Called up to the Riverlinks WestSide stage in Mooroopna, he was also awarded a $2000 grant to fund his future projects.
At just 17 years of age, Bodhi has already enjoyed a career full of highlights, including a performance in front of over 80,000 people at a State of Origin game, multiple Victorian State Schools Spectacular appearances and the opportunity to work alongside established artists Wes Carr and Jimmy Barnes.
Bodhi said he was overwhelmed with emotion when his named was called up to accept the award.
“I was just sitting there the entire night so nervous. It was more the uncertainty of what was going to happen,” he said.
“I was basically crying before I got out of my seat, it was really lovely.
“There are some amazing people around here … especially for such a small town area there is a lot of art and music around the place, so I was very surprised.”
Now in Year 12 at Kyabram P-12 College, Bodhi has been a mainstay in the school’s artistic efforts since primary level.
As well as performing, he also has a passion for the lighting and sound design aspects of production.
Bodhi was quick to credit a number of mentors who have helped him over the years realise his dreams, such as Kyabram P-12's primary performing arts teacher Sue Meeking and Victorian State School Spectacular creative director Neil Gladwin.
He said credit should also go to the strong arts culture in Kyabram, Echuca and Shepparton that continues to provide him with opportunities.
“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, the arts culture around here is really, really exciting,” he said.
“For such a small area and such a small town, there’s a lot going on here.”
Kyabram P-12 music co-ordinator Kim Morrison said Bodhi was a special kind of talent and that the sky was the limit for where he could go in the future.
“He’s just so approachable and able to work with pretty much everyone. He’s a team player, but at such a high standard and such a high level of performer,” he said.
“And to have someone so young at that level already, it’s going to be a great career for him if he wants to pursue it.”
Bodhi said he was planning to use the $2000 to fund his next EP and to cover travel costs between Kyabram and Melbourne.
“This year I’ll finish off year 12 and I’m planning on moving to Melbourne and going to university,” he said.
