The Gympie Music Muster presents Spirit of the Country has been heralded a success with the major concert delivery on Sunday 20th March attracting 20,000 flood affected victims, SES workers and country music fans in Toowoomba.

With rains sporadically pouring down throughout the six hour event, performances continued with the biggest country music line-up ever presented all in the hope of raising spirits of those affected by the devastation that swept across Southern Queensland in January this year.

The concert was hosted by radio and television personality Ray Hadley and featured a collection of Australia's top country acts including Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Kasey Chambers, Troy Cassar-Daley, Shane Nicholson, McAlister Kemp, Beccy Cole, Adam Harvey and Catherine Britt. The final delivery was a spectacular fireworks display to signify the conclusion of the event.

Whilst not taking to the stage, a special appearance was made at the concert by Prince William as part of his scheduled tour to meet with victims of flood affected communities. Whilst at the concert, the Prince met with heavily impacted victims and SES workers spending time to personally chat with them. Prince William took the Toowoomba Showgrounds balcony to wave to the gathered crowd before being presented with an Akubra Hat by country music star Troy Cassar-Daley giving thanks for his visit.

The one off event that was free to attend was made possible only through the support of major organisations, companies, local business houses, artists and individuals who donated generously to ensure the uplifting concert could be staged.

"The Gympie Music Muster presents the Spirit of the Country concert was definitely a successful event. Whilst the weather presented some challenges and there were some traffic congestion issues we are thrilled with what we delivered and the response we received. An event like this would have cost in excess of $1.2million to present if we had not received such generous support. It is because of our sponsors, partners and kind donations received that this was achievable. Our sincere thanks to all who came on board and assisted", said Marius Els, one of event co-ordinators.

Australian icon, singer and songwriter John Williamson will perform two special concerts in May at Melbourne’s Crown Casino accompanied by Orchestra Victoria.

Having just released his latest live CD and DVD John Williamson: In Symphony, recorded in late 2010 before a capacity audience at the Sydney Opera House, the multi award-winning artist is preparing to return to the stage with one of the country’s most celebrated orchestras.

‘I can’t wait for my Victorian mates from all around Melbourne to hear my songs with Orchestra Victoria. I know the orchestra will have fun playing my music, as they did in Sydney. It’s something different for them. And don’t worry, the campfire and my stomp box will still be on stage with me; along with guitarist legend Col Watson,’ said John Williamson.

The live concerts on Friday May 20th (8pm) and Saturday May 21st (8pm) will be delivered before what are expected to be sell-out audiences.

Adam Harvey's brand new duets album featuring some of Australia’s finest talents, Both Sides Now debuted inside the top 20 on the ARIA Top 100 Chart.

Adam Harvey's upcoming duets album titled Both Sides Now features some of Australian music's biggest names.

They include Guy Sebastian, Wendy Matthews, David Campbell, Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson, John Williamson, Shannon Noll and The McClymonts to name just a few.

It's released on October 9 through Sony Music Australia.   

The 37th CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, were held tonight in Tamworth. The awards were hosted by Troy Cassar-Daley and Felicity Urquhart.

Big winners on the night were husband and wife duo, Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson, taking home a total of 5 “Golden Guitar” trophies for their No. 1 Album Rattlin’ Bones.

The couple swept the Awards, winning in the categories of Album of the Year (co-produced by Shane Nicholson & Nash Chambers), APRA Song of the Year, Video Clip of the Year (directed by Helen Clemens), Single of the Year and Top Selling Album Of The Year.

Adam Brand was awarded Male Artist of the Year for the second time, bringing his total career tally to 12 Country Music Awards of Australia.

Being announced Female Artist of the Year capped off a successful year for Catherine Britt. Her album Little Wildflower has received critical acclaim and has scored her three No. 1 airplay singles. Catherine can now add her first Golden Guitar trophy to her mantle.

The McClymonts continued their reign taking out once again the Group or Duo of the Year title, 2009 marks the third consecutive year Brooke, Mollie and Sam have won this Award. They join Bullamakanka in taking out the Group/Duo title over three consecutive years.

The Gibson New Talent Award went to 2008 Toyota Star Maker winner, Talia Wittmann, for Reckless Side of Me.

Melinda Schneider and Paul Kelly won the Vocal Collaboration of the Year Award for Still Here and the Davidson Brothers, Lachlan and Hamish, took home the Fender Instrumental of the Year Award for Left Hand Drive.

For a full list of winners please see below.

Winners in the 2009 CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia

APRA Song of the Year
Rattlin’ Bones - written and recorded by Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson

Vocal Collaboration of the Year
Still Here - Melinda Schneider & Paul Kelly

Bush Ballad of the Year
Australia Is Another Word For Free - written by John Williamson,
recorded by John Williamson, Warren H Williams & Amos Morris

Video Clip of the Year
Rattlin’ Bones - Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson,
directed by Helen Clemens

Single of the Year
Rattlin’ Bones - Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson

Fender Instrumental of the Year
Left Hand Drive - Davidson Brothers

Group or Duo of the Year
Finally Over Blue - The McClymonts

Heritage Song of the Year
Too Dark For The Light Horse - written by Darren Coggan & Ken McBeath,
recorded by Darren Coggan

Highest Selling Album of the Year
Rattlin’ Bones - Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson

Gibson New Talent of the Year
The Reckless Side Of Me - Talia Wittmann

Female Artist of the Year
Catherine Britt - What I Did Last Night

Male Artist of the Year
Get On Down The Road – Adam Brand

Album of the Year
Rattlin’ Bones - Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson
Produced by Nash Chambers & Shane Nicholson

CMC Oz Artist of the Year
Adam Brand

Source: Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA)