These three female stars of Australian country music are hitting the road together one last time, writes Jesse Kuch

It’s been an epic three years for Australia’s golden women of country – Gina Jeffreys, Sara Storer and Beccy Cole, aka The Songbirds.

What started as a bit of fun turned quickly into a national phenomenon, touring all corners of the country to sell-out crowds and shimmering reviews of their stage show.

Between them, they have 24 Golden Guitar Awards, a haul of ARIAs, Entertainer of the Year awards and numerous certified gold and platinum sales awards.

A Songbirds show is unique in that, not only do audiences get to hear the hit songs from three of the most beautiful individual voices in the country, but also get the added bonus of some very special trio performances chosen by the girls from their own solo albums.

But, like all good things, eventually it must come to an end. This year, the girls announced they would go on their last tour in support of their gold-selling DVD, The Songbirds – Live In Concert.

She says her experiences performing the show have been some of the best of her career, and that they are all just good mates.

"We just do it for fun, we’re just mates that love performing together," she says.

"It’s a really good combination and we toured for way longer that we expected. We all have our own careers but it’s one of those things that has been too much fun and we couldn’t say no to doing shows."

Gina says the end of The Songbirds isn’t a sombre event, rather a celebration of their illustrious career.

"I’m not sad that it’s the end, we’ll be friends forever," she says.

"It’s not a bad break-up, we’ll still see each other all the time. It’s just the end of a musical journey, one that I’ve been very proud to be involved with. We’ve got a beautiful DVD that’s a great memory of it. We’re all really happy the DVD went gold so quickly, it shows how much support there was for it.

"I got a taste of it on Sunday, when a fan came up to us and asked when our next show was in her town. When I told her we’re not doing anymore shows and we’re finished, she said, ‘Noooo, it can’t be’. She was really sad about it and I regret we can’t do it forever. But for us, it’s time for it to finish."

Gina says the camaraderie that the girls have developed during their time on the road is something that will not end.

"I’ve known Beccy for 17 years and Sara for 10. Beccy was a bridesmaid when I was married and Sara was a flower girl at the wedding, too. Beccy and I always laugh that I was her bridesmaid at her divorce," she says.

While it is a bittersweet end for some, Gina says that fans have plenty to look forward to with new solo music coming from all three girls in the next year or so.

"Each of us is quietly preparing for our next solo album," she says.

"I’m the first cab off the rank and I’m also writing a children’s TV show at the moment. These days, I’m a mum and wife, and if my music can sit around that, then great."

Gina says she has one last message to her fans before the group calls it a day.

"The support for The Songbirds has been overwhelming and I’ve loved every minute," she says.

"It’s been a joy and I’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone for supporting us."

>> The Songbirds perform at Brothers World of Entertainment in Cairns on Friday and the Atherton International Club on Sunday. Tickets for both gigs are close to selling out so get in quick to avoid disappointment. To book for Cairns, head to www.brotherscairns.com.au and for Atherton, phone 4091 4970.

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