HIDDEN behind the Tudor Hotel in the alleyway, country music stars slowly gained recognition.
One plaque at a time, Golden Guitar winners were added to the Winners Walkway, until there was no space left.
With the redevelopment of Peel Street years ago, the first plaque was laid out the front of ANZ Bank – on Friday, artist Aleyce Simmonds because the latest addition to history.
“To dream about things like winning a Golden Guitar since I was a little girl to having a plaque in my own hometown’s main street is just overwhelming,” she said.
“I cried and sent a picture to my family.
“This year has been phenomenal, everything has happened that I never thought would, it’s been huge and exhausting but this just caps off another great year.”
Simmonds is the reigning 2018 Female Artist of the Year and played alongside John Farnham at the Hay Mate Buy A Bale concert earlier this year.
She was recognised alongside other local artists like Ashleigh Dallas.
Toyota Country Music Festival organiser Barry Harley said it’s a great tribute to the town’s history with country music.
“It started up at ANZ Bank in 1973 with the first Golden Guitar awarded to Joy McKean and somewhere in recent times it stopped happening,” he said.
“It’s great that we have some Tamworthians in the 2018 plaque as well, we wanted to share and celebrate the opportunity.
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“Hopefully it will become a tourist attraction year round and people can get a sense of who’s come before in country music.”
Also recognised on the plaques are country music greats like Keith Urban, Slim Dusty, John Williamson and James Blundell throughout the years.
The 2018 plaque was officially revealed on Friday and is located on the corner of Peel and Brisbane Streets outside Westpac Bank.
The full walk wraps around Peel Street.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
