Inverell East Rotary Club has kicked off the Sapphire City Festival with a full house for the annual Inverell’s Got Talent concert at the Town Hall last weekend.
Performers from across the district competed for a share of $2000 in prize money as the community turned out in force to celebrate local talent.
The night was steered by MC Peter Caddey, with Allen East on lights and sound, and supported by a team of Inverell East Rotary members, partners, community helpers and Inverell High volunteers.
Rotary’s Paul Alliston said the atmosphere set the tone for the festival’s opening night.
“The Town Hall was alive with enthusiasm.”
Rising pianist Luke McCosker claimed the Jenny Fox Memorial Prize for Best Junior with a moving performance of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, while Sophie Foley received the Junior Encouragement Award.
In the senior section, judges shortlisted five standout acts before naming the overall winner for 2025. The Top Five were Virtuosity Ballet, Djembe Jammers, Kiara Lind, Haylee Phillipps-Lewis and Jonathan and Vanessa Wills. Haylee Phillipps-Lewis took out the top honour, with a Highly Commended awarded to Andreas Fandrich.
Judges Luke Vassella and Peter Champion said the standard across the program made for some tough calls. The show also featured additional performances from Craze Dance Academy, guest sets by judge and North Coast singer-songwriter Luke Vassella, as well as Chris Richter, Jasmine Aleisha, Peter Caddey and 2024 IGT winner Alex Munro.
Prizes were presented by outgoing IGT coordinator Tim Newberry and Inverell East Rotary President Bob Lea. Mr Newberry congratulated all performers and thanked everyone who helped bring the event together. President Bob closed the evening by thanking Mr Newberry on behalf of the club and the Inverell community for 15 years of dedicated work with Inverell’s Got Talent.
With another successful opening night in the books, the Rotary-led showcase has again underlined the strength of Inverell’s creative community and set a lively pace for the Sapphire City Festival program ahead.
Organisers thanked Inverell Shire Council, generous local sponsors, STA-FM and the New England Times for their encouragement and support, noting the concert’s success relies on many hands. “This event is indeed a great team effort,” Mr Alliston said.
Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au