What? |
A hands-on environment where your songwriting can truly flourish. Whether you're a beginner or an established writer, this workshop invites you to grow, create, and be inspired. Learn from award-winning mentors, collaborate and network with fellow songwriters, share your music, and experience the magic of co-writing in a supportive and encouraging space.
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Pics are clickable
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With: |
Award winning songwriters: Allan Caswell | Matt Scullion | Rachael Fahim |
When? |
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September, 2026 |
Where? |
Hotel Blue - 88 Lurline St. Katoomba, NSW |
Cost |
Seminar and Workshop - $260 per person |
Program
Saturday, September 12th |
12.00 pm:
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APRA AMCOS session with Nikki Tuckwell interview with Stephen Kiely
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1.30 pm:
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Critiques and mentoring session on rotation with Allan and Matt
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3.00 pm:
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Interview - seminar with Matt Scullion
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4.15 pm:
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Interview - seminar with Allan Caswell
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5.30 pm:
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Dinner at the Katoomba RSL (Next door) Red Poppy Brasserie
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7.30-10.00 pm:
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Songwriter performances at Hotel Blue
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Coffee / Tea and biscuits available all day at the hotel |
Sunday, September 13th |
7:00 am:
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Continental Breakfast (included - if staying at Hotel Blue and Clarendon Guesthouse)
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8.30 am:
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Guest Artist - Rachael Fahim performs live, then sits down with Stephen Kiely for an exclusive interview.
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9.30 am:
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Stephen will chat with Lisa and Fred Fahim for an insightful parent's perspective. From early beginnings to significant industry milestones, they will share their journey supporting Rachael's music career and speak about the power of belief, resilience, and working together as a family.
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10:30 am:
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Co-writing sessions begin with Allan, Matt and Rachael
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11.30 am:
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Lunch next door at the Katoomba RSL Red Poppy Brasserie
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| 1:00 pm: |
Co-writing sessions continue
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| 3.30-5.30 pm: |
Performances of all songs co-written over the weekend |
Coffee / Tea and biscuits available all day at the hotel
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*** Meet the Mentors ***
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Allan Caswell - Multi Award Winning Songwriter - Artist
Allan Caswell was honoured in 2024 with induction into the Roll of Renown at the Golden Guitar Awards, celebrating his extraordinary impact as a songwriter, artist, author, and producer.
As Australia's most recorded songwriter, Caswell has had more than 1,000 songs released worldwide by artists including Cilla Black, Patti Page, The Irish Rovers, Steve Earle, The Living End, Slim Dusty, Barry Humphries, and many more.
At the 2020 Golden Guitar Awards, he claimed his eighth Golden Guitar, marking an incredible 40-year journey since his first win in 1980.
His career soared in 1979 with "On The Inside", the iconic theme from Prisoner (Cell Block H), a chart-topping hit that launched his full-time career in music.
Alongside 17 Tamworth Songwriters Association awards and nine Southern Stars Awards, Caswell is widely regarded as a "go-to" co-writer for Australia's leading country artists.
His live performances have taken him across Australia and around the world, from Nashville to the Middle East, captivating audiences everywhere.
In 2020, he formed Lynchburg with Lindsay Waddington, producing hit albums, and in 2025 launched his Really Long Goodbye Tour celebrating his remarkable career.
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Matt Scullion - Multi Award Winning Songwriter - Artist
Matt Scullion is one of Australia's most respected and prolific country music writers and performers.
Raised in the coastal town of Ulladulla, NSW, and forged on the road from Darwin to Tamworth and even Nashville, he discovered early that the singer doesn't always write the songs. Inspired by storytellers like Paul Kelly and Slim Dusty, he picked up guitar at 16 and began writing songs that spoke of home, land and ordinary Aussies doing extraordinary things.
For more than two decades, Matt has penned 26+ number one country hits recorded by giants such as Lee Kernaghan, Sara Storer, Adam Harvey, Amber Lawrence, Travis Collins and even rock legends Cold Chisel. His own albums including Aussie As, Nation Of Abbreviation and his latest, Patch of Paradise blend bush humour, heartfelt storytelling and unmistakable Aussie spirit. On stage, Matt's shows invite laughter, nods of recognition, and a strong sense of shared heritage.
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Rachael Fahim - Multi Award Winning Songwriter - Artist
Rachael is one of Australia's most prominent female voices in modern country-pop, with over 17 million streams, becoming one of the most streamed Australian female country artists.
After winning the prestigious Toyota Star Maker Award in 2017, joining the ranks of past winners like Keith Urban and Troy Cassar-Daley, Rachael's career trajectory has been unstoppable. With multiple #1 singles on Australian Country Radio, she made history in 2025 as the only Australian female artist to achieve a #1 country radio hit that year, marking the first time in 22 years a female country artist has broken through at full-scale commercial radio in Australia. This milestone cemented her status as a trailblazer for women in the genre.
Having performed more than 1,000 live shows, Rachael has captivated audiences at SXSW, CMC Rocks, and nationwide tours alongside Pete Murray and international chart-toppers. In 2026, joined US superstar Jordan Davis on his Australian arena tour. Her debut album, Who You Are, recorded across Los Angeles, Nashville, and Sydney, balances polished pop with grounded country lyricism. Rachael continues to redefine modern country-pop, setting new benchmarks for female artists and opening doors for the next generation. "Who You Are", lit up the 2026 APRA Music Awards for 'Most Performed Country Work'.
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Previous Workshops In The Mountains
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| Songsalive! Australia's mission is to support and promote the craft of songwriting in Australia by providing resources, networking opportunities, and professional development for our members.
We aim to foster a thriving community of songwriters and to celebrate the diversity and creativity of Australian music. We believe that songwriting is an essential art form that has the power to inspire, entertain, and bring people together.
We are committed to advocating for the rights and interests of songwriters in the Australian music industry and to supporting the next generation of Australian songwriters. |
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