CMAA Achiever Awards & Symposium Return In 2025

The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has announced the return of one of the industry’s most meaningful and anticipated events the 2025 CMAA Achiever Awards and Symposium, taking place on Saturday, 13th September at JMC Academy in Sydney. The event is free for CMAA members and open to the general public, with limited spots available.

A standout on the Australian country music calendar, the full-day gathering brings together artists, songwriters, managers, educators, broadcasters, publicists, students and other industry professionals for a powerful mix of learning, networking and recognition all in one place, on one day.

“This event is for our entire community – from front-of-stage performers to behind-the-scenes champions,” said CMAA Board Member and Event Organiser Michael Carpenter. “It’s a chance to celebrate not just the music, but the people who make the music possible.”

The day begins at 12:00 PM with the CMAA Industry Development Symposium, a practical conversation-led afternoon of panels and Q&As covering everything from network building and branding to airplay, streaming, touring and the realities of building a career in country music. It’s a rare chance to hear directly from some of the most respected voices in the industry in a setting that encourages open discussion and genuine connection.

From 7:00 PM, the CMAA Achiever Awards Ceremony takes centre stage. With red carpet arrivals, live performances and two major award categories, the Legacy Awards (honouring long-standing contributions to the industry) and the Contemporary Awards (celebrating standout achievements from the past year). The night is a powerful reminder of the people driving the genre forward, both on and off the stage.

Whether you're just starting out or have been part of the scene for decades, the Achiever Awards and Symposium offer a rare opportunity to come together as a community, learn from one another, and recognise the work that keeps country music thriving in Australia.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025
Venue: JMC Academy, 561 Harris Street, Ultimo NSW
Time: Symposium from 12:00 PM | Awards Ceremony from 7:00 PM
Tickets: Free for CMAA Members | Open to All | Limited Availability
Register now