In an exciting development for the Australian National Busking Championships (ANBC), 19-year-old Berridale singer-songwriter Gabi Forman has been named its first official ambassador. Forman, a promising multi-instrumentalist, will represent the ANBC at the acclaimed Gympie Music Muster in Queensland this August. This appointment also sees her scheduled to perform during the Cooma regional heat and the national grand final weekend, set for November 15-16, 2025.
PHOTO: ANBC Ambassador Gabi Forman with ANBC President – Allan Spencer. CREDIT: ANBC
Her acknowledgment from the ANBC has come from numerous consistent performances in the music scene in recent years. Her selection to perform on the Kombi Keg Bush Bar stage at the Gympie Music Muster on August 31 followed her excellent performances at the ANBC national 2024 grand final, alongside appearances at prominent folk festivals such as Cobargo, Illawarra, and Tamworth. Gympie Country Music Muster’s program director, Bec Anderson, praised Forman’s blend of traditional and fresh musical styles, noting that her artistry aligns beautifully with the festival’s essence.
Forman’s musical journey began in earnest at the ANBC, where she consistently impressed both judges and audiences. In the recent ANBC national grand final in Cooma, she placed third in the Open division, just behind competitors Arthur Hull and Abby May. Her steadfast dedication has seen her place prominently in numerous regional heats over the past five years.
A graduate of the Country Music Association of Australia Junior Academy 2024, Forman is known for her powerful vocals and skills on guitar, mandolin, and harmonica, having refined her talents under the guidance of tutors like Jindabyne’s Jeni Reeves and Berridale’s Simon Grace. Her debut EP, featuring original compositions, was well-received last November, and her single “The Girl” – a poignant piece addressing anti-bullying – has advanced as a semi-finalist in the 2025 Listen Up Music Songwriting Competition.
Forman’s schedule is busy yet enviable. She is set to perform at the Songwriters in the Round with the Tamworth Songwriters Association during the Hats Off to Country Festival this July, and she is already lined up for the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January.
ANBC President Allan Spencer expressed his joy at Forman’s appointment, highlighting her continuous growth and dedication. “Gabi’s journey with us began when she was unsure about her place in the Open category, but her talent and enthusiasm quickly made an impression. She’s a fantastic ambassador, both for the ANBC and the Snowy Mountains,” he remarked.