The competition has been running at University and TAFE campuses around the country for the past 21 years and is the biggest live band competition in the Southern Hemisphere.

The NCBC has helped launch the careers of some of Australia's best-known artists, such as Eskimo Joe, Frenzal Rhomb, The Vines and Jebediah.

Each year, universities and TAFEs host their own mini-competitions, from which the winners progress to regional finals, state finals and national finals.

Last year, the winners of the UOW competition, Dlinkwnt, placed third at the nationals in Canberra. And in 2010, Albion Park band Sydney Girls Choir placed third in the nationals as well. It's great to see our 'Gong bands give the country a run for their money.

Last year, Kayla Berry did a great job running the UOW competition, which had packed crowds at the heats each week.

Kayla is on board again this year with the same sponsors: Main Street Studios kicking in $3000 of studio time for first place, Laww Media giving away a $2000 film clip package for second, and Haworth Guitars contributing $1000 of music gear for third.

I've also been asked to help with the judging again this year.

The UOW competition is sure to be a cracker. The heats will be held every Tuesday from 7:30pm, starting on the 29th. Admission is free.

For info, go to unicentre.uow.edu.au/bandcomp.

Glenn Haworth runs Haworth's Music Centres in Shellharbour and Fairy Meadow. Check out haworthguitars.com.au