Bunbury 16yo Elavina Williams playing Boyup Brook Country Music Festival

Finalists in the Western Australia Country Music Awards have been announced, and young South West musicians have stepped up to represent the region.

Sixteen-year-old Elavina Williams, of Bunbury, was one of the finalists announced to perform at this year’s Boyup Brook Country Music Festival for junior vocalist of the year.

Elavina said she busked at the festival last year but was excited to play on stage with a band.

“Playing with a band is a different domain for me,” she said.

She said she was nervous but excited to perform two country covers.

“I enjoy playing them and they’re ones I’m very comfortable performing,” she said.

Shae Digney and Serra McCallum, of Collie, are also finalists in the same category, alongside Georgia Carbone, of Australind.

Shae said she would perform two original songs on stage.

I perform in front of small crowds in Collie but it’s going to be one of the biggest events I’ve played at. I’m quite nervous, but it’s going to be a great thing to do.

Festival music director Sharon Winter said the awards celebrated the talent of WA artists pursuing a career in country music.

“We are once again pleased to shine a light on the outstanding country music talent in Western Australia,” she said.

Award winners will be announced on stage at Boyup Brook’s Music Park on Friday, February 14 during the festival.