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This website brings you the latest Australian country music news. News releases can be sent to news@countrymusicbulletin.com.au |
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2026 And the winners are...
Duo of the Year… The Little Lord Street Band. Male Artist of the Year… Shannon Smith. Female Artist of the Year… Helen Townsend. Alt Country Song of the Year… Angel by Adele Oliver. Contemporary Country Song of the Year… On the Rock (Ginnunging bo chant) by Phil Walleystack. Heritage Song of the Year… Paradise by Corey Colum. EP of the Year… To Home And Heartbreak by Adele Oliver.
Video Clip of the Year… Patience by Corey Colum. Open Songwriter of the Year… Honky Tonk Dreams by Dave Kent and Luke O’Shea. Emerging Artist of the Year… Amberley Maryellen. For Junior Artist of the Year… Imogen Whyte. Pictured, Corey Colum and Adele Oliver with their awards. Weblink – wacountrymusic.com.au. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 Boyup Brook Muster kicks off today The Boyup Brook Country Music Muster gets underway today, running through to and including Sunday. Performers at this year’s event include Connie Kis Andersen, Boodji Creek, Broken Horses, Codee-Lee, Corey Colum, Daisy Cotton, The Eastern Line, Darren Gillis, Honky Tonk Heroes, Ella Hooper, Shenai Johnston, JoKeria, Olive Mae, Amberley Maryellen, Brandy Newton, Adele Oliver, Brandon Poletti & The Southern Dukes, Rogue Pony, Sally Jane, Andrew Swift, Claudia Tripp and Whiskey Jack.
This year’s finalists are… For Duo of the Year… Highway 95, Hope River Road, The Little Lord Street Band, Whiskey Jack. For Male Artist of the Year… Corey Colum, Dave Kent, Shannon Smith. For Female Artist of the Year… Emily Joy, Adele Oliver, Helen Townsend. For Alt Country Song of the Year… Angel by Adele Oliver, Country Girl by Amberley Maryellen, Winter Song by Tanya Ransom. For Contemporary Country Song of the Year… Ain’t A Man by Shenai Johnston, Ain’t Afraid of Dirt by Sally Jane, Give Me A Shot Or Two by Emily Joy, On the Rock (Ginnunging bo chant) by Phil Walleystack. For Heritage Song of the Year… A Place Called Home by Connie Kis Andersen, Bombs & Bullets by Sally Jane, Paradise by Corey Colum. For EP of the Year… Keep Walking by Brodie Loves, Nannup To Nashville by Dave Kent, To Home And Heartbreak by Adele Oliver. For Album of the Year… Ain’t Giving Up On You by Highway 95, Out of the Shadows by Shannon Smith, Patience by Corey Colum. For Video Clip of the Year… Bombs & Bullets by Sally Jane, Give Me A Shot Or Two by Emily Joy, Patience by Corey Colum. For Open Songwriter of the Year… Be My Man by Amberley Maryellen, Honky Tonk Dreams by Dave Kent and Luke O’Shea, One More Ride by Corey Colum. For Emerging Artist of the Year… Brodie Loves, Sally Jane, Amberley Maryellen. For Junior Artist of the Year… Gabriella Biddle, Caleb Prater, Imogen Whyte, Scarlett Whyte. Award winners will be announced tonight. Weblink – wacountrymusic.com.au. SUNDAY, JANUARY 25, 2026 Golden Guitar winners Winners in the 2026 Country Music Awards of Australia – the Golden Guitars – were announced in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital last night. The Wolfe Brothers and Kasey Chambers were the big winners of the night taking home, respectively, five and three awards. Wade Forster was the only other multi winner with two.
Female Artist of the Year – Max Jackson Male Artist of the Year – Wade Forster Group or Duo of the Year – The Wolfe Brothers Song of the Year – The Divorce Song – written by Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson, recorded by Kasey Chambers featuring Shane Nicholson Bush Ballad of the Year – Wild Roan Brumby – written by William Alexander & Pete Denahy, recorded by William Alexander
Single of the Year – The Divorce Song – Kasey Chambers with Shane Nicholson Instrumental of the Year –Lyrebird – Wicker Suite New Talent of the Year – Wade Forster Video of the Year – Look At Me Now – Fanny Lumsden (directed by Fanny Lumsden & Dan Stanley Freeman) Vocal Collaboration of the Year – The Wolfe Brothers & Zac & George – How Many One More Times Bluegrass Recording of the Year – Born To Roam – Sons Of Atticus Alt Country Album of the Year – Backbone – Kasey Chambers (produced by Kasey Chambers) Contemporary Country Album of the Year – Australian Made – The Wolfe Brothers (produced by Rod McCormack & Nicholas Wolfe) Traditional Country Album of the Year – Start All Over Again – Brendan Radford (produced by Brendan Radford) Album of the Year – Australian Made – The Wolfe Brothers (produced by Rod McCormack & Nicholas Wolfe) Top Selling Album of the Year – Where You’ll Find Me – James Johnston Outgoing Tamworth Country Music Festival Director Barry Harley was presented with the only occasionally handed out Country Music Capital Award for his lifetime involvement with and service to the Tamworth Festival and, more broadly, Australian country music. Adam Harvey was elevated to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown. His plaque will be unveiled on “the rocks” in front of the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre this morning at 11. SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2026 James wins Entertainer award second year running James Johnston has been named winner of Australia’s Country Music Entertainer of the Year accolade for the second year running.
It’s the second year running James has been named Australia’s Country Music Entertainer of the Year in the modern era. He followed Troy Cassar-Daley (2023) and Fanny Lumsden (2024) after some years when the award was not presented after originally being instigated by the Country Music Association of Australia in 1996. Lee Kernaghan won the honour in its first year, following with another three years later in 1999. Troy won the title in 1997, 1998 and 2000. Kasey Chambers won in 2002 and 2003. And Sara Storer won in 2004. The award was too important not to be presented, according to operators of this website and Capital Country Radio, so it was re-introduced in 2023 as a part of the Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards and will continue to be presented now into the future. It is determined by a vote of Australian country music industry representatives and also now by public vote via the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards and is presented to the artist deemed to be the most active and most successful during the 12 months preceding the presentation in all areas of career activity. Photo: James receiving his award from the Country Music Bulletin and Capital Country Radio's Bob Kirchner. Weblink – peopleschoiceawards.com.au/eoty.html. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026 ABBA award winners Winners in the ABBA (Australian Bush Balladeers Association) Music Excellence Awards were announced in Tamworth last night. And they are…
Australian Bush Ballad – Heritage Song of the Year… Dean Perrett – Flynn Of The Inland (Neville Molloy/Dean Perrett). Australian Bush Ballad – Traditional Song of the Year… Dean Perrett – Rawbelle (Dean Perrett/Steve Hadley). Classic Song of the Year… Dean Perrett – Grandfather Johnson (Joy McKean). Gospel Song of the Year… Brendon Walmsley – God Loves Country Music (Brendon Walmsley). Instrumental of the Year… Terry Bennetts, Peter Denahy, Ian Simpson, Mark Donohoe & John Bennetts – Slab Hut Gully (Terry Bennetts). Video Clip of the Year… The Water Runners – Shelter (John Littrich/Neil McCann, produced by Blake Lauricella). Traditional Country – Bluegrass Song of the Year… Allan Caswell & Lindsay Waddington – Always Ride A Train (Allan Caswell/Lindsay Waddington). Traditional Country – Heritage Song of the Year… Dean Perrett – Bush Troubadour (Pete Denahy/Dean Perrett). Traditional Country – Song of the Year… Brendon Walmsley – Road To Riverleigh (Brendon Walmsley). Additional recognition given during the evening’s time slot included a new ABBA Music Industry Legend Award which was presented to Terry Gordon. The Bluey Francis Memorial Award was presented to Caitlyn Jamison. The ABBA Industry Achievement Award went to Lindsay Butler. And the ABBA Life Membership Award was presented to Gus Helm. Photo: Brendon Walmlsley with his three ABBA awards. Weblink – https://www.bushballaders.com.au. THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026 People’s Choice winners 2026 Winners in the 2026 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards were announced in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, today. Sandy Summers was announced as Best Female Vocal with Ron Callaghan named Best Male Vocal.
Best Song went to Catherine and Michael Lehnen of The Silverline for their composition and recording, Workin’ Folks. Best Bush Ballad was won by North Coast based The Redeemed for their song Backwards Country Town, written by Jaz Slinger. Best Video went to Ian Burns and Lyn Bowtell with their song Wildflowers; the video produced by Simon Johnson with directors Tracy Beveridge and Josh Beveridge. Saralyn was announced as the 2026 People’s Choice Most Promising Future Star while Corey Legge took out Most Popular Musician/Instrumentalist for the second time. In the broadcast categories, Rick Nash of 2MCE Bathurst was voted as the Most Popular Country Music DJ and Most Popular Country Music Program went to Alan Gilmour’s Australian Country Songwriters program that airs on Gosford’s todayscountry94one. Mark Eckel of Oz Country CMR Mildura was inducted into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame. Announcement of the Entertainer of the Year accolade, usually presented in conjunction with the People’s Choice Awards, was held off as the winner was not able to be in attendance. It will be announced and presented during the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s main weekend. Photo: The Wolfe Brothers – Tom & Nick – performing on the Awards show after being named Best Group award. Weblink – peopleschoiceawards.com.au. TUESDAY, JANUARY 20, 2026 TSA winners Winners in the TSA (Tamworth Songwriters Association) Songwriter Salute Awards were announced in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, tonight. They are…
Ballad Alt Rock… Storytellers by Bruce Mackay & Anthony Snape. Country Blues… Viking by Neil McCann & John Littrich. Open… What I Deserved by Beth Compton. Bush Ballad… Chasing Rabbits in Her Sleep by Terry Bennets. The Radio Presenter Award went to Brendan McMahon, the Tex Morton (industry) award was presented to photographer Bob McGahan and Songmaker recognition was afforded to Kasey Chambers and Drew McAlister SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2026 Jarrad wins Star Maker 2026 Jarrad Wrigley from Nundubbermere (near Stanthorpe) in Queensland has been named winner of the 2026 Toyota Star Maker title.
