She won the Australian Independent Country Music Brumby Award for Best Female Bush Ballad at the Australian Country Music Festival which has just finished in Tamworth.

She released the award-winning single, “When The Jacaranda Blooms" last September and it’s to feature on her forthcoming album which she says “can’t be released soon enough”.

She told The Examiner: “Bush ballads is one of my favourite styles of music.

“To win this award means a great deal to me. This style of music is what I grew up on and my love.”

She said that her style and taste in music was greatly influenced by her father, Evan, and mother, Cheryl. "Thanks Dad and Mum", she said.

Rachel lives in Glen Innes.

Of the award, she said: “I’m thrilled.”