Ryde Shine Ability Talent Competition 2024 winners announced

Published on 06 December 2024

The City of Ryde is thrilled to announce the winners of its inaugural Ryde Shine Ability Talent Competition in 2024, an inspiring showcase of creativity and skill from talented individuals living with a disability in the local community.

This year’s competition was open to any person who lives, works, or studies with a disability in the Council area, as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on their singing, dancing, acting, comedic, and instrumental music talents.

The winners for this year were revealed on Thursday 5 December 2024 at North Ryde School of Arts, where the extraordinary talents of the Top 8 Finalists captivated judges and audiences alike.

City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown celebrated the competition for fostering inclusivity and encouraging creative expression.

“This event celebrates the immense talent and abilities of our community,” Mayor Brown said. “Each entrant brought something unique, showcasing the incredible diversity and vibrancy of Ryde’s talent.”

Winners received a share in $7,500 worth of recording sessions or music lessons with Katcha Music.

All winners also received a three-month contract with Diverse Talent Management and will perform at Council events in 2025, giving them further opportunities to shine.

The winners were:

First Place: DJ Ha
Second Place: Abby Jayasuriya with guide dog Duke
Third Place: Patricia Hay