Jarrad is pictured here with fellow entrants Liam Maihi and Mackenzie Lee. The event was staged this evening in Toyota Park in Country Music Capital in front of a large audience. Star Maker is the leading country music talent search in Australia having provided, in its a platform for the career development of stars including Kaylee Bell, James Blundell, Beccy Cole, Brad Cox, Gina Jeffreys, Lee Kernaghan and Kith Urban, just to name a very few. This is the first of the big news stories to come from Tamworth 2026 to be followed in coming days by the Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards on Tuesday night, Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards Thursday morning and, of course, the Golden Guitars on Saturday night. Weblink – starmaker.com.au. SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2026 Tamworth 2026 underway The 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival got off to a flying start yesterday with huge crowds in the city flocking downtown to enjoy the atmosphere and festivities.
Highlights of the festival’s first weekend will include major concerts at venues like the Town Hall (Travis Collins, Saturday night) and West Tamworth League Club. (Adam Harvey, also Saturday night).
Stars of the show will include, in alphabetical order, Greg Bain, Anthony Baxter, Lachlan Butler, Larry Cann, Carol Chaney, Susanna Colley, Ashley Cook, Rick Ferret, Peggy Gilchrist, Lynette Guest, Greg McInnes, Patti Morgan, Birdie Nichols, Cec Peterson, Peter Salata. Sandy Summers, Col Thomson and Venessa Waara with comperes Mark Eckel and Shaza Leigh and surprise guests.
The FanZone entertainment precinct is now in full swing with entertainment all day and into the evening as buskers also take to “the boulevard of dreams” (along the city’s Peel Street). And THAT, is just to name a very few from the dozens of program listing every day of Tamworth’s unique annual 10 day event. Weblink – tcmf.com.au. MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026 James’ album top seller for 2025
This also means the work has garnered the Top Selling Album gong at this year’s Golden Guitar Awards being staged in Tamworth this month. ARIA data shows that Hayley Jensen’s Country Soul album was the second highest seller for the year with Brad Cox’s latest work – Endemic Intelligence In Multiple Dimensions – coming in at number three. The Wolfe Brothers’ Australian Made is at number four while Tom Curtain’s Here’s To You rounded out the top five. The full “annual chart” for 2025 is yet to be publicly released by ARIA. FRIDAY, JANUARY 2, 2026 People’s Choice announce guest artists and broadcast finalists Guest artists have been announced for this year’s People’s Choice Awards being staged during the upcoming Tamworth Country Music Festival, together with finalists in the two broadcast categories. Featured guest artists on the hala Awards presentation concert will be Ron “Callo” Callaghan, Kathy Carver, Sandee Facy, Jack Gregory, Corey Legge, Brendan McMahon, Patsy & Dave, Scott Rathman Jnr, Saralyn, The Silverline and Sandy Summers. A number of special surprise guests will also appear.
Awards organisers also announced finalists in the Awards two broadcast categories. They are… For Most Popular Country Music Broadcaster… Beccy Cole (ABC Saturday Night Country), Mark Eckel (Oz Country CMR), Alan Gilmour (todayscountry94one), Rick Nash (2MCE Bathurst) and Ronnie Tee & Jaq (todayscountry94one). For Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program… ABC Saturday Night Country, the Australian Country Songwriters’ Show (todayscountry94one), Kix Country, Rick’s Country Mix (2MCE Bathurst) and todayscountry94one. In addition to categories with announced finalists, one artist will be named Australia’s Country Music Entertainer of the Year and additional inductee/s will be announced for the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame. The 2026 Australian Country Music Awards will be staged in the Tamworth Town Hall from 9am on Thursday January 22. More information, and tickets, can be obtained by visiting the website peopleschoiceawards.com.au. Update: Since this story was published, Mak & Shar have unfortunatey had to withdraw from the event. The story above has been amended accordingly, they do remain among the artist photos. MONDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2025 TSA Songwriter Salute Awards finalists Finalists have been announced for TSA (Tamworth Songwriters Association) Songwriter Salute Awards to be presented during the upcoming country music festival in Country Music Capital. They are…
Did We Quit Too Soon? by Tina Pettaras Country Rock Collide by Shanleigh Carey Gospel Spiritual Below An Open Sky by Brendon Walmsley Local Heroes & Events Baby Goanna by Paul Ricketts & Lindsay Waddington Lyrics Only Can't Hold Onto Time by Russell Leeming Dusty Hill by Josephine Lemon & Ian Hallett Youth Bloody Hands by Ellerie Armstrong & Rose Kearns Traditional Behind The Scenes by Lloyd Back & Lindsay Waddington Country Blues Everybody Knows Your Name by Lucie Tiger O'Connor Open Harvest Moon by Lucie Tiger O'Connor, Mark Narmore & Stephanie C Brown Bush Ballad Australia My Home by Katelann Grealy Tamsin Lancaster with Vase The major Country Song of the Year award is determined from all category finalists and will be announced at the end of the Awards show which will be staged at The Pub, Gunnedah Road, West Tamworth, from 7pm on Tuesday January 20. Weblink – tsaonline.com.au. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2025 Gympie announces first artists for 2026 Organisers of the Gympie Music Muster have announced their first wave of artists for the 2026 event.
Amber Lawrence has been announced as the 2026 Muster Ambassador. More lineup announcements and ticket information will be announced in the coming months. Recognition for community service Meanwhile, the Muster has been rewarded for outstanding community contribution
taking home Community Contribution of the Year and being named Runner-Up for Not-for-Profit Business of the Year at the 2025 Gympie Chamber of Commerce Business Awards. The Muster was a finalist in three categories - Tourism, Not-for-Profit Organisation and Community Contribution - demonstrating its importance as both a major tourism drawcard and a key supporter of local charities and community groups. The 2025 event again welcomed around 60,000 people through the gates, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for community groups, service clubs and charities. Muster CEO Greg Cavanagh said the accolades were a credit to the small office team and the thousand or so volunteers from more than 40 community groups who made the event possible. “The Gympie Music Muster is all about supporting the community, and these awards reflect the heart and hard work of everyone involved,” he said. “We operate with a small core team, and what makes the Muster truly special is the spirit of giving back. Thousands of volunteers and community groups give their time before, during and after the festival to make sure it all runs smoothly including site preparation, hospitality, and logistics. “Every year, the money we raise goes directly back to community organisations, and it’s wonderful to see how the Muster continues to make a difference across the Gympie region, Queensland, and beyond, Greg said. Established in 1982, the Gympie Music Muster has become one of Australia’s most respected music festivals.
Weblink – muster.com.au. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025 Traditional Country Music Awards finalists Finalists have been announced for the Traditional Country Music Awards of Australia.
Female Single of the Year Male Single of the Year Group, Duo & Collaboration of the Year Instrumental Single of the Year
Award winners will be announced during the Capital Country Music Association (CCMA) National Jamboree in the Tamworth Town Hall from 10am Wednesday January 21. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 People’s Choice 2026 finalists announced Finalists for the 2026 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards – winners to be announced in January – have been announced.
“Occasionally, the bigger name acts creep into our finalist listing but our fan voters clearly prefer supporting independent acts,” said Awards organiser Bob Kirchner of Capital Country Radio and the Country Music Bulletin. And the finalists are… For Best Female Vocal… Kathy Carver, Sandee Facy, Max Jackson, Shaza Leigh and Sandy Summers. For Best Male Vocal… Ian Burns, Ron Callaghan, Corey Legge, Brendan McMahon and Scott Rathman Jnr. For Best Group/Duo… Man & Shar, Patsy & Dave, The Silverline, The Water Runners and The Wolfe Brothers. For Most Promising Future Star… Felicity Dowd, Jack Gregory, Mak & Shar, Saralyn, Anthony Snape and Trinity Woodhouse. For Best Song… Chasing The Girls, written & recorded by Brendan McMahon; Proud Black Man, written & recorded by Ron Callaghan; Shelter, recorded by The Water Runners, written by John Littrich & Neil McCann; Wildflowers, written and recorded by Ian Burns & Lyn Bowtell; and Workin' Folks, written & recorded by The Silverline (Michael Lehnen & Catherine Lehnen). For Best Bush Ballad… The Aussie Way, recorded by Ashley Cook,written by Shaza Leigh & Mick Martin; Backwards Country Town, recorded by The Redeemed,written by Jaz Slinger; Cry Of The Koala, recorded by Andy Penkow, written by Andy with Kathleen Stewart & Matthew Park; Lonesome Highway, recorded by Dust & Echos, written by Jodi-Lee Jessop; My Country My Australia, recorded by Kathy Carver, written by Clement O'Dea. For Best Album… Australian Made by The Wolfe Brothers, Moment In The Sun by Corey Legge, New Problems by Mak & Shar, Shelter by The Water Runners and Turn Up Your Radio by Brendan McMahon. For Best Video… Backwards Country Town by The Redeemed, Counting Clouds by Mak & Shar with Andy Penkow, Rain Down On Me by Corey Legge, Shelter by The Water Runners and Wildflowers by Ian Burns & Lyn Bowtell. For Most Popular Musician or Instrumentalist… Anthony Baxter, Pete Denahy, Peggy Gilchrist, Corey Legge and Lindsay Waddington. Finalists for the Awards broadcast categories will be announced shortly together with the performer line-up for the gala awards presentation concert which will be held in the Tamworth Town Hall from 9am on Thursday January 22. Further information, including a direct link for ticket sales, can be obtained at www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025 Vale – Ted Egan Ted Egan – Australian country music legend, author and former Northern Territory Administrator – has died. He was 93. Ted was famous for his larger-than-life persona and for popularising the beer carton as a musical instrument.
