2025 Achiever Awards Spotlight The Backbone Of Aussie Country Music

Last Saturday night in Sydney, the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) brought together the brightest names both on stage and behind the scenes at the 2025 Achiever Awards & Symposium, filling the JMC Academy with some truly deserving honours. 

The full day of panels, performances, and recognition proved once again that the heart of country music in Australia pulses just as strong off-stage as it does in front of thousands.

The day kicked off with the Industry Development Symposium a free, open-to-all gathering that drew artists, songwriters, producers, media folks, and industry up-and-comers. Moderated panels covered everything from branding and streaming to touring, radio, and the shifting realities of building a sustainable music career. Key voices included Natalie Waller, Justin Thomson, Raechel Whitchurch, Katie Rynne, Stuart Coupe, and Gavin Carfoot, among others. Their insights and advice set the tone: country music isn’t just about the spotlight, it’s about what happens in the wings.

When the evening rolled around the CMAA Achiever Awards Ceremony took over. Live performances punctuated the night and the honours were handed out.

Among the most celebrated names of the night was Max Jackson, crowned Artist of the Year, while Wade Forster took out Emerging Artist of the Year. Producer and songwriter excellence was also spotlighted, with Michael Carpenter and Gavin Carfoot each taking home well-deserved trophies. Longstanding contributors like Kevin Bennett, Max Ellis, Colin Buchanan, and James Gillard were honoured for their decades of commitment to the genre.

What really resonated was how deeply people appreciate the many roles that make the music industry tick, not just the artists, but the songwriters, producers, media professionals, musicians, and creatives who often work quietly behind the curtain. 

As CMAA Board member Michael Carpenter noted during the lead-up, “This event is for our entire community, from front‑of‑stage performers to behind‑the‑scenes champions. It’s a chance to celebrate not just the music, but the people who make the music possible.” That sentiment was felt clearly throughout the night.

Full List of 2025 CMAA Achiever Award Recipients:

Industry Achiever of the Year – CMAA Academy of Country Music

Lifetime Achievement – Industry – Max Ellis

Artist of the Year – Max Jackson

Lifetime Achievement – Artist – Kevin Bennett

Emerging Artist of the Year – Wade Forster

Songwriter of the Year – Gavin Carfoot

Lifetime Achievement – Songwriter – Colin Buchanan

Musician of the Year – Michael Muchow

Lifetime Achievement – Musician – James Gillard

Media Achiever of the Year – ABC Country

Producer of the Year – Michael Carpenter

Visual/Creative Arts Achiever of the Year – Jeremy Minett