On the release of Luke Austen's debut album "Light Of Day", popular country music publication Capital News had this to say about Luke Austen's debut album "Light Of Day".

"In a scene crying out for a new hero, Luke Austen's timing with this outstanding album couldn't be better".

On Saturday night at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre their belief in Luke was confirmed when he won two prestigious Golden Guitars Awards: Heritage Song Of The Year for "Sacred Bones" and Bush Ballad Of The Year for "Every Time He Travels Through Cloncurry".

Luke Austen was the winner of last year's Toyota Star Maker, the national talent search that launched the careers of Keith Urban, Lee Kernaghan, Samantha McClymont and many others.

But Luke is no blow in. He earned his stripes touring the outback with country music icon Brian Young for four years before becoming a mainstay of Troy Cassar Daley's band from 2004 until now. He's also had songs recorded by Troy and Adam Harvey.

And each of these awards has a connection to Luke's story so far.

Luke's first win on the night was for "Sacred Bones", written by Luke and Troy Cassar Daley. It's the chilling true story of Luke's father discovering aboriginal remains in a cave while hunting dingoes. "Sacred Bones" features Troy on harmony vocals and mandolin.

Luke's second win, "Every Time He Travels Through Cloncurry" is a tribute to Brian Young written by Peter Denahy.

Luke Austen has had a successful career as a sideman. He'll have an even longer one as an artist in his own right.

Light Of Day, available now on Compass Bros Records.