In a statement, Ted’s wife Nerys Evans and son Greg Egan said he "lived a big and very generous life spanning 93 years. We will miss him enormously. "It is with sadness but also great pride that Nerys Evans and the Egan family mark the passing of our beloved partner, father, grandfather, great grandfather and best mate," they said. Ted was a pioneer of Australian folk and country music, a travelling troubadour in the tradition of his early counterparts like Slim Dusty — often with his tongue in his cheek. Fellow musicians have been among those to voice their heartbreak over his death. Golden Guitar winner Matt Scullion paid tribute to Ted on social media, describing him as "my hero and good mate". Another Golden Guitar winner, Australian country performer Beccy Cole, also voiced her sadness over the loss. "Vale Ted. I'm heartbroken. Such a good human," she wrote. Ted was a Golden Guitar winner himself, for Video Clip of the Year with The Drovers Boy in 1988. He was also elevated to Australian country music’s highest honour, the Roll of Renown, in 1993. In 2012, he was presented with a lifetime achievement award by the Country Music Association of Australia. In 2015, Ted was presented with a lifetime achievement award at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. Ted served as the administrator of the NT — the Territory's equivalent to a state governor — between 2003 and 2007. Current NT Administrator Hugh Heggie released a statement about his predecessor's passing, in which he said Ted's "legacy is woven into the Territory's cultural celebration, its music and storytelling, and its spirit of caring for one another". "We thank Ted for his great service to Territorians, to Australian song, literature, and the arts, and as Administrator of the Northern Territory," Dr Heggie wrote. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Ted's decades of service to the NT "and his commitment to sharing our history have left a profound and lasting legacy". "We thank Ted for his extraordinary contribution to public life and to the cultural heart of the Territory," she said. Ms Finocchiaro announced that a state funeral would be held "to honour Ted's service and commitment", with details to be announced in the coming weeks. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2025 Star Maker finalists announced The 10 finalists in Toyota Star Maker 2026 – Australia’s longest running country music talent search – have been announced. They are... Sarah Catania (from Greensborough, Vic)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Following Tuesday's snnouncement of Kasey Chambers' dominance of the 2026 Golden Guitars Awards finalist listing, last night, her album Backbone, was named winner of this year's ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) award for Best Country Album. Kasey beat fellow finalists Imogen Clark (Choking On Fuel), Taylor Moss (Firecracker), Keith Urban (High) and Dylan Wright (Half A World Away) to score the win. Weblink – www.aria.com.au/awards.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025 Golden Guitar Awards finalists announced At a gala event in Sydney yesterday, finalists for the 2026 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards were announced. Leading the list are Kasey Chambers, Shane Nicholson and The Wolfe Brothers with eight each, although Kasey features five more times (for a total of 13) when credits including production and video direction are included. Brendan Radford received seven finalist nods while Peter Denahy, Max Jackson, Dean Perrett and John Williamson scored six each. The full listing can be found below this photo of assembled finalists at the announcement function.
For Female Artist of the Year Male Artist of the Year Group or Duo of the Year Song of the Year Bush Ballad of the Year Heritage Song of the Year For Single of the Year Instrumental of the Year New Talent of the Year Video of the Year Vocal Collaboration of the Year Bluegrass Recording of the Year Alt Country Album of the Year Contemporary Country Album of the Year Traditional Country Album of the Year Album of the Year The 2026 Toyota Golden Guitar Awards will be staged in Tamworth, Australia’s Home of Country Music, on Saturday January 24. Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival Manager Barry to retire Barry Harley, Tamworth Regional Council's Country Music Festival Manager, has announed that he will retire next year.
His involvement accelarated when he joined BAL Marketing, the promotional and events arm of Radio 2TM, the company that instigated the Golden Guitar Awards and then fledgling January festival. He rose to manager of BAL Marketing following the departure of Max Ellis in 1984 but left soon after to follow his dream of establishing a graphic arts operation of his own. But it wasn't long before Barry was pulled back to the media business, joining the Northern Daily Leader where he ultimately became Advertising Sales Manager. Following the purchase by Rural Press (owners of The Leader) of a number of activities from 2TM, including the major rural field days AgQuip and a number of country music properties, he was called on to establish an operation similar to BAL Marketing which was named Rural Press Events (RPE). As the manager of RPE, Barry was a major driving force in the development of Tamworth's Country Music Festival and the Australian country music industry more broadly. Chief among his, and RPE's, achievements at this time were the upgrading of the monthly country music publication Capital News into a high quality magazine and the establishment of the "Tamworth Country Theatre" at the new Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre (TREC) as arguably the most significant Festival venue in its few short years of existence. When the country music assets of RPE were taken over by Tamworth Regional Council, Council took the opportunity to employ Barry in the role he now fulfils, and has done every year since, so successfully. Reflecting on his journey Barry said: “It’s been an incredible privilege to work alongside talented artists, passionate industry partners and the dedicated teams who make the Festival what it is. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and am confident the Festival will continue to thrive for generations to come.” Although stepping back from his role some time after the 2026 Festival, Barry will continue to play an active part in the Festival’s future as a member of the Tamworth Country Music Festival Advisory Group, ensuring his knowledge and experience remain part of its ongoing evolution. Photo: Barry with then newly minted Star Maker Max Jackson in 2022. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2025 2026 Academy students announced The Country Music Association of Australia has announced the successful student intake for the 2026 senior Australian Academy of Country Music course.
Within Australia, students will attend from all states and territories except South Australia. Students are aged between 18 and 48 and of these, 24 will be participating in the singer/songwriter/performer course, with five taking part in the instrumental course. (The USA student is yet to be announced.) The singer/songwriter/performer students are… William Alexander (from Dubbo, NSW – recipient of the CMAA/Thornton Young Award 2025); Instrumental students are… Noah Dunlop (Palm Beach, Qld); As noted above, all students who are not attending on a full scholarship and requested financial assistance have received a reduction to their Academy fees thanks to grant funding provided to the Academy by the NSW Government – Sound NSW. All Instrumental students have received a subsidy to their fees thanks to the support of Maton Guitars Australia. The 2026 Senior program will also run thanks to grant funding provided by the Federal Government’s Music Australia initiative. Designed to nurture and develop aspiring country music artists, the Academy educational program, will run for 12 days, January 5 to 16, ahead of the upcoming Tamworth Country Music Festival. Student progress and achievement will be celebrated during a graduation concert in the evening of Thursday January 15 in Tamworth which is open to members of the public. Weblink – www.facebook.com/theacademycmaa. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025 People’s Choice voting coming to a close Members of the public have a little over a week to cast their votes in the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards.
Award winners will be announced at the gala awards presentation concert in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, on Thursday January 22, during the 2026 Country Music Festival. Winners are being determined in 10 “performance” categories… Best Female Vocal, Best Male Vocal, Best Group or Duo, Best Album, Best Song, Best Bush Ballad, Best Video, Musician or Instrumentalist of the Year, Most Promising Future Star and Australian Country Music Entertainer of the Year. Two awards are also to be presented to the broadcast sector… Most Popular Country Music Broadcaster and Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program. The Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards are unique in that there are no restrictions on who people can vote for, unlike in other awards schemes where voters are presented with a pre-determined list of “finalists”. Now coming up to their 27th year, the Awards are also unique in that voters tend to favour independents over major acts in addition to new and younger talent, all acts who tend to get out to their fans and encourage them to vote. "This also makes for a brilliant presentation concert as many of the finalists usually also feature live on stage to showcase their talents," according to Awards organiser Bob Kirchner. Once voting has closed, preparations will begin for the gala awards presentation concert which has become a major fixture on the annual Tamworth Country Music Festival where they are staged in the famous and iconic Tamworth Town Hall. Tickets for the concert are now on sale at THIS link. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025 Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass this weekend The final schedule for this weekend’s Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival has been published with a wide array of creativity and skills featured alongside the massive line-up of entertainers.
The star line-up this year includes, in alphabetical order… The Borough, Broken Creek, Carr/Mackintosh/Plumb, Charley Castle & The Boys In The Well, Allan Caswell, Cigany Weaver, Scott Cook & The Little Rippers, Double Dole Blues Band, Liz Frencham, Geese Fly South, Girrwaa Duguula Community Choir, The Go Twos, The Good Behaviours, Liv Greene, Haystack Mountain Hermits, The High Street Drifters, Homebru, Grace Honeywell & Jeri Foreman, Hootenannny Highway, The “Johnny Can’t Dance Cajun” Band, Enda Kenny, The Knackered Ramblers, The Loveys, The Maes, Charles Maimarosia, Marcus & Paul, Minor Gold, Kris Mizzi, Moranz & Fremlin, Newbury Fog, Hunter & Suzy Owens, Huxley & Friel, Porch Couch, Rizz, Pete & The Taggin’ Along Band, Emmy Ryan & The Hard Times, Shake Shake Theatre, Fred Smith, Tallowood, Those Folk, Trio Petra, Felicity Urquhart & Josh Cunningham, The Water Runners, Watkins & Montgomery, Nigel Wearne, Rufous Whistler and Craig Woodward & Jeremy Marcotte. The Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival is am acoutstic weekend of concerts, workshops, jamming, dancing and more, according to the organisers, focused primarily on old time, bluegrass and folk traditions. It is described as a family friendly festival encouraging participation from all ages and “dedicated to sharing or love of music,” the organisers say. The Festival begins at 5:30pm on Friday (October 24) and runs through to 5:30pm on Sunday (October 26). It is held on the last full weekend of October every year. A full program of events and activities can be viewed at the Festival website together with other details and information including accommodation options… Weblink – www.dorrigofolkbluegrass.com.au. TUESDAY,OCTOBER 7, 2025 Finalists announced for ABBA Awards Finalists for the 2026 ABBA (Australian Bush Balladeers Association) Music Excellence Awards have been announced. Only in their second year, the Awards have again drawn great support from Australian bush balladeers and traditional country music artists, according to ABBA President Peter Coad. Award winners are determined by specialised judging panels with a dedicated understanding of Australian bush ballads, and traditional country music selected from a strong field of 2026 nominees, Peter said. The Awards Presentation Concert will be held at the Balladeers Homestead, 328 Goonoo Goonoo Road, Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital, from 6:30pm on Thursday January 22. An updated rundown of guest artists appearing, and ticket information, can be obatined from the ABBA website bushballadeers.com.au from November 1.
And the finalists are... Australian Bush Ballad – Comtemporary Song of the Year Australian Bush Ballad – Heritage Song of the Year Australian Bush Ballad – Traditional Song of the Year Terry Bennetts – Chasing Rabbits In Her Sleep (Terry Bennetts) Classic Song of the Year Dean Perrett – Grandfather Johnson (Joy McKean) Gospel Song of the Year Tina Pettaras – What Would I Say To Jesus (Tina Pettaras) Instrumental of the Year Anthony Baxter – The Jumping Jackaroo (Anthony Baxter/Shaza Leigh) Video Clip of the Year Matt Scullion – The Boy From Birchip (Matt Scullion, produced by Gavin Rawlings) Traditional Country – Bluegrass Song of the Year Allan Caswell & Lindsay Waddington – Always Ride A Train (Allan Caswell/Lindsay Waddington) Traditional Country – Heritage Song of the Year Don Allen – Whiskey & Guitars (Don Allen/Paul John Middlebrook) Traditional Country – Song of the Year William Alexander – Boundary Rider Blues (William Alexander/Robert Dickinson) Photos above, clockwise from top left: Terry Bennetts, Allan Caswell, Dianne Coombes, Victoria Crosby, Dean Perrett, The Water Runners, Brendon Walmsley, Matt Scullion and Mark Rigney. Weblink – bushballadeers.com.au. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 ARIA finalists Finalists in the 2025 ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Awards were announced yesterday. In the Best Country Album category, finalists are Kasey Chambers with Backbone, Imogen Clark with Choking on Fuel, Taylor Moss with Firecracker, Keith Urban with High and Dylan Wright with Half A World Away.
