TALENT comes in all shapes and sizes. And ages too, if the line-up for Ballarat’s Got Talent is any indication.
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Harriet Murphy is a seasoned veteran of eisteddfods and other singing competitions at the ripe old age of nine. Jill Coon is the fresh-faced rookie in front of the microphone who turns 71 on Thursday.
They will be among 40 performers trying to wow judges Peter Golla, Laurel Johnson and Jules Zass for a share of $4000, plus other prizes at Bray Raceway on Saturday night.
Event organiser Garry West said Ballarat’s Got Talent was about giving contestants the opportunity to perform.
“It’s all ages. It’s nice you have someone nine and someone 70 able to compete,” Mr West said.
“Jill has never had a go in her life but the crowd is so supportive of anyone having a go.
“We’ve got 15 contestants coming from Melbourne and other parts of Victoria but the beauty is the majority are from Ballarat. It is the most (local competitors) we’ve had.
“The most important thing, though, is the opportunity.”
There is a $700 first prize for the best visiting performer and $700 for the best Ballarat performer.
The second and third prize in each category is $500 and $200 respectively.
In addition, there is a $500 prize for the most promising act and other prizes provided by the Ballarat and District Trotting Club, and Vision By Demunk. Last year’s runner-up, Larissa Lambert, was a finalist of The X Factor while past champion Caterina Torres was a finalist on The Voice.
The competition starts at 6pm and will coincide with the Australasian Breeders Crown semi-final meeting at Bray Raceway.