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Sunshine Coast Music Awards Return For 2026, Nominations Now Open

Mary Varvaris

The Sunshine Coast Music Awards return following a hugely successful inaugural event last year.

Betty Taylor performing at the 2025 SCMAs
Betty Taylor performing at the 2025 SCMAs(Credit: @yeahalrightcool)

The Sunshine Coast Music Industry Collective (SCMIC) launched the inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards in 2025, and this year, the awards return for a second edition.

As well as announcing its return, nominations for this year’s Sunshine Coast Music Awards are now open and close on Friday, 13 March. Nomination guidelines are available here, and eligibility criteria can be found here.

Details regarding the date and venue for this year’s awards ceremony will be revealed in the coming months.

The Sunshine Coast Music Awards return following a hugely successful inaugural event last year. Held at The Station, the evening was hosted by Sarah Howells alongside Ian “Dicko” Dickson and honoured local artists, venues, studios, and industry figures. Ziggy Alberts, Betty Taylor, Minnie Marks, Frank And Louis, and Yama Nui Studios took home the night’s top accolades.

This year’s event will comprise eleven categories celebrating the region’s artistic and commercial excellence, as well as the network of people and venues that form the backbone of the industry.

“SCMIC continues to make ground for the acknowledgement, connectivity, and opportunities for our artists and allied industry here on the Coast,” said Melissa O’Bryan, Chair of the SCMIC. “Our first presentation of awards at The Station last year was a testament to that, and following its success, it became clear this was something that needed to continue.

“Works are underway, and we are extremely excited to be bringing the awards back again this year, and we hope they remain a highlight in the calendars of the community they represent.”

Betty Taylor’s Sophie Patrick discussed the impact of winning the Rising Star Award, Song of the Year and Live Act of the Year.

“We are so lucky to be a part of a community that has so much homegrown talent, and so grateful we get to showcase what the Sunshine Coast has to offer on a global stage,” Patrick shared.

Upon announcing the inaugural Sunshine Coast Music Awards in late 2024, O’Bryan commented, “I’ve been working with local music for nearly a decade. The talent the Sunshine Coast boasts couldn’t be more worthy of their own awards night.”