In other country related finalist placings, The Wiggles are among finalists in the Best Childrens Album category with their country work Wiggle Up, Giddy Up! Winners of this year’s ARIA Awards will be announced in Sydney on Wednesday November 19. Weblink – www.aria.com.au/awards. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2025 Australian country music achiever awards announced The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) Achiever Awards – recognising outstanding talent, contribution and excellence across the Australian country music community – were staged in Sydney tonight, winners having been announced on Wednesday.
This year's award recipients are...
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2025 Bright future for Mackenzie and Lucy Mackenzie Lee and Lucy Beveridge have a wealth of opportunities ahead of them after being crowned the winners of the Gympie Music Muster Talent Search last week with Grace Alexandra winning the Encouragement Award.
Mackenzie, who entered the junior division last year and won the encouragement award, returned this year to claim the top prize in the senior section. For NSW Hunter Valley singer Mackenzie, the win was overwhelming. “I was amazed,: she said, "I wasn’t expecting it. "Everyone else was amazing, and it took me a second to realise it was my name. Winning this has made me go, ‘I can do this, this is what I want to do and keep going with it.’” As part of the prize, Mackenzie receives mentoring and career development assistance and a trip to Nashville with songwriting and networking opportunities. “I’ve never left my home country before – to go straight to the country music capital of America is incredible,” she said. “I’m now hoping to tour more, build a stronger fanbase and keep growing in the country music industry.” Lucy, meanwhile, from Lake Macquarie NSW, said her first Gympie Music Muster was an unforgettable experience. “Playing with the band was incredible – it’s not every day you get to perform with such amazing musicians,” she said. “I entered because I wanted to share my songs with people, and I love the look on their faces when they hear me sing.” Lucy said she now has her eyes set on building a fanbase and releasing her music in the next couple of years. She said she also was not expecting to win. “I wanted to get out there and share my music. This has been incredible – the whole Muster is so entertaining, and I love that everything is in walking distance, so you can see so many artists.” Fellow finalists in this year's talent search were Weblink – muster.com.au. SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025 CMAA releases industry report The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has today released its new industry benchmark report, " Valuing Australian Country Music 2025", revealing that the country music sector has not only bounced back from the pandemic impact, but surged to record-breaking levels.
Supported by Create NSW, Creative Australia, and Tamworth Regional Council, the eight-month research initiative builds on the CMAA’s 2019 study offering the most comprehensive data available on the size and scope of Australia’s country music industry. Following a recent report by Music Australia ("The Bass Line"), that confirmed live music performances generated half the $8 billion revenue in Australia’s contemporary music sector, the CMAA study focused on analysing box office revenue and patron spending generated by country music festivals and concerts and the thousands of gigs that annually take place in Australia's small venues – hotels, clubs and bars. “We knew country music was booming globally," said CMAA Chair Dobe Newton, "but we needed to understand what was happening on the ground in Australia.” Dobe led both this and the 2019 research projects on behalf of the Association. “This report confirms what many of us suspected," he said, "that country music here is not just surviving, but thriving. The economic and cultural impact is bigger than ever. "It took more than 20 years (1997-2018) for the sector to double in value. It has only taken another five years for value to increase by a further 77 percent.” Additional key findings of the latest project include...
“These numbers confirm that country music is no longer a fringe genre,” Dobe said. “It’s a major economic and cultural force — especially in regional Australia, where live events are driving visitation, creating jobs and fostering local talent.” Dobe offered a note of caution, however. Despite the strong growth, the report flags a decline in local chart representation with Australian country artists – as in all contemporary music genres, losing ground in terms of sales and streaming charts and airplay rankings. In 2024, no Australian artist placed in the ARIA Country Top 10, and only three featured in the Top 50 — the highest at number 38. Australia had always been a net importer of music originating from other territories, Dobe said, but in view of recent streaming trends, it was little wonder that a number of major industry organisations lobbied the parties contesting the recent Federal Election to take immediate steps to increase the representation of Australian voices, including advocating quotas for streaming service providers similar to those which apply to traditional broadcast media. “We are now in a hyper-globalised music environment,” Dobe said. “While Australians are listening to more country music than ever before, the majority of that content is international. We must work to ensure Australian voices don’t get drowned out on digital platforms.” “The risk isn’t just economic — it’s cultural,” he said. “Country music reflects the stories, values and identity of all Australians, particularly those in rural and regional areas. If we lose those voices, we lose something uniquely ours.” The Executive Summary and Full Report are available for download HERE. TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2025 Gympie Muster set for another big year The massive Gympie Music Muster will be staged at the dedicated Amamoor Park site over four days from this Thursday (August 28) to Sunday (August 31) inclusive.
Stars of this year’s Muster include The Audreys, Kaylee Bell, Kevin Bennett & The Flood, Colin Buchanan, Allan Caswell, Casey Barnes, Brewn, The Buckleys, The Bushwackers. Larry Cann, Troy Cassar-Daley, Kasey Chambers, Travis Collins, Kelly Cork, Paul Costa, Pete Cullen & The Hurt, Tori Darke, Will Day, Jayne Denham, Keely Ellen, Sandee Facy, Andrew Farriss, Wade Forster, Tori Forsyth, Amber Goldsmith, Andy Golledge, Adam Harvey, Haystack Mountain Hermits, Cait Jamieson, Hayley Jensen, Jetty Road, James Johnston, Kingswood, Felicity Kircher, Roger Knox & The Euraba Band, Nathan Lamont, Mackenzie Lee, Colin Lillie, Little Quirks, Fanny Lumsden, Brittany Maggs, Jenny Mitchell, Robbie Mortimer, Kora Naughton, Shane Nicholson, Andy Penkow, Dean Perrett, Linc Phelps, Round Mountain Girls, Route 33, Rusty Pickups, Saralyn, Brooke Schubert, Josh Setterfield, Caitlyn Shadbolt, The Smith & Western Jury, Sons Of Atticus, Sara Storer, Andrew Swift, Kane Vincent, Vixens Of Fall, Matt Ward, Michael Waugh, Wicker Suite, The Wolfe Brothers, Dylan Wright, Zac & George and the Zac Cross Band.
A pre Muster event (running until tomorrow, Wednesday) a roster of artists included Brewn, Katie Brooke, Sarah Catania, Pete Cullen & The Hurt, Briana Dinsdale, Keely Ellen Duo, Billy Gudgeon, Ruby Jane, Dean Perrett, Linc Phelps, Clancy Pye, Route 33, Brooke Schubert, Josh Setterfield and Jake Whittaker. The Muster Blues Bar line-up has more than 20 acts including 8 Ball Aitken, Karen Lee Andrews, Fiona Boyes, Bondi Cigars, Emma Donovan, Ash Grunwald, Buddy Knox, The Lachy Doley Group and Lloyd Spiegel. In addition to the program line-up, the Muster also runs a well-established talent search. Finalists in this year’s quest are… in the open category… Lenny Boss, Teak Fairful, Misty Harlowe, Leila King, Mackenzie Lee, Beth Lucas, Chloe Marks, Heath Milner, Rory Phillips, Hayden Phillis, Kaitlyn Thomas and Riley Zischke. In the junior category, they are… Grace Alexandra, Lucy Beveridge, Lily-Grace Grant, Kassidy-Jewell, Georgia Kelly, Beau Shearer. Semi-finals will take place from Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 1pm each day. The Grand Final is scheduled for Sunday with the overall winners also performing that afternoon on the Hill Stage.
River’s Gift was founded in 2011 by Alexandra Hamilton and Karl Waddell after the heartbreaking loss of their four-month-old son, River, to SIDS. Turning their grief into action, they created the charity to fund world-leading research, raise awareness, and provide education on safe sleeping practices for infants. It is now a nationally recognised charity, with initiatives such as the Genetic Bio Bank – the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – helping researchers find potential links to SIDS. At this year’s Muster, River’s Gift will launch its latest initiative, distributing copies of “Finding Hope” – a children’s book that introduces safe sleep guidelines in a warm and engaging way. With Queensland having the highest rate of SIDS in the country, the charity aims to particularly reach regional childcare centres and families with this important message. Further information about the Muster can be found at the website muster.com.au. Photo (by Mark Stevens): one of the stars of last year's Muster, Kaylee Bell (who is on the bill again this year), salutes the audience during her main stage performance. SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2025 Balladeer winners announced Winners in the inaugural Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards were announced today in the Country Music Capital.
Female Balladeer of the Year… Lynette Guest with The Music Man. Male Balladeer of the Year… Dean Perrett with Slim’s Guitar. Instrumental Balladeer of the Year… Anthony Baxter with The Jumping Jackaroo. Songwriter Balladeer of the Year… Allan Gumm & Keith & Marion Dixon with Gundablui Girl. Australian Ballad of the Year… My Country, My Australia by Kathy Carver. Best New Talent Balladeer... Alice Benfer. Bush Balladeer of the Year... Ashley Cook. Awards were presented in front of a good crowd at the famous Tamworth Town Hall and are believed now to be slated for annual presentation during the Hats Off To Country Festival. Photo (from left): Ashley Cook, Alice Benfer, Dean Perrett and Lynette Guest. THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2025 CMAA Junior Academy underway Together with the dozens of performances by established acts and rising stars of country music, a raft of brand new, younger acts is beginning to learn the ropes during this year’s Hats Off To Country festival.
