The Tamworth Country Music Festival and McDonald’s Australia have announced chart-topping singer Rachael Fahim as the new ambassador for the 2027 Macca’s Golden Gig, the talent quest that draws junior country music hopefuls from right across the nation.
It is a bit of a homecoming. Ms Fahim is no stranger to talent quests herself, crowned the Toyota Star Maker winner in Tamworth back in 2017. Since then she has amassed more than 20 million streams, played over 1,000 live shows, landed six number one country radio hits, and supported United States superstar Jordan Davis on his sold out Australian arena tour. She has also won an APRA award for Most Performed Country Work and topped the charts outright with her debut album Who You Are, which landed at number one on both the Australian Album Chart and the Australian Country Album Chart.
Ms Fahim said the ambassador role was close to her heart.
“I’m thrilled to take on the role of ambassador for Macca’s Golden Gig and be a mentor to the talent entering the competition,” Ms Fahim said.
“As someone who caught a break in Tamworth myself, through Toyota Star Maker, I know how valuable these opportunities are for young aspiring artists.”
During the festival, Ms Fahim will also take to the stage at The Longyard Hotel, supporting multiple Golden Guitar and ARIA winner Casey Barnes in his full band show on Tuesday, 20 January.
The Golden Gig is open to children aged 17 and under across two categories, 12 years and under, and 13 to 17 years, and will run during the Toyota 55th Tamworth Country Music Festival. Entrants get the chance to showcase their talent and kick start their musical careers, with prizes on offer including mentoring sessions with industry professionals.
In the 12 and under category, prizes include three separate professional mentoring sessions, an electric acoustic guitar, up to $500 cash and a $250 Capitol Music voucher. Entrants aged 13 to 17 are in the running for a spot at the Country Music Association of Australia’s Junior Academy, valued at $3,600, on top of mentoring sessions, an electric acoustic guitar, cash and a Capitol Music voucher.
Events Officer Melissa Millsteed said the competition continued to grow in popularity year on year.
“This year we had 83 entrants, hailing from New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and New Zealand,” Mrs Millsteed said.
“Macca’s Golden Gig really is a launchpad for young artists and it’s inspiring to see past entrants go on to achieve incredible goals, like inaugural winner Mackenzie Lee who was a Top 10 Star Maker finalist in 2026, and 2022 finalist Lane Pittman who won the 2025 Golden Guitar Award for New Talent of the Year.”
“This partnership with McDonald’s Australia provides young artists with a platform to showcase their skills and gain valuable exposure.”
McDonald’s East Region Regional Director Colin Glynn said the program had backed young performers for years.
“For many years, Macca’s Golden Gig has provided young performers with a chance to share their passion, grow their confidence and gain valuable industry experience,” Mr Glynn said.
“Supporting programs that create opportunities for young people is something we’re incredibly proud of at McDonald’s, and we’re excited to have Rachael Fahim join the program as ambassador.”
“Her journey from rising talent to chart-topping artist is a great example of what’s possible through this program.”
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