The nominees 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 awards include 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 Best New Talent or Encouragement Award and the Recognition Award for Bush Balladeer of the Year will be chosen independently.

A total of 104 entrants from 136 entries were received from WA, NSW and Qld. Three nominees were selected in each category, and only one winner will be chosen from 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, and the warmly received Hats Off To The Bush concert in 2024.

The winners will be announced at the inaugural Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards event, presented by Tamworth Regional Council at Tamworth Town Hall on 12 July, during the Hats Off To Country festival. Radio personality Brian “Howdy” Howard will compere the event which will include a showcase of music.

Manager Events, Barry Harley says the Tamworth Bush Ballad Awards will celebrate 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 Peter Simpson and Dianne Lindsay say they’re 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 says.

The nominees are:

INSTRUMENTAL BALLADEER OF THE YEAR

Slab Hut – Terry Bennetts
The Jumping Jackaroo – Anthony Baxter
Wild River – Charley Boyter

FEMALE BALLADEER OF THE YEAR

Australia’s Rainfall Army – Anita Ree
My Country, My Australia – Cathy Carver
The Music Man – Lynette Guest

MALE BALLADEER OF THE YEAR

A Dirranbandi Moon – Rob Breese
Barefoot In The Dirt – Paul Ricketts
Slim’s Guitar – Dean Perrett

AUSTRALIAN BALLAD OF THE YEAR

Old Felt Hat – Alice Benfer
Slim’s Guitar – Dean Perrett
My Country, My Australia – Cathy Carver

SONGWRITER BALLADEER OF THE YEAR

Gundablui Girl – Alan Gumm / K & M Dixon
Slim’s Guitar – Dean Perrett / Lindsay Waddington
Australia’s Rainfall Army – Anita Ree

In addition to the above five categories two other awards will be presented.

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 their attitude and potential in the industry.

The Bush Balladeer of the Year is judged over a two-year period. It will reflect the artist’s overall performance and commitment to the bush ballad genre, their quality of work, amount of touring and special events or projects undertaken.

At last year’s Hats Off To The Bush showcase, 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 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 are available through Entertainment Venues, with full details at www.hatsofftocountry.com.au.