This year’s students come from as close as Tamworth and as far away as New Zealand. They are, for the singer/songwriter/performer curriculum… ADDi from Thornville, Qld; Kiahna Belle, Tamworth, NSW; Riley Carey, Maleny, Qld; Henry Catania – Conondale, Qld (Creative Australia Scholarship); Chelsea Cunningham, Mudgeeraba, Qld; Blue Curry (The Curry Mob) – Gundiah, Qld (Mary Dean Scholarship); Mika Curry (The Curry Mob), Gundiah, Qld (Mary Dean Scholarship); Lachlan Cwojdzinski, Londonderry, NSW; Katie Daniels, Kawana Waters, Qld; Miah Evelyn, Tamworth, NSW; Tia Hannah, Central Coast, NSW (CMAA Scholarship); Harper Jessop, Candelo, NSW (Ros Whitney Scholarship); Travis Jones (Castlereagh Connection), Coonamble, NSW (Creative Australia Scholarship); Emily Nock, Stratford, Vic (Creative Australia Scholarship); Elenore Penny, Cloncurry, Qld; Kalan Perkins, Kootingal, NSW (Creative Australia partial scholarship); Jaxson Renshaw, Maitland, NSW (Grimes Family partial scholarship); Dusty Rose, Goat Island, NSW; Phoebe Rose, Caloundra, Qld (Ekka Country Music Showdown 2024 Junior Winner); Briar Sharp, Rangiora, Canterbury, NZ (Robyn Johnson Memorial Scholarship); Bella Stein, Glossodia, NSW; and Joss Walsh (Exeter, NSW (Creative Australia partial scholarship). For the instrumental curriculum… Lucy Beveridge, Lake Macquarie, NSW (Maton Guitars partial scholarship); Mitch Callaghan, East Kurrajong, NSW; David Jones (Castlereagh Connection), Coonamble, NSW (Maton Guitars Scholarship; and Poppy Walmsley, Tamworth, NSW (JMC Academy Scholarship) The Academy course provides an intensive week of artist development for emerging talent aged 9 to 18 and a music business course for their parents. Under the mentorship of award-winning country artists and industry leaders, students receive hands-on experience in songwriting, performance, musicianship, and industry skills in an environment that nurtures creativity and connection. Group leaders Sarah Buckley, Simon Johnson, Aleyce Simmonds and Brendon Walmsley. “These young artists are already writing their own songs, playing live, and finding their voices. It’s inspiring to witness their passion and determination so early in their careers,” she said. Academy General Manager Roger Corbett said the course gave young artists a chance to connect with like-minded peers and mentors from across the country and beyond. “Many of these students come to the Academy as the only one in their town or school who is serious about pursuing a career in music,” he said. “At the Academy, they find their tribe. They connect with other young creatives who share their passion, and that sense of belonging often becomes just as important as the skills they learn throughout the week.” During the course, which formally concludes on the Hats Off Saturday, graduates stage a special concert to showcase their talents. This year, the showcase will be held at Moonshiners Honkytonk Bar at 7:30pm on the Friday night (11th). Weblink – academycountrymusic.com.au. TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025 Finalists announced for inaugural Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards Finalists for the inaugural Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards have been revealed, casting a spotlight on traditional Australian country music and the enduring legacy of bush ballads.
The Best New Talent or Encouragement Award and the Recognition Award for Bush Balladeer of the Year are chosen independently. And the finalists are… For Female Balladeer of the Year… Kathy Carver with My Country, My Australia; Lynette Guest with The Music Man; and Anita Ree with Australia’s Rainfall Army. For Male Balladeer of the Year… Rob Breese with A Dirranbandi Moon; Dean Perrett with Slim’s Guitar; and Paul Ricketts with Barefoot In The Dirt. For Instrumental Balladeer of the Year… Anthony Baxter with The Jumping Jackaroo; Terry Bennetts with Slab Hut Gully; and Charley Boyter with Wild River. For Songwriter Balladeer of the Year… Allan Gumm & Keith & Marion Dixon with Gundablui Girl; Dean Perrett & Lindsay Waddington with Slim’s Guitar; and Anita Ree with Australia’s Rainfall Army. For Australian Ballad of the Year… My Country, My Australia by Kathy Carver; Old Felt Hat by Alice Benfer; and Slim’s Guitar by Dean Perrett. Winner of the Best New Talent Balladeer or Encouragement Award will be presented to an individual based on their performances during the qualifying period, as well as for attitude and potential in the industry. Bush Balladeer of the Year will be judged over a two-year period reflecting overall performance and commitment to the bush ballad genre, quality of work, amount of touring and special events or projects undertaken. A total of 136 entries from 104 entrants were received from NSW, Queensland and Western Australia with three finalists selected in each category. The 2025 Awards follow the success of the annual Back To The Bush Spectacular held since 2015 in Toyota Park, as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January and the well received Hats Off To The Bush concert during Hats Off last year. Winners will be announced at the gala Awards event presented by Tamworth Regional Council at Tamworth Town Hall on Saturday July 12.
Tamworth Regional Council’s Events Manager Barry Harley said the Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards showcase traditional Australian country music. “This event will bring some of the best bush balladeers in Australia to Tamworth in July to celebrate the genre’s storytelling tradition and honour those keeping the spirit of the bush alive in song. “As Australia’s Country Music Capital, it was a no-brainer to host the inaugural event in Tamworth, in line with the popular mid-year country music festival.” Event organisers Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson say they are excited that the inaugural Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards will be held in the iconic Tamworth Town Hall. “We are extremely pleased in the interest shown by an overwhelming number of quality entries from right across the country. We are confident that this will become a major event for years to come, and we applaud the hard work, commitment and co-operation of the Tamworth Regional Council. “We encourage lovers of Australian bush ballads and Australian country music to come together and celebrate this very significant event at the Hats Off To Country festival this year,” Dianne said. At last year’s Hats Off To The Bush showcase, balladeer Tom Maxwell was named as the first Bush Balladeer of the Year, honouring his outstanding songwriting, recordings, and contributions to the genre. Though unable to attend, Tom shared his heartfelt thanks via video. Winners of this year’s Awards will receive handcrafted trophies made from Australian native timber featuring the unique Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards logo and engraved with each recipient’s name—designed to reflect the heart of the bush and the stories it inspires. Tickets for the Awards are available via entertainmentvenues.com.au. More information about the Hats Off festival can be obtained via the website hatsofftocountry.com.au. Photos above (clockwise from top left): Kathy Carver, Lynnette Guest, Anita Ree, Paul Ricketts, Dean Perrett and Rob Breese. MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025 Peter, Kenny, Fay and Fred honoured with OAMs Four individuals with direct connections to Australian country music have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
Peter Burgis, the original and long running president and board member of the Australian Country Music Foundation, instigators of Australia’s Country Music Hall of Fame and the nation’s country music archive, has been posthumously recognised with an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) for service to music through sound archiving. Peter died in March this year. Kenny Kitching, one of Australia’s (and the world’s) leading exponents of the steel guitar, has been recognised with an OAM for service to the performing arts, particularly through music. Kenny’s other honours include induction to the Country Music Hands of Fame in 1977 and elevation to the Country Music Roll of Renown in 2004. Fay McCormick from Rye on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula has been recognised with an OAM for services to the community including significant service as a board member and office bearer of the Peninsula Country Music Club. Iain Campbell (Fred) Smith has been recognised with an OAM for service to music and foreign affairs. A prolific author, songwriter and recording artist, Fred’s connections to country music include through his writing (and co-recording with Lee Kernaghan) of the song Dust Of Uruzgan. Photos (from left): Peter, Kenny, Fay, Fred. FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025 Country entertainment at Coonamble rodeo One of the main highlights of the 2025 Coonamble Rodeo & Campdraft this June long weekend will be entertainment by the well-known Country Music Capital based Redneck Gentlemen.
This year’s Coonamble event celebrates 70 years after first running in the Central West NSW town on the edge of the outback in 1955 and has since become recognised as largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Around 1,000 cowboy and cowgirls and up to 6,000 spectators attend Coonamble Rodeo & Campdraft annually. The event kicks off at daylight on Friday June 6 and runs through to and including Sunday June 9. In addition to the rodeo, campdraft and musical entertainment other attractions will be a mechanical bull and markets. Organisers offer camping options at the showgrounds to complement hotel/motel accommodation in and around Coonamble. Weblink – coonamblerodeocampdraft.com. THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2025 APRA Awards nominees Nominees for the 2025 APRA (Australasian Performing Right Association) Music Awards have been announced.
Call It A Day by George Goodfellow, Zac Roddy, Nicole Miller & Kyle Winski; performed by Good Things by Kaylee Bell, Michael De Lorenzis, Melanie Dyer & Michael Paynter; performed by Kaylee Bell; Mayday by Casey Barnes, Danielle Blakey & Morgan Evans; performed by Casey Barnes; Some Things Never Change by James Johnston, George Goodfellow & Zac Roddy; performed by James Johnston & Zac & George; and Take Forever (Hally’s Song) by Kylie Sackley, Timothy Cooper & Justin Morgan; performed by Cooper Alan. The Awards will be held Wednesday April 30 at the Melbourne Town Hall. Weblink – here. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025 Last call for entry in new awards
The Awards, to be staged during Country Music Capital’s mid-year Hats Off to Country festival, comprises seven categories… Australian Ballad Of The Year – must be an Australian story. To be judged on artist’s overall performance, quality of lyrics and production. Entries do not fall under the same criteria as the bush ballad musically, however, must have a traditional, Australian feel, that is, not country folk, rock or rap, for example. Female and Male Balladeer Of The Year – to be judged on one song with regard to the artist’s overall performance, quality of lyrics, and production. Songwriter Balladeer Of The Year – must be Australian story content. Lyrics to be supplied with entry information. All contributing writers must be Australian citizens. Instrumental Balladeer Of The Year – the entrant’s instrumental work must be a prominent part of the recorded track and must musically be recognised as a bush ballad. An entry may be a new composition or a cover version of an existing bush ballad but must be a new recording and released within the eligibility period. Best New Talent Balladeer/or Encouragement Award – judged on performances during the qualifying period. Attitude and future potential in the industry will also be taken into account. This award is not by nomination. Recognition Award For Bush Balladeer Of The Year – the recipient of this award is not determined by nomination but will be selected by a panel of expert judges in the bush ballad field and judged over a two-year period on several fronts reflecting the artist’s overall performance and commitment to the bush ballad genre. Bush Balladeer of the Year will also take into consideration quality of work, amount of touring and any special events or projects undertaken which support the genre and the industry, for example, organisation of festivals and concerts that assist all artists and encourages up-and-coming artists. Nominations in the inaugural Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards can be made by clicking the following link... tbba.songcentral.com.au. The inaugural Awards presentation concert will be held on Saturday July 12 at 2pm in the famous Tamworth Town Hall and will be a main feature of the 25th Hats Off To Country Festival. Tickets are available from the weblink below. Weblink – entertainmentvenues.com.au/tamworth-bush-ballad-awards. MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2025 Academy applications close March 31 Applications for the CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) Academy of Country Music Junior Course 2025 close at the end of this month.
