HISTORY OF THE GARDEN CITY COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION JUNIOR FESTIVAL

This event was originally organized by the “Riding on a Shooting Star” (ROASS) based in Toowoomba and commenced in 2000 using various venues in Toowoomba, but due to costs and difficulty obtaining sponsorship the organization struggled to keep the event viable. In 2005, with ROASS disbanding – Event Organiser Paul Wilson approached Garden City Country Music Association Inc (Toowoomba) to become the organizing committee.

The purpose of the event is the promotion of country music and fostering of talent particularly in the Junior age groups.  Contestants under the age of 18, perform in 19 categories in front of esteemed industry judges for the prize of the overall winner. Categories include Gospel, Vocal, Rock, Duo, Bush Ballad, etc.  There are two age groups Juveniles (under 13) and Junior (13 to not yet 18).

First and second place getters are then eligible to compete in Brisbane in November at the prestigious Qld Champion of Champions of Country Music. (www.qldchamps.com.au) Some of the previous winners have gone on to record and become recognized artists within the industry, the most notable being Rebecca Lee Nye and Claye Middleton (both of whom have singles presently receiving air play on national radio).

In 2008, this event attracted 100 acts from all over the state – as far north as Mackay and to the Gold Coast.  This is one of only three such events run within Queensland to promote junior talent with this being the most highly contested event.

The majority of the proceeds of these events are given each year to a charity –

2005 Camp Quality

2006 Careflight

2007 Toowoomba Hospice

2008 Toowoomba Hospice

2009 Toowoomba Hospice

2010 Toowoomba Hospice

2011 Toowoomba Hospice

Venue for the past five years has been the Oakey Cultural Centre. It is hoped that this will continue to be its home unless lack of sponsorship forces a move elsewhere.

Sponsors in 2008 – Martin Fallon (Cavalier) Homes, Jondaryan Shire Council (assistance with hire), Oakey Abattoir, Knotsbury Farms & Country Range Eggs, Clive Berghofer Land Sales, Sonic Imprints (Recording time for winners), Black Toyota (Oakey), Cyril Anderson (WFI Insurance), Dalby Country Music Club.

Sponsors in 2009 - Toowoomba Regional Council, Clive Berghofer Land Sales, Black Toyota Oakey, Oakey Motel, Dalby Country Music Club, Yvonne Stein, Kellie Wippell (massage therapist), Tony Wagner (Entertainer).

Sponsors 2010 - Toowoomba Regional Council, Toowoomba Country FM 91.5, Sonic Imprint Studios, Clive Berghofer Land Sales, Oakey Abattoirs, Dinky Di Sheds, Acacia Shed & Patios, New Hope Coal, Wippell's Massage Therapy, Newsham Steel, Edals Massage Therapy, Wizards of Oz Band, Toowoomba Eye & Skin Clinic, Country Range Eggs

MAJOR SPONSOR - 2011 - MOUNTAIN TRACKS STUDIO - Toowoomba's newest recording studio