The Cooper’s Golden Saddle Award Winner for 2002 is – Dave McCallum!

     Dave McCallum is a Moree based balladeer, who was chosen from the Galston Golden Saddle finalist list by Rotary to replace Travis Sinclair.

     (Travis was not able to appear at the Festival on Sunday 8th September, due to being chosen as an official understudy for Lee Kernaghan in the Man from Snowy River, and was in rehearsal for his part on that time.)

     Dave McCallum joined Daniel Thompson from Green Point NSW and Donella Plane from Mirrabooka NSW on Sunday 8th September at Fagan Park Galston for this coveted event.
     The Cooper’s Golden Saddle Award is an award given to an outstanding artist who is considered ‘the best’ at their chosen field of country music. Dave who performed last, stood in awe as he watched amazing performances from Donella Plane, and Daniel Thompson.

     It came as a complete shock to him when he was announced as the winner by special guest presenter Jimmy Little.

     In the hardest Grand Final yet seen in the last six years Dave will take his place with former winners Tracy Faith, Colin Greatorix, Dave Debs, and Micheal King.

     Dave received his prize, a cheque for $500 from Cooper’s Brewery, a recording package from Greylabel Productions, a Publicity Pack from the Independent Country Music Bulletin, a beautiful handcrafted saddle and Certificate, and ongoing support and publicity over the next 12 months.

     As the winner Dave will return next year to perform as a special guest at the Galston Country Music festival, held annually at Fagan Park Galston.

     Michael King, the 2001 winner, returned this year to hand over his title and to perform as an official guest on the day.

     All Finalists and Grand Finalists are to be congratulated on being nominated, as this is one award they cannot nominate themselves for. The award is Australia wide and they were chosen in the first place for their outstanding ability.

     The Cooper’s Golden Saddle Award is an activity of the Galston Country Music Festival and the Rotary Club of Galston.

     For more information on the Galston Country Music Festival in this the Year of the Outback and for a list of Artists performing and for events, please check the Official Web Site www.galstonfestival.com.au