This highly sought-after intensive professional development course is the only program of its kind in the world giving young musicians, vocalists and songwriters under 18 the chance to learn from leading Australian country music artists and industry professionals. Sarah Buckley, Aleyce Simmonds and Brendon Walmsley, will lead the 2025 Junior Course groups, with Simon Johnson guiding the instrumental group. Guest songwriters for this year’s program will include Allan Caswell, Max Jackson and Raechel Whitchurch, and Allan Caswell. Academy Director Lyn Bowtell highlighted how The Academy shapes young artists’ careers and industry connections... “The Academy isn’t just about learning skills," she said, "it’s about finding your musical family. “Watching students grow in confidence and discover their true potential in a supportive, nurturing environment is inspiring. "Every year, young artists leave with lifelong friendships and a renewed passion for their music.” Academy General Manager Roger Corbett said this was a worldclass opportunity. “There’s nothing else like The Academy anywhere in the world,” he said. “The level of teaching, hands-on experience and direct access to some of the industry’s most respected artists and industry professionals make it an unparalleled opportunity for young talent.” Weblink – www.academycountrymusic.com.au. FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 Countrytown Award winners Winners in the inaugural Countrytown Awards were announced in Brisbane recently as a precursor to this year’s CMC Rocks festival.
This cemented James position as the highest achieving artist in Australian country music today as it followed his win of the prestigious Australian Country Music Entertainer of the Year award in January at the annual People’s Choice Awards at Tamworth joining Fanny Lumsden (2024) and Troy Cassar-Daley (2023) in the reivigorated mainstream recognition. James’ second Countrytown award was the Male Artist of the Year title. The Wolfe Brothers also won two awards, Group or Duo of the Year and Australian Tour of the Year. John Williamson was honoured with the inaugural Countrytown Legend Award in recognition of his lasting impact on Australian country music. Kaylee Bell was named Female Artist of the Year while Lane Pittman took home Song of the Year with Amen For The Weekend. Wade Forster won Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Keith Urban’s High was named Album of the Year. Festival of the Year was taken out by CMC Rocks while American artist Lainey Wilson was named International Artist of the Year. Weblink – countrytown.com. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 WA award winners Winners in the 2025 West Australian Country Music Awards were announced in Boyup Brook earlier this month.
Female Artist of the Year – Claudia Tripp Male Artist of the Year – Brandon Poletti Group/Duo of the Year – Highway 95 (pictured) Album/EP of the Year – Shenai Johnston (self titled) Traditional/Heritage Song of the Year – Country Music by Dave Kent Contemporary Song of the Year – Wonder by The Eastern Line Alt Country Song of the Year – Walkin' Through The Fire by Daisy Cotton Video Clip of the Year – Valentine's Day by Shannon Smith Songwriter of the Year – Adele Oliver & Elwood Gray with Wiley Blue Emerging Artist of the Year – Shannon Smith People’s Choice winner – Darren Gillis MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2025 Catching up on Tamworth #4 – Luke enters "the galaxy" Multi Golden Guitar winner, renowned songwriter and recording artist Luke O’Shea has been inducted into Country Music Capital’s Galaxy of Stars.
Thirty-four famous names now comprise the special recognition which was launched in 2000 with “the king of Australian country music” Slim Dusty. The full “Galaxy” (from most recent) is…
Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au. FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 2025 Catching up on Tamworth #3 – Hands of Fame Three more well known names were inducted into the Australasian Country Music Hands of Fame cornerstone in Tamworth during the just concluded January country music festival. Singer/songwriter Col Finley, leading musician Doug Gallacher and instrumentalist Alisha Smith took the plunge, or rather their hands did, into cement to leave their hand prints in Country Music Capital in perpetuity.
There are now more than 350 individual handprints in the cornerstone. The 2025 inductees are now part of an exclusive club that was started in 1976 with the induction of Australian music pioneers Johnny Ashcroft, Buddy Bishop, Rick & Thel Carey, Stan Coster, Rex Dallas, Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty, Alan Hawking, Ken Kitching, Reg Lindsay, Heather McKean, Joy McKean, Tex Morton, Slim Newton, Nev Nicholls, Suzanne Prentice, Shorty Ranger, Buddy Williams and George Xanthos. A full listing of Hands of Famers can be found on the Australian history of country music website… www.historyofcountrymusic.com.au. Photo (from left): Doug, Alisha and Col with Country Music Capital (Tamworth Regional Council) Mayor Russell Webb. THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2025 Catching up on Tamworth #2 – Busking Championship Charley Castle & the Boys In The Well were crowned the 2025 Toyota Best of the Buskers champions during this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival. One of the most iconic parts of Tamworth’s 10-day festival is the busking that takes place along Peel Street in the centrak business district (aka the “Boulevarde of Dreams”). This year there were 527 busking registrations, compared to 380 in 2024, a further reflection that this year’s “Tamworth” was one of the best on record. The Dollys from Invercargill, New Zealand, placed second in the championship while Ellerie Rose from Kurrajong, NSW, came third. The busking championship featured the top 10 buskers as determined by judges determined to come up with finalists.
Charley Castle & the Boys In The Well, from Sydney, NSW, stole the show, and the judge’s attention, taking home the ultimate prize. Mitchell Steele from Main Arm, NSW, received the most votes by the audience on the night, winning the people’s choice award. This year’s Toyota Busking Championship judges were Sharnae Birkett, Ally Bowen, Bec Gracie, Loren Ryan and Aleyce Simmonds. Festival Manager Barry Harley said it was wonderful to see a vast range of people, of all ages and backgrounds, busk in Tamworth’s CBD over the last 10 days. “Congratulations to Charley Castle & the Boys In The Well and all of the other finalists! Watching buskers perform along Peel Street is a highlight of the festival. This year saw young children busking for the first time, all the way through to returning musicians from across Australia and beyond. “Multi-award-winning country artists like Troy Cassar-Daley and Keith Urban began their music journeys busking on the streets of Tamworth. Last night Troy was awarded five Golden Guitars, bringing his tally to an exceptional 45 accolades. While Keith Urban was inducted into the Roll of Renown and was awarded a Golden Guitar in Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year for High,” Barry said. The 2025 Busking Champions took home prizes including $2,000 cash, two $500 paid gigs at The Courthouse Hotel during TCMF 2026, an Opening Concert paid gig for TCMF 2026 and a Jands Everse 8 PA System. Runner up in the competition received prizes including $1,500 cash and a $500 paid gig at The Courthouse Hotel during TCMF 2026 while the third placegetter received prizes including $1,000 cash and a $500 paid gig at The Courthouse Hotel during TCMF 2026. All other finalists received $200 each while the people’s choice winner took home pizes including $1,000 cash. The six remaining top 10 were… Ally Row (Vic), Jimmy McGrath (ACT), Hayden Phillis (NSW), Tane-Rua (Qld), The Voll Sisters (Qld) and Megan Woods (NSW). This year’s grand final concert also featured a special performance from 2024 winners Robbi & Ben. Tim Easey, Dealer Principal Tamworth City Toyota congratulated the winners on their achievement. “Each year, the streets in Tamworth come alive with incredible busking performances for all to enjoy throughout the festival and I am excited to award Charley Castle & The Boys In The Well with the title of 2025 Toyota Best of the Buskers Champions, a well-deserved win!” “The performances we’ve seen tonight and buskers throughout the festival highlights that there’s an abundance of talent in grassroots country music in Australia and it is an honour to be able to help unearth some of these again this year.” Weblink – www.tcmf.com.au. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2025 Catching up on Tamworth #1 – Balladeer awards
Presented at a special awards function at the Balladeers Homestead, the awards comprised 10 categories. Alice Benfer (pictured at right, photo by Athol Latham) and Dianne Lindsay took home two awards each while the Shelly Jones Band (pictured below) won one – a combined half of the total. Alice won Heritage Song of the Year with Widgee Widgee Station, co-written with Kevin Bennett and also Classic Song of the Year with her cover of the Slim Dusty penned When The Rain Tumbles Down In July. Dianne won Traditional Song of the Year with What’s A Bush Ballad, co-written with Peter Simpson, and also Heritage Song of the Year with You’re A Hero To Me, written by Merle Heyward. Shelly Jones Band won Group/Duo of the Year with Love Is Like A River, written by Shelly with the other half of the duo, Lester Treuer. Lloyd Back also came in strong winning two awards… Contemporary Song of the Year and Video Clip of the Year, both for his song Rolling Thunder.
Brian Stitt won Bluegrass Song of the Year with I Was Born And Bred In The City. And Paul Ricketts won Song of the Year with Just Like My Old Man, written by Paul with Lindsay Waddington and Angus Gill. ABBA President Peter Coad congratulated all nominees and winners. He said he could not be prouder of “how our Australian music industry have embraced the Awards and their specifically tailored categories designed to help support our Australian bush ballads in both traditional and contemporary styles, along with a variety of sections supporting our traditional Australian country music styles”. Weblink – www.balladeers.com.au. SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2025 OAM for Alan Alan Gilmour, long-serving volunteer broadcaster with the NSW Central Coast country music station todayscountry94one, has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in this Year’s Australia Day honours list.
One of Australia’s most awarded country music broadcasters, Alan is renowned particularly for his weekly program, the Australian Country Songwriters Show which airs every Tuesday evening from 6 to 9pm. For his work on this program alone, Alan has received the Most Popular Country Music DJ Australian Country Music People’s Choice Award in 2018, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and Most Popular Country Music Program in 2016, 2019, 2020 and 2021. In 2022, he was inducted into the Australian Country Music Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame in 2022. Alan has also received an Alumni Community Award from the University of New England (2022) an Honourary Kentucky Colonel Award from the Kentucky state government in the USA, a Dusty Boots award for Services to Country Music (also 2022) and the award for Most Popular Community Radio Announcer at the Indie Country Music Australia Awards in 2018 and 2021. He has been Vice Chair of the Australian Songwriters Association (ASA) since 2010, also currently serving as the Association’s Treasurer, Online Content Manager and a judge of the Australian Songwriting Contest having been a Director since 2006 and a member and volunteer since 1996. Alan also formerly edited the Association’s “Australian Songwriter” newsletter. He has been a Director of todayscountry94one since 2015 having served additionally served in the role of Secretary and is also involved in two additional regular programs at the radio station… Indigenous Country (where he has been the creator/producer since 2020), and Binawah where he has been co-creator/co-producer, also since 2020). Alan was made a life member of the station in 2021.
