Rhiannon Simpson took out the award after entering a video to the competition, where she was one of nine selected to take part in the heats.

Musicians were then required to play two songs in the heat and the final, with the option of playing solo or with a house backing band.

Since finishing school in 2012 Ms Simpson has dedicated herself to playing the blues, saying she enjoyed the sense of community that surrounds the genre.

“(At blues clubs) you can just turn up with a guitar and they’ll let you play on stage.”

The award is named after the respected Bendigo community figure Phil Lazenby, who was a successful businessman and accomplished blues musician.

Mr Lazenby passed away in 2013, and wrote in his will that he wanted his guitar collection to be donated to young musicians.

The competition is now used to distribute Mr Lazenby’s pre-loved instruments.

The Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival began in 2011, and this year saw over 170 acts descend on Bendigo over four days.

“There’s too many good people, you can’t keep up” Ms Simpson said.

The Miners Rest resident plays in a number of local bands, and is preparing to record her first solo album, which she hopes to tour at the end of next year.

“I’m just going to get a van and head up the coast.”