First Nations singer-songwriter Scott Hunter has performed to sold-out stadiums for Sydney Mardi Gras, but this weekend he is going bush to headline Coonabarabran's first ever Pride event.

The Warrumbungle Shire is gearing up to celebrate Pride in the Park this Saturday, 15th March, the first ever LGBTQ+ event to take place in the region.

What began as plans for a small community barbecue by local suicide prevention network Yarn Support Connect, has evolved into full-scale festivities with an exciting mix of local and visiting artists, markets stalls, good food and family-friendly fun.

Rising star and Sydney-based singer Scott Hunter, will travel from Sydney to headline the event, joining other artists such as Signal Creative, Missy Sparkles, DJ Bill and Rachael Rose. Live entertainment will begin from 4.00pm at Neilson Park, Coonabarabran.

We spoke with Scott ahead of the big event, to learn more about him and get a glimpse of his plans for Saturday's performance.

1. We’re STOKED to have you performing at Pride in the Park this weekend. Have you ever been to Coonabarabran?

The furthest I’ve ever been inland NSW would be Dubbo. I’m originally from near Townsville, North Queensland so haven’t done much exploring living down here. This will be a good opportunity.

I’m coming with a friend of mine who is from Narrabri who will be my tour guide!

2. You were born in the small country town OF Charters Towers IN North Queensland. What was it like growing up there?

When I look back at it, it was tricky in many ways. But also, my family were very accomodating.

I didn’t know any other gay people in town. There are gay people in Charters Towers, but there’s no support network there. Even when we moved to Townsville I still felt like I was the ‘only gay in the village.' The only other gay person I knew was my uncle, who was around my age. I looked up to him for support and guidance. All we had was each other.

I look back and I would’t change anything. As much as it was a battle, it’s made me the person who I am.

Whether you live in a small country town or a big city you should be able to feel free, loved, and supported.

3. What advice would you give to other young LGBTQ+ people growing up in a small country town?

Whether you live in a small country town or a big city you should be able to feel free, loved, and supported.

Remember it’s a journey. Finding yourself first is the priority. Because once you find who you are and love yourself for who you are, those people who are meant to be in your life will come into your life.

4. What was it like performing for sold-out stadiums at Sydney Mardi Gras?

You can feel the electricity coming from the crowd. It literally gives you adrenaline. Standing there, you can see everyone, you can hear the cheers. When I looked up on the big screen you could see people hugging each other and crying and just enjoying themselves.

It really pulls on the heart strings. Because for that moment in time, we are all together, we are all on the same page, we are all unified. It’s an amazing experience. Words can’t explain the feeling you get performing for a crowd like that.

I’ve done it multiple times now but I never get sick of it.

Scott performing at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2021. 

---

5. A gig at Coonabarabran is A BIT different to performing for thousands at the SCG. Why do you think Pride events in COUNTRY towns are so important?

The thing that really drew me in was the cause – raising awareness for suicide prevention.

When I lived in Brisbane, there was this Youth Service called Open Doors which is an LGBTQ+ organisation, and they were just so helpful. Myself, I’ve never had thoughts of of suicide, but I’ve been around a lot of people who have been in that headspace.

Especially in a little country town, it’s very isolating. You don’t have the big support networks like you would in a big city like Sydney or Brisbane, or even Dubbo. So an event like this is such an important cause.

It’s a good thing as well to show visibility. There are people who come from country towns who don’t want to leave, but don’t see other people like them in their community. An event like this will show them that there are people like them, that there is support, there are allies.

Hopefully this will be the start of something big for Coona!

There are people who come from country towns who don’t want to leave, but don’t see other people like them in their community. An event like this will show them that there are people like them, that there is support, there are allies.

6. How would you describe your influence and musical style?

My biggest influence is Beyonce – she is my lord and saviour. I also love soul, R&B, and country music. I grew up listening to country music. A lot of the songs I sing are from the heart – I can’t sing a song unless I have a connection to it.

I’m still going through my setlist for Saturday but I will be doing a mix of covers and originals from my debut EP.

Scott Hunter’s debut EP and new single Kween are available for streaming on all platforms.

---

7. What can we expect from your set this Saturday?

I’m nervous! Whether it’s a small crowd or a big crowd, I just want to give it my all.

I did a little performance for a Mardi Gras after-party this year for a company called BlaQ, which was just a small intimate kind of thing at a bar. But it was still electrifying. And I still get nervous because I want to give them the best of what I’ve got.

I just want everyone to enjoy themselves as much as I’m enjoying myself.

8. Rumour has it there will be some karaoke at the event – What’s your favourite LGBTQ+ anthem to belt out?

Tina Arena Chains or Tina Turner, Simply the Best. Both Tinas are amazing.

9. Do you have any other plans while you’re in town?

I’m just happy to explore, even just walk down the street and get a coffee! I’m looking forward to getting out of Sydney for the weekend and going at my own pace. I’m excited to just breathe!

---

As well as Scott’s headline set, the Pride in the Park program features a full afternoon of entertainment and activities, including Drag Queen lip-syncs, free face-painting and nail painting, karaoke, DJs, and more. Local and visiting vendors will set up market stalls around the park, selling goods, food and drink until 8.00pm.

If weather interferes, the event will be moved to the bistro of the Imperial Hotel Coonabarabran. See ‘Pride in the Park’ on Facebook for the full itinerary and further details.

The Coonabarabran Times is a proud sponsor of Pride in the Park.