Songwriter of the Year
February 4, 2026
The incredible talent of Year 9 student, Giaan Zammataro, has captured national attention with Giaan announced as the 2025 Australian Children’s Music Foundation (ACMF) National Songwriting Competition – Young Songwriter of the Year.
Not only did Giaan take out first place in the Years 7 – 8 category, she also won the overall APRA AMCOS Award for her powerful original song, ‘to the kid’. In this Q&A, we chat with Giaan about her songwriting journey, the inspiration behind the song, and what this outstanding recognition means to her.
When did you first discover your love of music?
I’ve grown up with music. My older siblings also did music when I was very young, which meant that music has always been a big part of my life. As I watched them perform in musicals and concerts, I was so intrigued by the sound, words, and the costumes that I knew I had to also get involved. So I did, performing in my first ever eisteddfod and first musical when I was 4 years old, which led to many more after that. I love the buzz I get from performing and making audiences happy.
Have you been writing your own original songs for long?
I have always tried to write my own songs as I have been inspired to become an artist. My brother and I used to make up funny little songs when we were little, and a couple of years ago I wrote a song for my sister’s 21st. However, I actually only started writing proper songs like ‘To The Kid’ in about Term 2, 2025.
Are there any musical influences that have shaped you?
I have had so many mentors along my musical journey, starting off with my singing and music like Mrs Julee-anne Bell, and Mrs Jane Iszlaub in Kingaroy, who gave me great roots in performing. I then enhanced my musical abilities when I came to Fairholme and began lessons with singing teacher Ms Alana Scott, and guitar teacher Mr Craig Gibbens. Mr Gibbens particularly has helped me with my guitar skills in many of my own songs, which I am very grateful for. These people have all been so supportive and I owe them so many thanks. I have also always loved listening to artists such as Taylor Swift, as her lyrics are so poetic and have definitely been an inspiration to my songs, inspiring me to write lyrics in a deeper way.
What inspired the song ‘To The Kid’?
‘To The Kid’ was originally created as a joke for my uncle as he was told the only great thing he could do in life was ‘paint lines on the road’, hence the first line of the song. He went on to become very successful in life. Over the years I have come in contact with people that have been mistreated or less fortunate, and I wrote the rest of the song to recognise and help these types of people know that we care for them and listen to them. Each line is someone’s story, and I hope that listeners can connect with the lyrics. I also wrote the melody in a way that would be at ease and peaceful, not in anger, but in calmness and understanding.
How long did it take you to write the piece?
To write the piece’s lyrics, it took me roughly 20 minutes. This is probably the shortest a piece has ever taken, and I think this is because I was thinking of the people’s stories, and it came very easy to transfer them into short song lyrics. I wrote the chords and melody shortly after which took about an hour, and then it took me a few weeks to come up with strumming patterns and fingerpicking. It felt like quite a long time before the song started to flow. Mr Gibbens was very supportive and patient while I was trying to work this out. He gave me great advice like ‘you can write a thousand songs and only one of them will be good.’ You just have to keep persevering.
How did it feel when you found out you’d won the Songwriter of the Year competition?
It felt super surreal. I had only found out about the competition a few days before it closed and only entered the night before it was due, so it was a very last-minute decision. I did not have any great hope that I would even place in the competition, and I just thought of it as a great experience. This meant that when my mum told me over the phone, I did not believe her, and I was in a lot of shock. It was a huge relief to hear that what I had created was actually good, and that all the judges loved it. I was so grateful that mum encouraged me to enter, and it was a great realisation that the song was not as bad as I believed!
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist, it would be Taylor Swift 100%. This is because her lyrics and melodies are so incredible, and I really look up to her as a songwriter. She tells stories in a way that is so unique and is so intelligent with how she organises her pieces. However, if I couldn’t collaborate with Taylor, my second choice would be Keith Urban because of his insane guitar skills. I would love to hear his guitar riffs underneath some great lyrics and vocals. He is also so inspiring as he grew up in Caboolture and has gone on to play in bands and be a soloist. If I ever got to collaborate with him, I would really value his experience in the industry and what I could learn from him as well.
