20/10/2025
BOTB 2025 RECAP!
It always takes a few days to bounce back from big events like this and this one is no different.
Firstly, massive shout out to Gigs And Music Connect MOUNT GAMBIER. Bronte, you pulled together an amazing event and I'm incredibly proud of everything you have achieved. Your hosting and organiser skills were on point.
Thank you to Woolstore Brewery for being wonderful hosts and for the incredible stage that you've built. Thanks to TJF Audio for rolling with the punches and being so darn good at your job. Shout out to BALD SHEEP for ensuring everyone was fed and happy, and a massive thank you to the boys from GERNZ for supplying the backline.
But mainly and most importantly, thank you to all of the artists for showing up and putting on absolutely top notch performances. It was always going to be a long day with 11 bands over the space of 6 and a half hours but we managed to pull it off and I'm so proud of all of the participants for their professionalism and courtesy on and off stage and it's always so exciting to see the range of amazing talent in this town.
Congratulations to The Short Sleeves for taking out the top prize, very well deserved! And congratulations to Corduroy and SØLUS on the runner-ups and of course congratulations to Gabriel Strachan Music for taking out the musicianship prize which was very kindly supplied by Stamina (last year's winners!).
I took a bit of a step back from organising this year and dedicated myself fully to the stage management side of things, ensuring it ran smoothly on the day. We had 10 minute turnarounds for each act which is a crazy quick changeover and it ran smooth as butter. Thank you to Suzi and Jai for stepping up when I had to leave early, I knew it was in safe hands.
All in all a massive success and another win for the local scene, and lastly: thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and came out to support a full day of local music, we couldn't do any of this without the support of the community!
Can't wait to do it all again next year 🫡❤️
📸 cgphotography
Edit: I COMPLETELY FORGOT TO MENTION OUR PANEL OF JUDGES! So also, massive massive thank you Alison (Alison Newman - Vocalist), Jack Lane (Rock Lock Records, Low Expectations) Thomas Wilson (Admella, Bad Animal Studios) and Melanie Riley (The Border Watch). Your expertise and insight was invaluable and your time is greatly appreciated ❤️
