The song contest was held for the first time during National Reconciliation Week 2014 and asked people to come together to sing for reconciliation.

“Gurrumul and I were really impressed with the quality of songs entered in to the competition,” Delta Goodrem said.

“It was great to see so many people showing their support for reconciliation through the power of song—congratulations to everyone and to the winners.”

The winning entries were from talented, up-and-coming artists that showed creativity and talent, and embodied reconciliation.

Adelaide singer-songwriter, Kylie Kain, won the ‘Best Original’ category with her song ‘Stompin’ the Ground’, written and performed for the competition.

The ‘Best Cover’ category was won by 13-year-old Victorian schoolgirl, Jemma Cher, singing ‘Time to Get Serious’, written by Robert Beattie.

Jemma entered Sing Loud! to join others in singing about reconciliation and to encourage others to learn about the significance of the Corroboree Tree near St Kilda Junction.

She plans to donate half of her $1000 prize to an Indigenous organisation and use the other half to further her musical training.

Due to the number of entries from schools, a special $500 prize was created and awarded to Brisbane’s Bray Park State School for ‘Best School’ entry to Sing Loud!.

Bray Park State School performed an original song, ‘BRING IT ON’, written by teacher, Jo Reid-Speirs about the school’s reconciliation program, which includes music and art.

Bray Park was inspired to enter Sing Loud! as a plea for others to come together as one. Their song represents hope, pride, respect, truth, trust and unity.

The competition attracted more than 60 high quality entries from all over the country, including 45 original songs.

The winners of the Sing Loud! competition and links to their entries:

Best original: Kylie Kain – ‘Stompin’ the Ground’

Best school: Bray Park State School – ‘BRING IT ON’