It’s music to my ears!
Not only did 74 Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools take the stage at Villanova’s Queensland Catholic Music Festival (QCMF), but students from across the system have struck a chord with National audiences recently.From students taking out the top prize at Harwyn Rocking the Nation Grand Final 2025, to singing alongside platinum-selling Australian country musician Troy Cassar-Daley, BCE students are hitting all the high notes!
Harwyn Rocking the Nation Grand Final Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs band ‘The Spice Boyz’ have taken out the top prize at Harwyn Rocking the Nation Grand Final 2025 at Monash University’s Alexander Theatre in Melbourne. The students won $25,000 worth of music gear and have also won their school a custom Harwyn Pod worth $100,000. The pod will allow students to blast away without interrupting other classes. In Melbourne to support the band, Siena Catholic College Principal Sharon Collins said, “We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students Louis, Finn, Bradley and Lucas.”“They have not only inspired other students in our college community to pursue music but have also provided our college with equipment we wouldn’t have had access to,” she said. “This will enhance our ability to offer high-quality music education and performance opportunities.” Siena Catholic College band, Sippy Downs ‘The Spice Boyz.' ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs (2025).
BaconFest 2025
She’s only nine years old yet she’s already performing with well-known country artists.
Saint Mary’s Catholic College, Kingaroy students joined platinum-selling Australian country artist, Troy Cassar-Daley on-stage at BaconFest 2025. During rehearsals, Year 4 student, Ellie impressed Mr Cassar-Daley with her guitar skills, and they performed "Dream Out Loud” on stage at the festival.
Beginning her music journey in Prep, Ellie said she loves to play guitar.
“I love the sound,” she said.
Saint Mary's Catholic College’s guitar tutor, Grant Jeppesen said, “Ellie has natural musical talent.”
“She will go far in the music world, which is why I encouraged her to pursue this opportunity,” he said.
“We can’t wait to see what she does next.”
Saint Mary's College, Kingaroy Year 4 student, Ellie with Saint Mary's Catholic College’s guitar tutor, Grant Jeppesen. Image credit: Photo by Julian Lehnert, Burnett Today, (used with permission).
Triple J’s Unearthed Comp 2025
Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs brothers Frank (2024 graduate) and Louis (Year 12) have also struck a chord with the judges of Triple J’s Unearthed Comp, taking out the competition in 2025.
“The brothers recorded their first single last year and also made it into Triple J’s Hottest 100 in 2024, cementing their place as rising stars in the Australian music scene,” said Principal Sharon Collins.
“We are huge fans of Frank and Louis here at Siena Catholic College.
“The students love their music, and it always creates a buzz on campus when we hear them on air.”
Mt Maria College, Mitchelton’s The Royals were also finalists in Triple J’s Unearthed Comp.
Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs brothers Frank (2024 graduate) and Louis (Year 12). ©Brisbane Catholic Education, Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs (2025).
QCMF This year’s QCMF competition struck a chord with audiences, as 74 Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) schools took centre stage to showcase their talents. Find out more about what BCE’s students got up to at QCMF click here. For more information about Saint Mary’s College, Kingaroy or to enrol click here. For more information about Siena Catholic College, Sippy Downs or to enrol click here. 
©Brisbane Catholic Education, Mary MacKillop College, Nundah (2025).