Young winners of youth music competition celebrated 

MEDIA RELEASE

Central Coast Council is proud to announce the winners of its flagship youth music competitions, Discovered and Battle of the Bands, as part of the 2025 Creative Engineers program. This award-winning initiative continues to invest in the creative future of local young people, supporting emerging talents of vocalists, songwriters and musicians and connecting them with the Central Coast’s vibrant arts sector.

After a series of exciting heats, semi-finals, and a spectacular final at the recent Creative Engineers Showcase event, the following talented young artists have been crowned this year’s winners: 

Children’s division (7-12 years)

Discovered winner: Pixie Minerva
Battle of the Bands Kids Clash winner: SoulVessel
Vocal Development Prize: Evelyn McKim
MMAD Merchandise Package, including band development evaluation and opportunity: Coastal Chimps
Inspiration Award: Mia Gordon

 Teens Division (13-17 years)

Discovered Teens 1st Place: Pandora Moran
Vocal Development Prize: Ayva McKim
Artist Development Prize: Maverick Leslie-Fitch
Vocal Scholarship Prize: Shalais Guthrie

 Youth Division (18-24 years)

Discovered winner: Paul Hagistefanis
Battle of the Bands winner: Chaos Vinyl
Studio Recording/Mixing Prize: Alana Suzanne
Songwriter Development Prize: Kassidy Lalor
Artist Development Prize, Songwriter Development Prize, Music Pathways Performance Prize: Kuthula
Creative Engineers Personalised Development Package: Unprotected
Creative Engineers Development Prize: 7 Car Pile-Up and The LeftoverZ

Central Coast Council Director Community and Recreation Services, Melanie Smith, congratulated all participants and highlighted the importance of these competitions in nurturing the next generation of creative leaders.

“The Creative Engineers Program continues to provide meaningful opportunities for young people to develop their artistic skills and gain real-world experience in the creative industries. We are incredibly proud of all the participants and congratulate this year’s winners on their outstanding achievements,” Ms Smith said.

Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna shared his admiration for the young performers and congratulated the winners and all entrants for their passion, dedication and talent.

“The energy, creativity and music on display through Discovered and Battle of the Bands was inspiring. These competitions showcase the incredible musical talent we have on the Central Coast,” Mayor McKinna said. 

“It was a privilege to present the awards and celebrate the achievements of such passionate young artists. I congratulate the winners and thank everyone who took part. You’re the future of our performing artist community.” 

Council extends its gratitude to the Creative Engineers Program sponsors – Damien Gerard Studios, Musicians Making a Difference, Maheraw Vocal Coaching, The Skill Engineer, Gina Jeffreys PL, and Central Coast Music and Arts Inc. – for their ongoing support in making these competitions possible.

For more information about the Creative Engineers Program and to see photo highlights from the showcase event, search ‘Creative Engineers 2025’ at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au 

ENDS