Stories of strength centre stage at Tamworth Country Music Festival

Music is deeply woven into Amy Hannan's life. Stepping into her home, visitors are greeted by a collection of guitars, and even her prosthetic leg is adorned with musical symbols. Achieving success in the music industry is no easy feat, but it's a pursuit that comes from her heart.

Amy faced health challenges from a young age, with some in the industry believing her disability would hinder her performance. However, an amputation surgery about 13 years ago actually saved her life. "I have Parkes-Weber syndrome. Basically, it causes severe heart failure because my heart has to work overtime," she said. "If I had kept my leg, I would have lost my life. That was the choice I was given. I’ve actually become stronger because of the amputation.”

Amy sang from a young age and quickly fell in love with country music. "I sang 'Rockin' Robin' at a street fair when I was about 10 and won the competition, then bought my first guitar, and it all went from there," she said. "I feel like you can tell your story better through country music. I hope people can not only understand my story, but also feel comfortable sharing theirs.” Amy Hannan has been performing since she was young. Amy has been attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival since about the age of 12. This year, she also calls the northern NSW town home. “Being my first year as a local girl and a Gamilaroi girl as well, there’s a special spark in the air,” she said.

Each year, when the country music festival comes to town, buskers from all walks of life descend on Peel Street in Tamworth. Each singer has their own tale of hardship – from diminutive guitarists to more mature songwriters and balladeers. Among the crowd favourites are the young sibling busking duo, ‘The Curry Mob’. Mikaela and Mick Curry, also known as Mika and Blu, have an incredible story of resilience to share. They said country music helped them through their traumatic experience in the Philippines. “A big typhoon destroyed us, so we had no choice but to come back to Australia,” father Mick Curry Senior said. That was Typhoon Odette in 2021. The family arrived in Australia about two years ago. “We started from scratch, but we’re a family,” he said.

Shortly after the family moved back to Australia, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, but it was during this time that the family’s love of music was born. “I taught myself guitar during COVID. The kids learned off me, and they’ve just taken off,” Mick Senior said. “They’ve surpassed me, they’re doing so well. I’m their tour manager now.” For the past two years, Mikaela and Mick have been practicing their craft. They may be young, but they enjoy country musicians who came before their time – like Johnny Cash, Slim Dusty and John Denver. “It makes me happy, I feel happy with it,” Mick said. “It’s like a good friend I like to hang out with.” “I love music, I’ve always loved it, and it makes me happy too,” Mikaela added. The Tamworth Country Music Festival runs from January 17th to 26th.