Kevin Sullivan and the Sulli-Vans had an unforgettable few days in Tamworth during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. They performed the National Anthem to a packed stadium crowd and took home the award for Best Independent Country Band at the Independent Country Music Association Awards.

The family band, made up of Kevin, his wife Belinda (their road manager), and their children KJ, Jet, and Cha-Cha, were thrilled to receive the award. “It was amazing. It was the first time we’d won an award as a band. They even gave each of us a trophy with the Sulli-Vans and our individual names engraved on it. Our son Jett, who’s 9, was so excited,” says Kevin. 

“Recognition like this is really rewarding. We put in so many miles and so much hard work, so to be acknowledged in the industry means a lot.”

During their nearly two week stay in Tamworth, the band performed at a variety of events, including a sold out show called Music for McGrath at Tamworth Town Hall, which supported the McGrath Foundation.

However, the most memorable performance came at the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association (ABCRA) National Rodeo Finals. “We got to sing a few songs, and the National Anthem, on the back of a truck, right in the middle of this massive stadium. It was a first for us, and it was awesome!” Kevin says.

Kevin also released his new album, Threeways, on June 28, 2024. The album spent 10 weeks in the top 10 of the ARIA Country Albums chart and ended up in 9th place overall for 2024.

 “When we got to Tamworth, I did a radio interview, and someone in the industry told me my album was in the top 10 best-selling country albums for 2024. It was the first time I’d heard that, because they only publicised the top 5. My album was ranked 8th,” Kevin explains.

He continues, “I asked if there was anyone ahead of us I’d know, and he said, Probably not - have you heard of a guy named Keith Urban? Keith Urban was in front of us, and I thought, to be in the top 10 as a small independent artist from Gerringong is just amazing.”

Adding to the excitement, Kevin won a Brumby Award at Tamworth for High Country Snows, a song from Threeways that he co-wrote with Bill Chambers, the father of country music legend Kasey Chambers. The song earned the award for Best Collaboration of the Year.

Although their schedule was packed with performances, Kevin says their road manager makes sure they carve out time for fun. “No matter where we are, she always makes sure we have at least one day to see the sights or participate in something fun in the town. We make sure to have a little downtime,” he says.

And the fun doesn’t stop there. The Sullivan family’s next stops include Queensland for another show, followed by Tasmania for more performances and some recording sessions.

The Sulli-Vans singing the National Anthem. Source: Kevin Sullivan