2025 CMAA Achiever Awards and Symposium: The Backbone of Australian Country Music
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The 2025 Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) Achiever Awards and Symposium, held on September 13 at JMC Academy in Sydney, was a comprehensive event that successfully celebrated the diverse talent that powers the Australian country music industry. The event, which combined a daytime symposium with an evening awards ceremony, underscored the critical role of behind-the-scenes professionals, proving that the heart of country music beats just as strongly in the studio and office as it does on the stage.
The Industry Development Symposium: Knowledge and Connection
The day began with the CMAA Industry Development Symposium, an event designed to provide a “masterclass in connection, creativity” for the Australian country music community. Panels and Q&A sessions featured respected industry veterans like Natalie Waller, Justin Thomson, Raechel Whitchurch, and Stuart Coupe, who shared their insights on a range of crucial topics. The sessions covered everything from network building and branding to the complex realities of airplay, streaming, and touring. This part of the day was a relaxed and engaging environment that allowed attendees—including artists, songwriters, producers, and students—to ask questions and gain valuable, practical tools for their careers. A notable moment was the live-streamed participation of Justin Thomson from iHeart Country Australia and Kix Country, who took questions directly from artists about radio promotion. The symposium’s focus on education and knowledge exchange solidified its reputation as a vital resource for both emerging and established professionals.
The Achiever Awards Ceremony: Honoring the Unsung Heroes
As the sun set, the focus shifted to the CMAA Achiever Awards Ceremony. This component of the event celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to Australian country music, distinguishing between Legacy Awards for long-standing contributors and Contemporary Awards for recent impacts.
The night was filled with heartfelt moments and live performances that truly captured the spirit of the genre. The awards showcased a wide array of talent beyond just the performers. Max Jackson was a standout, winning Artist of the Year, while Wade Forster was recognized as the Emerging Artist of the Year. However, the event’s true highlight was the recognition of the many roles that are vital to the industry. Trophies were handed out to producer Michael Carpenter and songwriter Gavin Carfoot, highlighting the importance of their creative contributions. Additionally, longstanding figures like Kevin Bennett, Colin Buchanan (Lifetime Achievement – Songwriter), and James Gillard (Lifetime Achievement – Musician) were honored for their decades of dedication. Other notable winners included ABC Country for Media Achiever of the Year and Jeremy Minett for Visual/Creative Arts Achiever of the Year.
The 2025 CMAA Achiever Awards and Symposium served its purpose as a communal event that “celebrates not just the music, but the people who make the music possible.” By dedicating a full day to both education and recognition, the CMAA reinforced its commitment to nurturing the entire country music ecosystem, from the front-of-stage stars to the behind-the-scenes champions. The event was a powerful reminder of the collaborative and supportive spirit that underpins the Australian country music scene.