About 21 contestants competed in some of the 11 categories – Veterans, Open Australian, Sub Juniors, Open Instumental, Junior Vocal, Senior Gospel, Open Junior Gospel, Senior Vocal, Open Singer/Songwriter, Open Duo or Group and Open Country Rock.

President of the Bombala & District Country Music Association, Wilf Giles said the talent quest had once again brought some very talented people to town.

“Everyone from sub-juniors right through to a 91-year-old veteran all strutted their stuff and entertained us to a very high standard.

“Members were especially happy to see so many younger participants as the club likes to encourage and promote the young people, as they are after all, the stars of the future,” he said.

The overall junior winner on the day was Matilda Rose who won the Neil Hampshire Memorial Trophy for the best junior vocalist, also coming first in the Open Junior Gospel category.

Miss Rose also was awarded the B & M Martin Trophy for ‘Star of the Future’.

The Overall Senior winner was Alex Winnell who won the Veterans section as well as placing in a number of other categories.

Courtney Bennett won the Ralph Sims Memorial Trophy coming first in the Sub-Juniors and Tina Podger won the Barry Hampshire Memorial Trophy for coming first in the Open Australian.

The Junior Encouragement Award went to Kelsey Branscomb with Doogle Barker winning the Senior Encouragement Award.

Mr Giles said he would like to thank Cheree Olding and Michelle Farren “who have given a lot of time and energy to accompany and encourage the younger children”.

“I would also like to thank our major sponsors Boco Rock Wind Farm and Stefan and Anna Dzwannik and the RSL Club for the use of the venue.

“Next year is our 25^th talent quest and we are intending to make it a big one to celebrate the event,” he said.