Community
2 July, 2025
Cloncurry music star prepares to hone her talent
Elenore Taifalos is a young girl with a big future.
Budding country music talent Elenore Taifalos will this week head to Tamworth to hone her skills at the Academy of Country Music.
Proud mother Debbie Lawlor said her eight-year-old daughter first started performing when she was just six.
“She started playing the keyboard here in Cloncurry and the music teacher picked up on her singing ability,” she said.
“She said, ‘oh, there’s a country music festival coming up, you should nominate Elenore. It was the Hughenden Country Music Festival two years ago.
“So we do four festivals a year now and Hughenden’s coming up again on the 18th of July.”
The CMAA Academy of Country Music will bring together a group of 26 talented young artists and instrumentalists from across Australia and New Zealand who are ready to take the next step in their country music journey.
The junior course provides an intensive week of artist development for emerging talent and a music business course for their parents.
Under the mentorship of award-winning country artists and industry leaders, students receive hands-on experience in songwriting, performance, musicianship, and industry skills in an environment that nurtures creativity and connection.
Academy Director Lyn Bowtell said the 2025 cohort reflected the exciting future of Australian country music.
“These young artists are already writing their own songs, playing live, and finding their voices,” she said.
“It’s inspiring to witness their passion and determination so early in their careers.
“The academy junior course isn’t just about learning the ropes – it’s about helping these kids believe in themselves as artists. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the week, and where they take their music from here.”
Ms Lawlor said Elenore was looking forward to spending time with like-minded youngsters and learning as much as she possibly could while in the country music capital of Australia.
“She’s very excited,” her mum said.
“This is not her first time to Tamworth. She was one of the youngest kids to be in the Golden Gig there earlier this year and she finished in the top five for the under-12s.
“Elenore is learning the guitar and she’s also just started playing the fiddle at school.”
The junior course runs from July 5 to 12.