Presynct win puts Nambour music on the map

Cherry and Rusty Nyman at The Presynct “That vibe that you feel when you walk in, that’s not just one person. It’s all of us coming together and making it is what it is.”

Nambour’s live music scene earned a major vote of confidence earlier this month when The Presynct was named Venue of the Year at the 2026 Sunshine Coast Music Awards.

Owners Rusty and Cherry Nyman took out the award on Sunday, June 7, when hundreds of artists, venue operators, music workers, industry professionals, supporters and music lovers gathered to celebrate the region’s music industry.

For the family-owned Ann Street venue, the win was recognition for a space built around music, community and connection.

The Presynct has developed a reputation for programming across genres, with jazz, EDM, reggae, blues and open mic nights among the regular offerings.

Rusty said it’s strength lay in creating a room where musicians, promoters, sound crew, bar staff and audiences all play a part in the atmosphere.

Rusty said the award had come as a genuine shock.

“We honestly did not think we were going to win this at all. So there was no speech and I was a nervous wreck,” she said.

Rusty said the “amazing black pineapple” award would look at home in the bar.

“It goes out to everybody because it’s the amazing team that we all are that brings that vibe and it’s all of the guests that come in through the doors,” she said.

Rusty paid tribute to the venue’s promoters, musicians, sound team and bar staff, saying the feeling people experienced when they walked into The Presynct was the result of many people working together.

“That vibe that you feel when you walk in, that’s not just one person. It’s all of us coming together and making it is what it is,” she said.

The award also carried a personal meaning. Rusty dedicated it to her late stepfather, who she said believed in her vision for The Presynct, and thanked her family, including Cherry.

“She’s my best friend. She’s my colleague. She’s my business partner. We own it together. We do everything together and I couldn’t ask for a better job or business than to be working with my amazing daughter right here,” she said.

Rusty said live music venues needed community support to survive, particularly after the loss of Terella Brewery and Soul Bar this year.

“The artists and musicians, they need you. We need you. We all need each other. Music is medicine.”

Other winners included Katie Noonan, who was named Artist of the Year, Live Act of the Year and Musician of the Year. Che Burns won Song of the Year for Devil Like You, Marshall Hamburger was named Rising Star, Frank and Louis won Young Artist of the Year, and Yama-Nui Recording Studio was named Recording Studio of the Year.