Troy dominates Golden Guitars Troy Cassar-Daley dominated the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards in Country Music Capital last night.
The gongs he won last night were Album and Alt Country Album of the Year for Between The Fires, Song of the Year for Some Days, Heritage Song of the Year for Windradyne and Male Artist of the Year. Contemporary Album of the Year went to Casey Barnes’ Mayday while Ashleigh Dallas took home Traditional Country Album of the Year with Setting Suns. Max Jackson won Female Artist of the Year and also Single of the Year with Little More Country. Zac & George were successful as Vocal Duo of the Year while Lindsay Waddington and Brendan Radford won Instrumental of the Year for The Red Centre. Bush Ballad of the Year was won by Colin Buchanan with Laura & Giselle and Vocal Collaboration went to The Wolfe Brothers and Kaylee Bell for Beer In A Bar.
Lane Pittman was named New Talent of the Year with Luke O’Shea taking home the video award for Dharawal. Bluegrass Recording of the Year went to Kristy Cox for Let It Burn and Keith Urban (as previously announced) won the top selling album award with High. Also as previously announced, Keith Urban was elevated to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown for his lasting and significant contribution to country music. Weblink – tcmf.com.au, country.com.au. THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 2025 People’s Choice 2025 winners Patsy & Dave – the duo formerly known as The Long & Short Of It – were the big winners from today’s Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards staged in the Tamworth Town Hall. The duo (pictured) took out the Best Group or Duo award and also Best Song for The Willow which they wrote and performed with former pop icon Russell Morris.
Courtney Keil won Best Female Vocal for the third consecutive year. Best Album went to Andy Penkow for his release Shades On Me and Corey Legge (last year’s Most Popular Musician/Instrumentalist) won Best Video for West Coast, directed by Jay Seeney. Best Bush Ballad was won by Matt Scullion for the second year running for his latest work Beer Box Man, a tribute to Australian music legend Ted Egan. Most Popular Musician or Instrumentalist this year went to Lindsay Waddington, not only known for his musical prowess but also as a prolific songwriter and operator of the LWM recording studio. The prestigious Australian Country Music Entertainer of the Year honour was presented to James Johnston (pictured at right) who has had an amazing career year since bursting on to the country music scene a little over a year ago. James joins Troy Cassar-Daley (2023) and Fanny Lumsden (last year) as a recipient of this specoal accolade in the new era. In the People’s Choice broadcast categories, Mark Eckel of Oz CMR Mildura in Victoria was named Most Popular Country Music DJ and NSW Central Coast radio station todayscountry94one won Most Popular Country Music Radio Station. Two well-known broadcasters were inducted into the Australian Country Music Brodcasters Hall of Fame… Connie Kis Andersen and Ray McCoy. For the past 13 years, Connie has helmed a program called Showcase Australia which literally took Australian country music to the world on a weekly basis. After almost 700 weekly episodes, Connie announced recently that she was discontinuing the program to concentrate on her own music career and hasn’t ruled out returning to the airwaves some time in the future. Ray has been a fixture of the broadcasting world in and around Country Music Capital for many years. His efforts, particularly on local station 88.9, has seen a heavy concentration on promoting country music, and especially Australian country music, a situation more significant now the station has partnered with iHeart Radio to make their programs available globally. Awards were presented before an appreciative crowd today in a concert featuring 18 finalists. Voting for the 2026 Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards will open in April at www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au. More photos from the event can be found on official photographer Bob McGahan's extensive facebook page HERE. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025 TSA winners Winners were announced in the TSA (Tamworth Songwriters’ Association) Songwriter Salute Awards last night in Tamworth. And they are!
For Country Rock Song… Craig Stewart with Ten Years In Cockatoo. For Alt or Rock Ballad Song… Toria Richings with Cowboys And Moonshine. Toria also won Country Song of the Year with Cowboys And Moonshine. For Bush Ballad of the Year… Dean Perrett, Paul Ricketts & Lachie McLean with A Big Thing In A Small Town. For Traditional Country Song of the Year… Lindsay Waddington & Allan Caswell with When I Think Of Home. For Local Heroes & Events Song of the Year… Matt Scullion with Beer Box Man. In the Gospel/Spiritual Song category… Virginia Hermel with The Sweetest Verse. In Country Blues Song… Shelly Jones & Lester Treuer with Shop ‘Til I Drop. The TSA’s New Songwriter Award went to Beth Compton for Rear View Mirror. Matt Scullion (pictured) was recognised with the prestigious Songmaker honour while Tania Kernaghan was presented with the Tex Morton award. The award for Novice Songwriting went to Coral Renee with The Devil Wears Cowboy Boots while the award for Youth Songwriting was won by Lucy Beveridge with Little Bird and Shanleigh Rose Carey took home the gong in the Lyrics Only section with Like My Mama Loves Tobacco. And Alice Benfer was honoured with the TSA’s Radio Presenters Award. Sponsors of the TSA Songwriter Salute Awards included Busy Izzy Music Studio, Chris Davies, Hissy Fits Café, Athol Latham, Britton Morrison, New England Engraving, Pacific International Music, PC Entertainment, SongCentral and Turramurra Music. The awards were presented before a large audience in the Moonshiners venue in Country Music Capital. TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025 Keith returns to Tamworth Keith Urban returns to Tamworth this weekend to attend the Golden Guitar Awards where he will be recognised with Australian country music’s highest honour, elevation to the Country Music Roll of Renown.
His first win in Tamworth was at the Capital Country Music Association Talent Quest when he was just eight years of age. A classic photo (below right) from the time has Keith receiving his prize from the legendary Smoky Dawson who was one of the first to be elevated to the Roll of Renown. The Roll recognises significant and lasting contributions to Australian country music and now honours 55 legends of the industry including early pioneers like Smoky, Tex Morton, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean through to more contempory stars like John Williamson, Graeme Connors, Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan and Kasey Chambers.
The night will also see Keith on hand to take home this year’s Golden Guitar for Top Selling Australian Country Album of the Year for his latest release, High. While his career has taken him well beyond his humble beginnings, Keith’s ties to Tamworth remain unwavering. His Roll of Renown elevation is a full-circle moment for the star, celebrating not just his achievements, but his enduring connection to the city that helped shaped him. “Keith Urban embodies the essence of the Tamworth Country Music Festival,” said Barry Harley, Festival Manager. “His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and talent.” As his influence continues to grow, so too does Keith’s ability to inspire future generations of artists. Whether through his mentorship, collaborations, philanthropic contributions or groundbreaking music, he remains at the forefront of the country music landscape. Weblink – keithurban.com. SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2025 Felicity wins Star Maker 25
In front of a crowd of thousands in Tamworth, Australia’s Country Music Capital, the 10 grand finalists battled it out on stage in pursuit of the highly sought after title which provides the winner with a “best options” kick start to their career in the country music business. In addition to the prestigious title, Felicity has won a prize package valued at more than $100,000 including the use of a fully serviced Toyota vehicle for 12 months with fuel card. Other elements include media advertising and promotion, a Maton guitar, a Fender guitar, recording session and production of a four track EP, video production, professional photography and a number of paid performance opportunities at major events. The remaining finalists – Briana Dinsdale, Felicity Dowd, Cait Jamieson, Finnian Johnson, James Keith, Ella Powell, Bryce Sainty, Teak and Kaitlyn Thomas will likely have received a huge boost to their careers simply through their rank as a Star Maker grand finalist. Photo: Felicity is presented with the new Star Maker perpetual ptize belt from last year's winner Wade Forster. Weblink – starmaker.com.au. THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 2025 A big year for WA muster Organisers of the Boyup Brook Country Music Muster in Western Australia have released a line-up of artists appearing at the 2025 event.
In alphabetical order by surname, the feature artists announced so far are Terry Bennetts, Boodji Creek, Bradley Hall Band, Lee Forster, Lynn Hazelton, Kate Hindle, Sally Jane, Shenai Johnston, Katelyn Lansdell. Amber Lawrence, Sue Munns, Brandy Newton, Real Good Question, Rogue Pony, The Red Ochre Band, Jonny Reid, South76, Warwick Trant, Claudia Tripp, Uncle Harolds and Imogen Whyte. The West Australian Country Music Awards will run on the Friday evening recognising winners in the following categories… Alt Song of the Year, Contemporary Song of the Year, Traditional/Heritage Song of the Year, Emerging Artist of the Year, Album/EP Of Year, Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Group/Duo of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Video Clip of the Year, People’s Choice A full program and rundown of events can be held at the Muster website. Weblink – wacountrymusic.com.au. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2025 Awards and talent quests at Tamworth Awards and talent quests are a defining feature of the annual January country music festival in Tamworth. Apart from the internationally renowned Golden Guitar Awards which started it all back in 1973, a host of other major awards and talent searches are staged during the 10 day event. Key among Award schemes are the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards, which are determined on the broad popularity of artists, musicians and broadcasters in Australian country music, and the annual TSA (Tamworth Songwriters’ Association) Songwriter Salute Awards.
Other award presentations, not listed in any order of importance or priority, include the Australian Bush Ballad Association Awards, Gold Medallion Media Awards, Golden Fiddle Awards and Traditional Australian Country Music Awards. Other talent quests, again not listed in any order of importance or priority, include the Capital Country Music Association talent quest (which has actually been running consistently since some years before the start of the Tamworth festival, the Best of the Buskers Championship, Golden Gig (for juniors) and the 2TM Discovered Quest.
Citing the 2TM activity as an example, it is in its third year and this year features finalists Alice Benfer (from Queensland), Darren Gillis (WA), Lily-Grace Grant (NSW), Coral Renee and Cody Walker (both from NSW). The final of this event will be held at Centrepoint Tamworth on Saturday January 25 from 11am. Numerous talent search events have come and gone over the years but many still remain as a popular component of Tamworth Country Music, making the event, from the “boulevard of dreams” busking opportunity right through to the Golden Guitars, truly the place where artists and musicians can showcase their music and build careers. Weblink – tcmf.com.au. TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2025 Keith tops Aussie album sales for 2024
The position was achieved with his latest studio album, High. Troy Cassar-Daley came in second with Between The Fires while James Johnston was in third place with Raised Like That (which also placed among the 2023 top sellers). Kasey Chambers’ Backbone was the fourth highest selling Australian country album for the year. UPDATE: Keith's album has been officially named winner of the Golden Guitar for Top Selling Album of the Year following the release of statistics by ARIA. The remaining four albums in the finals for the coveted award were Troy's Between The Fires, Kasey's Backbone and albums by Casey Barnes (Mayday) and Lily Grace (Old Enough To Know Better). Weblink – www.aria.com.au. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2025 Tamworth Festival app launched A free app has been launched for visitors to the 2025 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Features include the ability to mark favourites and create festival itineraries, find out what's on "now" and "near me" and options to explore a variety of festival activities. Particularly important is the search function that allows users to search the festival's comprehensive database of events and artists appearing, where and when. Guides to dining options, accessibiity and transport are also included. The free app can be downloaded from both the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android operating systems. Search "tcmf 2025". FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2025 People’s Choice broadcast finalists Final processing has been completed for the two broadcast categories of the Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards and finalists have now been revealed.
