26/07/2026
Last night was a truly special night for all of us at Buckleys Music Group.
To be named Winners of the Excellence in Creative Industries Award at the Clarence Valley Business Awards is an honour that means more to us than words can express. Simply being selected as finalists was something we were incredibly proud of, but to receive the award is recognition of many years of hard work, passion, and a genuine commitment to supporting live music in our region.
For us, Buckleys Music Group has always been about much more than running a music store. Every day we strive to make music accessible and affordable for musicians, while also giving back to the industry that has given us so much.
We're proud to volunteer our time on the committees of the Criterion Theatre, Jacaranda Festival, FM103.1 Loving Life, and Harvest Moon Festival, working alongside many dedicated people who believe in the value of live music and the arts.
One of our biggest priorities has always been advocating for musicians to be recognised and paid fairly for the incredible work they do. With the introduction of the new superannuation requirements for performers, we've already begun contacting every Harvest Moon Festival artist to ensure we remain fully compliant while continuing to support our industry in the right way.
This year also saw another successful Making Music Clarence Valley, where we welcomed more people than ever before and were proud to pay our performers above award rates.
Our Weekly Clarence Valley Gig Guide continues to be a labour of love. Shared across more than 40 social media platforms and recorded each week for broadcast by 953 Live Sound, on all three local radio stations—at our own cost—it represents countless hours of work. The wonderful feedback we receive from musicians, venues, locals and visitors reminds us why we do it: helping people discover live music while supporting the artists and venues that keep our local music scene thriving.
None of this would be possible without the incredible musicians who trust us, the venues that provide opportunities, our volunteers, our committee colleagues, our loyal customers, and the many local businesses that generously sponsor and support live music across our region.
A heartfelt thank you to Business NSW for selecting us for this award, and to the Clarence Valley Business Awards team for hosting such a fantastic evening celebrating local businesses making a difference.
This award belongs to everyone who believes that live music matters.
Here's to continuing to support our musicians, strengthen our creative community, and keep live music alive for many years to come.
Thank you all for being part of the journey. ❤️🎶
