Bundaberg singer-songwriter Keely Sliwka is set to take another step forward in her music career with support from Bundaberg Regional Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
Council has awarded $5,620 through RADF Community Funding Round One to support Keely’s Marlboro Man Recording Project, helping fund the professional recording, production and mastering of an original country song co-written with Tom Wolfe.
The project builds on Keely’s growing profile as a performer and will support the release of new original music while creating opportunities for wider audience reach, radio airplay and future festival bookings.
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said Council was proud to support emerging creative talent through the RADF program.
“Bundaberg continues to produce talented artists who are making their mark well beyond our region and RADF helps provide the support needed to take those next important steps in their creative careers,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“Keely has demonstrated exceptional dedication to her craft and this project will help further develop her professional music practice while shining a spotlight on the talent emerging from the Bundaberg Region.”
The funding will allow Keely to work with industry professionals to record and release Marlboro Man, helping expand her audience and build on the momentum of recent career achievements including making it to the Top 21 of Australian Idol in 2025.
Keely said it meant a lot to know the community was supportive of her endeavours.
“Marlboro Man was inspired by that classic country character, the rugged, mysterious, independent man who seems to carry a few stories of his own,” Keely said.
“I wanted to write a fun, modern country song around that character, while still giving it that classic country feel.
“I’ve been working incredibly hard to build my career as an independent country artist and opportunities like this allow me to take the next step and invest in the quality of my music.”
Keely said she was passionate about representing her home town.
“It’s been amazing to see my music reaching audiences outside of the region, and I hope that by continuing to grow my career nationally, I can also shine a light on the incredible talent that comes from regional Queensland.
“Thank you to Bundaberg Regional Council and the RADF program for supporting local artists and giving us opportunities to develop our creative careers.
“I’m excited to get into the studio and record ‘Marlboro Man’, and I’m looking forward to sharing the finished song with everyone,” she said.
The project was one of a number supported through Council’s RADF program, which helps artists, organisations and community groups develop and deliver creative projects across the region.
RADF is a partnership between the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland and Bundaberg Regional Council to promote local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
Mayor Blackburn said supporting local artists delivered benefits for both the individual and the wider community.
“Investing in local creative practitioners strengthens our arts sector, helps tell regional stories and contributes to a vibrant cultural future for the Bundaberg Region,” she said.
About RADF
Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) supports delivery of Queensland’s Time to Shine, a 10-year strategy for arts and culture and its priority to strengthen Queenslanders’ access to enriching arts and cultural experiences.
“The Crisafulli Government’s multi-year RADF investment provides greater funding certainty for 59 regional councils, streamlined program management and red tape reduction, while boosting the state’s vibrant arts and cultural scene,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Each year, RADF programs reach more than one million people across Queensland, securing local arts experiences and cultural tourism opportunities in regional areas, as well as supporting local artists in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“For 34 years, Arts Queensland has partnered with regional councils to co-invest in local arts initiatives that generate jobs, community engagement and help boost local economies.
“The Crisafulli Government will continue to support these vital collaborations.”
