Mr Podmore is one of seven finalists from around the country who will compete at Tamworth on January 19.

"I was very surprised, I didn't expect to get in the finals," he said.

The Bush Balladeer Star Quest aims to encourage country musicians and help them enter the country music industry.

Mr Podmore began playing bass guitar and singing back-up vocals in bands from the age of 18.

He came to Lightning Ridge in 1979 and started mining part time, moving here full-time in 1996.

He started singing and song-writing two years ago, teaching himself to play the six string acoustic guitar.

He said he writes songs 'as they come to me', and has released a five track CD "Country Life".

"It's not an easy job, but someone has to do it!" he said.

All finalists perform two songs on the day, and if they become a grand finalist, perform two more songs.

They are judged on crowd approval, original approach and entertainment value.

The winner of the Bush Balladeer Star Quest receives professional recording time of a single for airplay, a Bush Balladeer Star Quest trophy and appearances at festivals and concerts in 2004.