More News…
One of the exciting parts of being Principal at Fairholme College is embracing tradition and innovation in creative tension. In our March 2026 Edition of At Holme and as we reflect on the month just past, this balance has been visible across every corner of school life - reminding us that while our history grounds us, it is our willingness to look forward that enables us to flourish. This theme is especially timely as we continue the development of our next Strategic Plan. The conversations taking place with staff, students, parents and Old Girls have been thoughtful, honest and energising. They reflect a community deeply proud of its heritage, yet equally committed to ensuring that a Fairholme education remains purposeful, courageous and relevant for the young women we serve today - and tomorrow. We look forward to finalising this over the coming term and sharing this with the community in Semester 2. It was with a particular pride that Fairholme was involved recently in the Motherland Conference held here in Toowoomba. This event brought together regional women from across Australia to celebrate motherhood, leadership, enterprise and community and our girls were there too. Fairholme was proud to be a sponsor, and it was deeply affirming to see values so closely aligned with our own: strength, service and a belief in the power of education to shape lives and regions. Supporting initiatives such as Motherland reinforces our commitment to the wider community beyond our school gates – particularly, in the empowerment and support of regional, rural and remote women. Within our own community, we celebrated a remarkable individual achievement with Helen Yong attaining her AmusA Diploma - an extraordinary accomplishment that speaks to discipline, talent and perseverance. It is a powerful reminder that tradition, in the form of rigorous musical excellence, continues to thrive when paired with contemporary opportunities and expert mentoring. Leadership has also been a strong focus this month. Our interviews with the Prefect for Service, Grace Taylor and the Prefect for Ministry, Lira Lerato offer thoughtful insights into what leadership looks like in action - quiet, purposeful and grounded in care for others. Their reflections reminded us that service and faith are not static traditions, but living commitments shaped anew by each generation of students. Challenge and growth were on full display during the recent Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey, where students navigated both literal and metaphorical waters while sailing on Moreton Bay. Confronting unpredictable conditions, teamwork demands and personal limits, our students demonstrated resilience, adaptability and courage. It was lovely to receive an email from the President of the sailing organisation, commending the girls on their composure and positive engagement. Challenges such as these remain a cornerstone of a Fairholme education, blending long held values of character development with experiential, real world learning. Innovation and creativity took centre stage during our annual Melbourne Fashion Festival trip, where students immersed themselves in the dynamic world of fashion week. Exposure to design, industry professionals and creative expression expanded horizons and sparked aspiration. It was heartening to see how confidently our students engaged with contemporary culture while drawing on the strong sense of self, fostered here at Fairholme. Closer to home, the energy and camaraderie of Interhouse Cross Country reminded us that traditions endure because they bring us together. Congratulations to Stephens House for their win in the secondary competition, and at the time of writing, leading the Junior School competition (Prep to Year 2 were still to run!). Spirit Sticks, enjoyment, determination and mutual encouragement were evident at every turn, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in shaping belonging. This year also marks a significant milestone: 40 years of the Fairholme Equestrian Program. What began as a visionary commitment has grown into a celebrated and well attended feature of our school. Hosting the Fairholme Pittsworth event in April will be a fitting celebration - honouring decades of excellence, partnership and opportunity, while looking ahead to the program’s future. It stands as a powerful example of how tradition, when nurtured and evolved, becomes enduring legacy. Finally, I encourage our community to engage with FACETS , our annual art exhibition – with tickets now available. FACETS showcases the imagination, skill and voice of our community through selected artists, capturing both technical mastery and contemporary expression. It is a visual testament to the dedication of creative spirit thriving within our school. As we move forward, may we continue to honour what has shaped us while boldly embracing what lies ahead - confident that Fairholme’s strength lies in doing both, with purpose and heart.
Inspiring, imaginative and the ultimate celebration of creativity, the 2026 Melbourne Fashion Festival trip was one to remember for our Year 11 and 12 Fashion Students. Across three inspiring days, students immersed themselves in world-class design, bold artistic expression and the evolving future of fashion. Students explored the joyful and imaginative ‘Let’s Party’ exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria. Drawing from the gallery’s renowned Fashion & Textiles Collection, the showcase celebrated playful accessories, inventive silhouettes and the expressive power of dressing up. Seeing fashion presented within a fine-art context proved eye-opening. Pieces were bold, theatrical and delightfully unexpected, encouraging students to view clothing not just as garments, but as creative statements. The visit also included a stunning display of works by iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. Her fearless use of colour, texture and form captivated the group, offering a masterclass in how fashion can challenge conventions while remaining unmistakably beautiful. In a powerful celebration of women in the arts, students next explored the dazzling Diva collection at the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. The exhibition featured breathtaking costumes worn by icons including Cher and Cate Blanchett. A tram ride to Lygon Street brought a shift in focus from glamour to responsibility at MIND: The Regenerative Fashion Store, which returned for an exclusive three-day appearance as part of the festival. Beautifully curated and thoughtfully presented, the space encouraged students to reflect on their relationship with clothing and textiles. The visit highlighted an important message that fashion isn’t just about what’s trending on the runway, it’s about responsibility, sustainability and investing in the future. Of course, no Melbourne Fashion Festival experience would be complete without the runway, and our students were treated to some breathtaking productions. Between inspiring exhibitions and runway moments, the experience was rich with creativity, individuality and discovery. The students have returned buzzing with ideas and inspiration, ready to channel what they had seen in their own creative work. Heartfelt thanks go to our Fashion staff for providing such a valuable learning opportunity for our students.
Our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award girls experienced the true spirit of adventure on board the South Passage Sailing Expedition for their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey. From the moment they stepped aboard, the girls were immersed in life at sea. They quickly developed practical sailing skills, mastering essential sailing knots, learning navigation techniques, and taking part in the daily routines that keep a vessel moving, including hoisting halyards, steering the vessel, and stepping up for night watch duties. Beyond the technical, there were also opportunities to enjoy snorkelling and swimming in beautiful Tangalooma Bay. Designed to be challenging, rigorous and enjoyable, this Adventurous Journey certainly delivered on every level. To their credit, the girls presented with great courage and grace under pressure. Rod Burgess, President of South Passage – Adventure Under Sail, praised the group’s conduct and spirit. ‘Moments like these highlight the value of experiential learning and the purpose of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey. Sailing places young people in a dynamic environment where teamwork, communication, problem-solving and resilience are not just concepts but essential life skills. The Fairholme students supported one another, remained composed, and continued to engage positively with the voyage despite the challenging conditions. Please pass on our sincere thanks to the students for the way they conducted themselves on board. They represented Fairholme College exceptionally well, and our crew commented on their positive attitude and willingness to rise to the occasion.’ For the students themselves, the experience left a lasting impression. Year 9 student Emaya Fegan reflected on the journey with gratitude. ‘I just wanted to properly thank you for all that you did for us over the weekend. Although the weather was a bit crazy at times, with the rain and wind, it actually made the experience more exciting and memorable. I really appreciated the time and effort that you put in for us—it made a big difference, especially in those tougher moments. Your support, guidance and willingness to help everyone did not go unnoticed. It truly helped make the whole trip a success.’ Experiences like the South Passage expedition and the Duke of Edinburgh program are a great reminder that learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through challenge and adventure, students discover not only new skills but also their own strength of character. We are incredibly proud of these future leaders and their tremendous effort and contributions throughout the voyage.
