AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS
Tuesday, 28 January, 2025
Googfest hits the right note at Australia Day awards
Googong is celebrating a major win after its much-loved live music festival, Googfest, took home the Australia Day Award for Queanbeyan-Palerang Region Community Event of the Year for its 2024 event.
Presented on January 26th at the Queanbeyan Town Park Australia Day celebrations, the award recognises Googfest's significant contribution to the Queanbeyan-Palerang community, honouring local initiatives and leaders that positively impact the region.
The 2024 Googfest festival was a country-themed extravaganza and drew a crowd of over 6,000 from across the ACT region. Attendees donned their cowboy hats and boots to enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment featuring ARIA award-winner Travis Collins, Golden Guitar Award nominee Hayley Jensen, and local Canberra artist Dana Hassall.
Collins delivered an energetic performance, while Jensen’s dulcet tones bought something for all ages. For the first time in Googfest history, event goers were also treated to extended set times, with Collins and Jensen performing 90-minute sets.
As a free event, Googfest is committed to providing a great evening of entertainment for all ages, a key factor in the festival receiving the award. This commitment to accessibility extends beyond free entry to include complementary bus services and the option to bring food and drinks, eliminating the financial barriers that often prevent many from enjoying live music.
"This award recognises the vital role Googfest plays in bringing our Googong community together," said Googong Community Manager Samantha Remmers who collected the award on behalf of the township on Sunday.
“As the cost of living continues to impact Australian’s, we’re proud to offer a completely free event that not only offers a guaranteed evening of great entertainment but also provides a platform for artists to share their talent.”
First held in 2015, Googfest has long been a springboard for both emerging and established artists, many with a local connection. Several past headliners have achieved great success after gracing the Googfest stage, including Canberra formed rock band Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, who played in 2017 and went on to win their first ARIA Award last year.
This year’s event will take place on Saturday 15th February and will be headlined by popstar Samantha Jade, DJ and Rapper Matthew Charles and his band and local group Last Call.
Googong itself also celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, marking an important milestone in the development of the township. The population currently stands at over 8,000, with an estimated 18,000 people expected to call Googong home at completion.
Googfest 2024 is proudly hosted by Googong, a joint venture between leading residential developers Peet and Mirvac.
GOOGFEST 2025 will be hosted on Saturday 15 February 2025. Don't miss out! Click here for information.
