Sunshine Coast Music Awards 2025: Local Talent Shines
The inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards (SCMAs) lit up The Station in Birtinya with unforgettable performances, community spirit, and well-deserved recognition of our region’s musical talent.
Ziggy Alberts, Betty Taylor, and Yama-Nui Studios were among the standout stars at the inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards (SCMAs), held Sunday night (June 1) at The Station in Birtinya.
The event brought together the region’s music community for a night of celebration, live performances, and well-deserved recognition—complete with “golden pineapples” awarded to the winners.
Big Winners of the Night
Indie-pop darlings Betty Taylor stole the spotlight, taking home three awards:
- Live Act of the Year
- Song of the Year for Young, Dumb and Immature
- Rising Star of the Year
Their win in the Rising Star category also secures them a coveted performance slot at the Big Pineapple Festival this November.
Ziggy Alberts, known for his soulful folk-pop sound and hit album Laps Around the Sun, was named Artist of the Year, while guitar virtuoso Minnie Marks earned Musician of the Year.
Other notable winners included:
- Uncle Kevin Starkey – First Nations Award
- Yama-Nui Recording Studio – Recording Studio of the Year
- Solbar – Venue of the Year
- Frank and Louis – Young Artist of the Year
- Lahni Thorogood - Artwork of the Year
The night also featured electrifying performances from Betty Taylor, Frank and Louis, Chamber Lane, Nana’s Pie, and Harlum.
Vibrant Industry
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli addressed the Awards audience, acknowledging the celebration was not just about the music, but the people and businesses that make up the vibrant industry on the Sunshine Coast.
Music played an important role in helping the region succeed as a creative, thriving and liveable community, Mayor Natoli said.
“The industry plays a vital role in our night-time economy, which we are working to boost as part of the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy.”
“We’re committed to ensuring that talent can flourish right here at home – where skills are nurtured, careers are built, and dreams are realised.
“The Sunshine Coast Music Awards celebrate not only the incredible artists we have – some of whom have gone on to national and international acclaim – but also the emerging voices who are shaping the future of music in our region."
Mayor Natoli thanked the Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective for their vision and dedication and all the finalists, performers and supporters at the event for making the region richer, more creative and more connected.
A Night of Sunshine Coast Style
The SCMAs embraced a “Sunny Coast formal” dress code, with guests donning vibrant, fruit-inspired fashion. Radio presenter and SCMIC Vice Chair Sarah Howells wowed in a custom dress featuring the names of over 60 local bands.
The event was co-hosted by Sarah and TV personality Ian “Dicko” Dickson, with presenters including Andrea Kirwin, Dr Lachlan Goold (Magoo), and Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli.
Celebrating the Fans
The unique Punter of the Year award went to Coolum’s own Leigh Kuryj, recognised as the region’s most dedicated music fan. Leigh scored a year’s worth of free tickets to five local venues.
A lucky guest also walked away with a double-day pass to the iconic Woodford Folk Festival.