Eleven-year-old Anabelle van Wyk from Alectown is one such local, who not only won the Primary Age category but also the Best Local Performer and pocketed $350 in the process.

Peak Hill hosted the regional final for a second consecutive year on September 15.

And Anabelle wasn’t the only one from the shire to take part.

Parkes girl and 2017 Primary Age category regional winner and national runner-up, Hannah Dun, this year took out second in the Secondary Age category, as well as the People’s Choice Award, claiming a total prize money of $700.

First place-getters in the three age categories (open, secondary and primary) from all seven ANBC regional finals, including Peak Hill, now qualify for the ANBC National Grand Finals in Cooma on November 4.

And Anabelle couldn’t be more excited to make her debut on the national stage.

The Year 5 Parkes Christian School student, who plays a combination of saxophone and guitar while singing, has only competed in the regional finals twice, placing second in 2017.

“It was unexpected but a pleasant surprise,” she said of her winning-double.

“It was very exciting and I had really hoped for the opportunity to qualify for the national championships in Cooma.

“I had such a good time and it was a really good experience.

“I love performing and being able to do it in front of so many people was wonderful.

“It was so nice to perform for and see the other talented musicians with a shared passion for music.”

Among the highlights at the regional final for Anabelle was performing for two of Parkes’ civic leaders.

“One of my favourite moments was when Mayor Ken Keith and [Councillor] Neil Westcott requested I perform a song for them,” she said.

“I enjoyed chatting with them and they both were very supportive.”

Anabelle will now turn her focus to preparing for the national grand finals.

“I’m going to practise even more and add some more songs to my collection,” she said.

Anabelle is hoping to add a national placing alongside her 2018 Junior Elvis Busking Competition and Forbes Karaoke and Talent Quest Sub-Junior winning titles to her developing list of achievements.

“I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember...There are so many things to love about singing that I cannot decide,” she said. 

“One of the definite favourites is that you get to learn about so many different styles of music – jazz, blues, soul, pop, country – and legends like Johnny Cash, Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald.

“Another big reason is the joy it brings to other people, as well as to me.”

Anabelle would like to thank her family for all of their support.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be able to be a musician or go busking,” she said.

“They help me carry the equipment, set up and [they are] my cheer squad.

“And I am also thankful to my wonderful music teachers, past and present.”

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