2017 winners

Jessica Whitbread and Naomi Williams

The Inverell Town Hall was packed on Friday Night as the Sapphire Festival got into full swing.

The 8th Annual Inverell East Rotary Club’s “Inverell’s Got Talent” concert entertained an appreciative audience of locals and Sapphire Festival visitors. With 22 finalists, this event, the brainchild of Inverell East Rotarian Tim Newberry, was once again an opportunity to showcase the amazing variety of talent present in our town and district. Musicians, singers and dancers of all ages turned on three hours of non-stop entertainment. Supporting acts from Josh Cunningham and Joeys Oz Music Band provided an additional boost to the evening.

Support from the Shire Council, local business sponsors, Peter Caddey (MC), Chris Richter, Alan East and the tireless volunteer work of Rotarians and partners ensures the continuing success of this lively and popular Festival Event.

Judges, Mrs Barbara Bidencope and Rick Hutton had a difficult job but came up with the following prize winners

Overall Winner was Jessica Whitbread & Naomi Williams singing “Want You to Want Me” (a mix of Cheap Tricks & Jason Derulo)

Junior Winner was Craze Dance Academy – “La La Land” (from the Musical La La Land)

Junior highly Commended

Renae Fleming – “Let Her Go” (Jasmine Thompson)

Duet Pru Black & Geoff McCosker – “One Thousand Years” (Christina Perri)

Senior Top 5

Sarah Turner – “O Mio Babbino Caro”  (Opera Gianni Schicchi)

Delysse Walsh – “The Sword Dance” (Ghillie Callum)

Jessica Whitbread & Naomi Williams singing “Want You to Want Me” (a mix of Cheap Tricks & Jason Derulo)

Tahnee Conroy – “Dream Catcher” – (Original Composition)

Kathryn Luxford – “Sign Of The Times” (Harry Styles)

Senior Encouragement Award

Benita McElhinney – “Hallelujah” (Leonard Cohen)

Tash Cooper – “Let It Go” (James Bay)

The Inverell East Rotary Club President, Mr Wayne Fowke, presented the prizes and thanked all those community members who support charity events such as “Inverell’s Got Talent.”.

Click this link to see past winners of Inverell’s Got Talent

Click this link to see the 2017 Program

Click through the gallery of over 40 photos of the night.