March 10, 2023
The shortlist of nominees for the inaugural South Burnett Music Awards – to be announced at a red carpet event later this month – was announced this week.
Organiser Warren Gould, a well-known local musician in his own right, said the goal of the awards was to recognise local talent, provide an opportunity for the region’s live musicians to socialise on a night when most are not working, and to encourage up-and-coming young musicians,
Nominations were received for awards in five categories: Youth Musician of the Year, Live Music Venue of the Year, People of the Industry’s Choice Award, Music Industry Encouragement Award and Inductee into the South Burnett Music Hall of Fame (see below).
Nominations were invited from within the local music industry and then reviewed by an independent panel of judges, Chantal Harth (CROW-FM), Damien Martoo (Kingaroy Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Sheena Lindholm (Push Pull Marketing).
The winners will be announced and trophies presented at an invitation-only event at the Carrollee Hotel in Kingaroy on Thursday, March 23.
Warren told southburnett.com.au he hoped the event would grow into something much bigger in future years, but was starting small.
“It’s been put together to recognise and encourage live music excellence in the South Burnett region,” he said.
“But it is also about encouraging more live music involvement with the community, especially our youth.
“This event will be raising money to make music accessible for children in South Burnett State schools.
“Currently, there are fees attached to hiring instruments that some families simply can’t afford. This awards night intends to raise funds alleviate these costs, and/or help schools purchase instruments so they can provide music access.”
The 1st South Burnett Music Awards is being auspiced by South Burnett Arts Inc and has been sponsored by the South Burnett Regional Council, Harvey Norman Kingaroy, Bill Hull Car Centre, Phantom Studios Nanango, the Carrollee Hotel, the Radnor Hotel, CROW-FM, Push Pull Marketing, Burnett Today and South Burnett Online.
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South Burnett Music Award Nominees
Youth Musician of the Year – A South Burnett-based musician under 24 who has shown commitment and drive in their music and music performances:
- Chloe Sharp
- Heath Kinsella
- Lily Heiner
- Nathan Hartley
Live Music Venue of the Year – A South Burnett venue which has supported local acts and prioritised live music throughout the year:
- Carrollee Hotel
- Maidenwell Hotel
- The Shed, Nanango
- Murgon Services Club
- Hotel Radnor
People of the Industry’s Choice Award – Voted on by peers to recognise commitment to their own music and the growth of the South Burnett music industry:
- Ryza
- Mr Q
- Soul Good
- Barambah Big Band
- Paul Ricketts
Music Industry Encouragement Award – To reward a person in the music industry who has shown a special commitment to the industry and deserves encouragement in their work:
- Dan Newland
- Amos Pellas
- Kelsey Anderson
- Brett Chaseling
- Larry Cann
Inductee into the South Burnett Music Hall of Fame – To recognise an outstanding contribution to live music in the South Burnett, and / or for showcasing South Burnett music talent to a State or national audience:
- Robert Fitz-Herbert
- Tony Cisneros
- Matt Phillips
- Jane Erkens
- Andrew Beckett
Warren thanked the people who had submitted nominations for the five awards categories.
He said this year’s awards were very much a learning process however he believed there had been a good spread of people nominated.
“Congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to a night of getting together, celebration and fundraising at the Carrollee Hotel on Thursday, March 23.”
