Ten-year-old country music singer and songwriter Georgia Stafford from Noosa is celebrating a major milestone after winning the Junior Category at the Australian National Busking Championships Grand Final in Cooma.
“This has been my dream for a year – to return to Cooma and win the National Busking title,” Georgia said.
Georgia’s path to the national win was anything but simple. With the Noosa heat of the Australian National Busking Championships cancelled, she travelled to Cooma and was required to compete in a qualifying heat the day before the finals. Performing 32 songs across four locations on Sharp Street, Georgia placed second in the heat.
“I had to win the heat to make the finals, but the judges awarded three wild cards and I was surprised to find out I’d received one,” she explained.
That night, Georgia returned home and reworked her entire set list.
“That’s why I love busking,” she said. “You learn straight away what the audience responds to and what you need to improve.”
The following day, her refined performance earned her the national junior title, a moment Georgia admits she had her sights firmly set on.
“I guess you could say I really wanted that trophy,” she laughed.
In addition to her win, Georgia was invited to a live radio interview on Snowy Mountains station 2MNO FM, gaining valuable on-air experience.
“Live radio is a skill I still have a lot to learn,” she said. “You have to think quickly, and I always like to be prepared with a song or two on my guitar.”
While country music is at the heart of Georgia’s sound, her performances extend well beyond busking.
Last Friday, she appeared at the Sunset Carols on Noosa Main Beach, sharing the stage at an event headlined by Australian Idol winner Marshall Hamburger.
“The crowd was huge and I was nervous,” Georgia said. “But once people started dancing and singing along, I relaxed into my songs and really enjoyed it.”
Georgia began vocal lessons 18 months ago at Hamburger Music Productions, under the guidance of Kellie and Gavin Hamburger, a turning point in her young career.
“I had stage fright and didn’t know how I was going to share my voice,” she said. “I still get nervous, but performing live is something I really love now.”
Songwriting plays a central role in Georgia’s development as an artist, with busking serving as a testing ground for her original material.
“Busking helps me see which songs connect and which ones need more work,” she explained. “The public are honest — and that helps you grow.”
Georgia’s year has also included standout performance opportunities, including being invited on stage by six-time Golden Guitar winner Amber Lawrence during her show at The J Theatre Noosa.
“For Amber to invite me to sing with her band in a 400-seat theatre was very special, and I got to choose my favourite Lainey Wilson song” Georgia said. “Amber is such an inspiration to me.”
Looking ahead, Georgia is preparing to record her original music, with plans to release her first single in 2026. Before then, she has her sights set firmly on Tamworth Country Music Festival, where she will once again busk on Peel Street.
“Last year I was lucky enough to open Lee Kernaghan’s concert at TRECC during the festival, Lee is an amazing performer and puts on a great show” she said. “Tamworth is where dreams come true. I make so many friends and meet beautiful people while busking.”
Georgia also placed second in the Junior Division of the TCMF Maccas Golden Gig this year and plans to return to the competition in January 2026.
“The Golden Gig is so much fun,” she said. “You get to perform with a three-piece band and learn so much from the musicians. I love every minute of it.”
Open Mics with Circle of Sound Entertainment, a Ch7 Sunrise live weather tv cross, local festival gigs such as the Nurture Festival and Noosa Stars Alive talent search have all been stepping stones to building her confidence. Away from the stage, Georgia credits her family as the foundation of her journey so far.
“My family carry my gear, travel with me, give me honest feedback and make me laugh during gigs,” she said. “I couldn’t do this without them — it’s a team effort.”
