the grant application could depend on the amount of community support.

"This is a positive opportunity for Sunshine Coast ratepayers and part of the criteria as set out in the grant criteria, for the best chance of success, is they want to see support from the local community,” he said.

He said more upgrades were detailed on the application as well as others earmarked for the future when further funding or partnerships become available.

"The Events Centre is calling on the community to voice their support for the upgrade. Pledges of financial support are also being sought from individuals and local businesses,” Cr Dwyer said.

"We desperately need individuals, schools, community and charitable groups as well as businesses to write letters of support and complete the survey which is available through The Events Centre's website.

"It's imperative that the Federal Government sees the huge level of community support for these upgrades.”

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace added his support.

"I know how loved The Events Centre is in our community,” Mr Wallace said.

"I will be sending a letter of support for this application, and I strongly urge all locals to do the same. Let's get behind this fantastic venue.”

But time is running out quickly.

All letters of support and surveys must be completed by February 14. More information is available at www.theeventscentre.com.au.