Mackenzie Lee and Lucy Beveridge have a wealth of opportunities ahead of them after being crowned the winners of the Mothertone Gympie Music Muster Talent Search with Grace Alexandra winning the Encouragement Award.
The Gympie Music Muster is as much about nurturing emerging talent as it is about celebrating established artists, with Mackenzie Lee winning the Open section and Lucy Beveridge taking home the title in the Junior section. Mackenzie, who entered the junior division last year and won the encouragement award, returned in 2025 to claim the top prize in the senior section.
“The judges had a tough job, with all the finalists very close in the end,” Mothertone’s Michael Turner said.
‘The quality of performances was remarkable and showed just how bright the future of country music is.”
For Hunter Valley singer, Mackenzie, the win was overwhelming.
“I was amazed – I wasn’t expecting it,” she said.
Everyone else was amazing, and it took me a second to realise it was my name. Winning this has made me go, ‘I can do this, this is what I want to do and keep going with it.’”
As part of the prize, Mackenzie receives mentoring and career development assistance and a trip to Nashville with songwriting and networking opportunities.
“I’ve never left my home country before – to go straight to the country music capital of America is incredible,” she said.
“I’m now hoping to tour more, build a stronger fanbase and keep growing in the country music industry.”
Mackenzie topped off her win with a performance on the Optus Hill Stage.
Meanwhile, Lucy Beveridge, from Lake Macquarie, said her first Gympie Music Muster was an unforgettable experience.
“Playing with the band was incredible – it’s not every day you get to perform with such amazing musicians,” she said.
“I entered because I wanted to share my songs with people, and I love the look on their faces when they hear me sing.”
Lucy said she now has her eyes set on building a fanbase and releasing her music in the next couple of years.
“I wasn’t expecting to win,” she said.
“I wanted to get out there and share my music. This has been incredible – the whole Muster is so entertaining, and I love that everything is in walking distance, so you can see so many artists.”
The opportunity to play in front of new fans and create new networks is a win for all the finalists.
For more information about the Gympie Music Muster and to purchase tickets, visit www.muster.com.au.
