Star Search winners wow crowd at city’s Costa Hall

The region’s premier annual talent quest has unearthed potential stars of the future.
None shone brighter than Laura Baxter on the stage at Geelong’s waterfront Costa Hall on Saturday night as she won Powercor Star Search in front of a crowd estimated at around 600.
Laura won Star Search’s vocal category before going on to earn the judges approval as the night’s overall winner.
Clarinet player Cameron Smith also provided a highlight of the evening to win the instrumental category.
Fifteen young musicians competed in the grand final of Star Search after winning their way through auditions against dozens of other hopefuls.
Rotary Club of Highton has staged more than 30 Star Search finals, with previous winners including pop star Missy Higgins and international opera singer Cheryl Barker.
The Independent was again a sponsor of Star Search this year.
The paper’s managing editor, Tony Galpin, congratulated the organisers and performers.
“Star Search is a tribute to the level of talent in the region and the great work of Rotary Club of Highton,” Mr Galpin said.
“The Independent looks foward to helping support this wonderful community event again next year.”