Sunshine Coast wins big at Queensland Music Awards

A popular festival and a high-flying venue have picked up accolades at the prestigious Queensland Music Awards.

Owners Chris and Lauren Hignett of The Station/old Night Quarter venue will be reopening in March. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The Sunshine Coast’s strong music industry has been recognised at the 2025 Queensland Music Awards with several award wins and a bevy of nominations.

The Queensland Music Awards are the premier annual awards celebrating the best and brightest in the state’s music industry, recognising artists, industry professionals, and venues that contribute to its ongoing growth and excellence

Commencing in 2006 and run by industry body, QMusic, they have highlighted Queensland greats such as Amy Shark, Kate Miller-Heidke and Sheppard.

Kara Steenson, Jamie Brown and Bree Ceely at the Big Pineapple Music Festival 2024.

The Big Pineapple Festival took home the Festival of the Year award and The Station SC collected the Accessible Venue of the Year gong.

Sunshine Coast artists and industry were strongly represented among the finalists, including The Dreggs for Album of the Year, Pat Tierney for the Blues and Roots award, Ayla for the Electronic music award, Frank and Louis for the Youth Award, Sari Abbott for the Billy Thorpe Scholarship and Norton Music Factory for Regional Venue of the Year.

Big Pineapple Music Festival organiser Mark Pico. Picture: Contributed

Big Pineapple Festival Organiser Mark Pico said it was a huge honour to win Festival of the Year.

“This is the fourth time the festival has won this award now and it’s such a testament to our loyal festival goers who come from all parts of Australia each year,” Mr Pico said.

“It’s also a massive boost to our small but powerful team who bring the festival together each year.”

Mr Pico thanked partners, sponsors, volunteers, and “everyone who has had involvement with this amazing festival past and present and helped it become the success that it is.”

“It means everything.”

Owners Chris and Lauren Hignett of The Station/old Night Quarter venue will be reopening in March. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The owners of The Station SC in Birtinya were thrilled with their award, and said it was recognition of its commitment to creating a space where music could be enjoyed by all.

The venue has only been open as The Station for a year, but has already put in a titanic effort to host more than 10 international artists and countless national and local artists.

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award and to be acknowledged for our efforts in making live music accessible to everyone,” said Chris and Lauren Hignett, Owners of The Station SC.

“Music should be enjoyed without barriers, and we will continue working to ensure our venue remains a place where everyone feels welcome and equal,” they said.

“Around one in six people have a disability, let’s make sure we’re accommodating them.”