A.B.B.A. Media Release
< Matt Manning with his Star Quest Trophy at the Tamworth Diggers Club Auditorium19th January 2004
A.B.B.A. BUSH BALLADEER STAR QUEST
Brian Young, Matt Manning & Peter Coad ; Photo:Peter Leahy

Monday the 19th of January Tamworth 2004 festival, saw the Tamworth West Diggers Club (RSL) auditorium host the Bush Balladeer Star Quest.
The Bush Balladeer entrants were of exceptional talent. Finalists included Col Duncan , Ashley Cook, Vicki Walsh , Denise Brooks, Jacui Gaynor, Mal Podmore and Matt Manning.
Before a large enthusiastic audience, the finalists performed superbly, giving the judges the unenviable job of selecting just one winner, but Matt Manning's performance left judges and the audience in no doubt he was the winner on the day. The trophy was presented to Matt by ledgend artist Brian Young.

As part of his win, Matt Manning will perform at the Bungendore Muster, appear at festivals and concerts around the country over the coming months and will also be recording his winner's single with LBS, to be released nationally through the NFS Compilation album network in the near future.
Matt's musical talent is drawn from his background, being born into a country music family, Matt has been around traditional Australian country music and Bush Ballads all his life.
The Association assists the Star Quest winners with support and invaluable industry knowledge, to help build the winner's profile and musical career, via the balladeers Bulletin and website, media contact, festival appearances, and profile/updates/tour dates/contact etc for the interest of the media and fans.

Congratulations Matt Manning!!