“And the number of individuals, programs and radio stations voted for this year was so wide and varied, it took us much longer to finalise the counting,” said Bob Kirchner, organiser of the Awards. “Which is very pleasing,” Bob said, “as it shows that the popularity of country music, and especially Australian country music, on radio in Australia is booming. “More to the point is the appreciation that listeners have for the work of radio stations and broadcasters, many of whom are unpaid volunteers in the community radio sector.” Finalists for Most Popular Country Music Broadcaster are… Mark Eckel of Oz Country, Mildura (Vic); Alan Gilmour, todayscountry94one, Central Coast (NSW); Rick Nash, 2MCE Bathurst (NSW); Ronnie Tee & Jaq, todayscountry94one, Central Coast (NSW); and Tracy & The Big D, Fraser Coast FM (Qld). Finalists for Most Popular Country Music Radio Station or Program are… Australian Country Songwriters Show; Friday Drive with Ronnie Tee & Jaq on todayscountry94one; KIX Country; Rick’s Country Mix; and todayscountry94one. Winners in the broadcast categories of the People’s Choice Awards will be announced together with the mainstream music categories during the gala awards presentation concert at 9am on Thursday January 23 in the Tamworth Town Hall. In addition to the fan voted awards, an additional induction will be made to the Australian Country Music Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Further information, and tickets for the presentation concert, can be obtained by visiting www.peopleschoiceawards.com.au. THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2025 Vale – Chad Morgan Australian country music pioneer Chad Morgan has died. He was 91.
Chad retired from performing In April last year after the final performance in his Farewell to Australia tour. Both of Chad’s parents were amateur musicians, his father played accordion and his mother accordion and mandolin, while he learnt guitar. From 1948, Chad worked on cattle farms near Rockhampton and started writing songs using uniquely Australian slang like sheilas, drongos, dills and geezers. He was discovered through the nation’s major talent quest of the time, Australia’s Amateur Hour where he sang The Sheik of Scrubby Creek and became a national finalist. By November 1952, he had recorded a number of songs including his talent quest winning sing which quickly became his signature tune. Chad signed with a major record label of the time, Regal Zonophone, a subsidiary of EMI. During his earlier life, Chad also undertook national service with the royal Austrakian Air Force at Amberley Base in Queensland. Chad toured extensively during his career, including with the Slim Dusty Show, the All Star Western Show and his own Chad Morgan Show. He released 18 studio albums and undertook regular live performances. At the 1987 Golden Guitar Awards,Chad was elecated to the Australian Country Music Roll of Renown. In January in 2004, he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for service to country music. Chad appeared in the films “Newsfront” and “Dimboola”. In his career, Chad achieved one platinum and one gold album sales awards and was a perennial favourite at major festivals and events all over Australia. Weblink – www.chadmorgan.com.au.
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Winners in the 2026 West Australian Country Music Awards are... 
Album of the Year… Patience by Corey Colum.
The main event of the Muster is the annual Western Australia Country Music Awards.
The full list is…
Heritage Song of the Year – Australian Made – The Wolfe Brothers (written by Nicholas Wolfe, Thomas Wolfe & Graeme Connors)
He was presented with his special certificate immediately following his appearance this morning on Country Music Capital’s FanZone in front of an audience of thousands of fans.
Australian Bush Ballad – Contemporary Song of the Year… Brendon Walmsley – Cooladdi (written by Brendon Walmsley).
The Wolfe Brothers won Best Group while perennial People’s Choice favourite Brendan McMahon took home Best Album for his latest work, Turn Up The Radio.
Country Song of the Year… That Old Life by Catherine Lehnen, Michael Lehnen & Lachlan Bryan.
In what has been described as a tough on-stage battle, Jarrad won from fellow finalists Sarah Catania (from Greensborough, Vic), Jess Crossman (Walwa, Vic), Ruby Jane (Benalla, Vic), Josie (Douglas, Qld), Mackenzie Lee (Abermain, NSW), Liam Maihi (Sanctuary Point, NSW), Mackenzie May (Tannum Sands, Qld), Bryce Sainty (Springfield, NSW) and Jaydin Shingleton (Coomera, Qld; formerly of Westport, NZ).
Friday night’s major highlight was the Official Opening Concert in the Park which featured performances from artists including Country Music Academy graduates and winners from last year’s Toyota Star Maker quest (Felicity Kircher) and the festival’s busking champion (Charley Castle & The Boys In The Well).
The Toyota Star Maker talent search will be the highlight on Sunday evening but numerous other special events are scheduled, such as the Open Day Concert at LBS (Lindsay Butler Studios) MusicLand on Whitehouse Lane just on the outskirts of the city.
Further information at 
James Johnston’s album Where You’ll Find Me was the top selling Australian country music album for 2025 according to ARIA, the Australian Recording Industry Association, which tracks album sales data.
The roster includes, in alphabetical order, James Blundell, Sara Berki, Bo’Ness Brothers, Brewn, Nathan Cavaleri, Chase the Sun, Beccy Cole, Graeme Connors, Tori Darke, Cass Eager, Adam Eckersley Band, Luke Geiger, Max Jackson, James Johnston, Lee Kernaghan, Amber Lawrence, Brooke McClymont & Adam Eckersley, Taylor Moss, Pierce Brothers, The Pigs, Lane Pittman, Route 33, Brooke Schubert, Claudia Tripp, Jake Whittaker, The Wolfe Brothers, Brett Wood and Zac & George.
They are…
The Awards have been gradually moving to recognise a more independent base of country music artists including an impressive list of new and “rising star” acts included.
He was also known as a vocal supporter of Aboriginal land rights during the 1960s and 1970s, including penning the song Gurindji Blues with former Australian of the Year Galarrwuy Yunupingu.
Kasey wins the 2025 Country ARIA
Barry has had a long and valuable involvement in Tamworth's country music scene stretching back to 1973 when he was enlisted from the then Myer store display department to help produce a backdrop for the first Golden Guitar Awards presentation.
Thirty students have been accepted from more than 50 applications received, including three from New Zealand and one from the USA.
Opportunities will be available for visitors to dance, learn, listen, sing along and be creative as part of their Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass experience.
Selected by the CMAA Board, which represents a broad cross-section of experienced industry professionals, the Achiever Awards honour not only the artists on stage, but also the songwriters, musicians, producers and media who work behind the scenes to shape and support our vibrant country music community.
The Gympie Music Muster is as much about nurturing emerging talent as it is about celebrating established artists, the organisers say, with Mackenzie winning the open section and Lucy taking home the title in the junior section.
Revenue of $1.09 billion is revealed in the report together with the creation of almost 2,100 full time equivalent jobs, predominantly in rural and regional areas of Australia.
An impressive lineup!
This year’s official Muster charity will be River’s Gift, an organisation shining a light on work being done to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), reinforcing the festival’s commitment to supporting families and rural communities.
And they are...
To be held during this year’s Hats Off To Country festival in July, the Awards comprise seven categories, five of which placed an entry for judging – Male and Female Balladeer of the Year, Instrumental, Songwriter and Australian Ballad of the Year.
The performer line-up includes William Alexander, Anthony Baxter, Alice Benfer, Charley Boyter, Rob Breese, Ashley Cook, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson and Dean Perrett. Radio personality Brian “Howdy” Howard will compere the event.
The “Gentlemen” will play the event on the Sunday evening, following a Saturday night appearance by pub rock cover band Ballz N All.
In the Most Performed Country Work category, nominees are...
Nominations in the inaugural Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards close this coming Monday (March 31).
Aspiring young country music artists across Australia are urged to apply now for the course being held in Tamworth, Australia's Country Music Capital, from July 5 to 12.
James Johnston took home two gongs, including the inaugural Countrytown Entertainer of the Year title. (Photo: Sebastian Harman.)
And they were, for…
The announcement was made on the Toyota FanZone stage Wednesday of the just concluded January country music festival, the plaque installation following in the forecourt of the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre (TRECC).
The ladies ruled supreme at the first ABBA (Australian Bush Balladeers Association) Music Excellence Awards staged in Tamworth during the January country music festival.
Lindsay Waddington won Instrumental of the Year with Kakadu. 
Alan’s award was presented for service to the arts, particularly through music.
He won five awards in total bringing his cumulative total of Golden Guitars to 45.
Brendan McMahon, a perennial winner at People’s Choice won Best Male Vocal, an award he won for the first time in 2022.
Most Promising Future Star went to South Australia’s Scott Rathman Jnr who many will remember from his recent success in the Tamworth Festival Country Music Busking Championship
For Song of the Year… Chloe Styler, Phil Barton & Lauren McLamb for Read A Room.
Keith’s now globally successful career kick-started in Tamworth in 1990 when he won the annual Star Maker talent search, an achievement reached after many years performing in talent quests at festivals in NSW and Queensland and busking on Country Music Capital’s “boulevard of dreams”.
Keith will be the 56th to be elevated.
Felicity Kircher has taken out the 2025 Toyota Star Maker title.
The Muster, held in conjunction with the annual WA Country Music Awards and several other events, will be held Thursday February 13 to Sunday February 16 inclusive at various venues in the town of Boyup Brook.
Key among talent searches is the Toyota Starmaker Quest which has been responsible for launching the careers of a number of now well known stars of Australian country music.
Keith Urban had the top selling Australian country album for 2024 according to the annual chart just released by ARIA, the Australian Recording Industry Association.
The official Festival app is produced by Tamworth Regional Council with numerous features aimed at improving visitors' festival experience.
Born Chadwick William Morgan on February 11, 1933, in Wondai, Qld, Chad was best known for his country comedy, and particularly as the persona from his most popular song, “The Sheik of Scrubby Creek”.
