Home / What's Happening

info@bushballadeers.com.au

EMAIL; info@bushballadeers.com.au
..updated monthly...

>> Artist Tour Dates >> Become an A.B.B.A. Member
>> Artist Web Pages >> A.B.B.A. Bush Ballad Judging guidelines >> Events/Competitions?

If you have bush ballad events/news items ...email us!

A.B.B.A. Update Archives? 2007 Archive >>2006 Archive >>2004-2005 Archive
with Peter Coad (A.B.B.A. President)

October/November
► Check out EVENTS for a full listing of events around the country and also Tour Dates for where artists are performing.
► January 2009 BULLETIN - Deadline 5th November - Ad rates?

ashleycook2

GIDGEE COAL BUSH BALLAD AWARDS - 2008 FINALISTS
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
JEFF BROWN - THE OPEN ROAD, ASHLEY COOK - BENEATH THE QLD MOON, RACHEL RICHARDS - I'M A COUNTRY GIRL
MALE VOCAL
COL EDMONDS - DUSTY'S TENT, GRAHAM RODGER - WOMAN OF THE LAND, JEFF BROWN - FOGGY MIRRORS
FEMALE VOCAL
JULIE PERANDES - COUSIN RATSACK, DIANNE LINDSAY - KELLY'S OFFSIDER, RACHEL RICHARDS - WEEPING WILLOWS
GROUP OR DUO
DALY STEPHENSON & LYNNE BENNETT - WHERE THE GOLDEN SLIPRAILS ARE DOWN,TREVOR DAY & KEVIN KING - DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, TERRY & JENNY BENNETTS - WHERE HAS MY AUSTRALIA GONE
NEW TALENT
LANA ROSS - LIKE WATER, RACHEL RICHARDS - LAST HORSE STANDING, DALY STEPHENSON - SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY
COMEDY/NOVELTY
TREVOR DAY - THE HOMEMADE CHAIR, ANITA REE - LOUIE, PETE SMITH - OH WHAT A NATION
SONGWRITER
WHERE HAS MY AUSTRALIA GONE - TERRY & JENNY BENNETTS, UNSUITABLY DRESSED - SLIM JONES, LAKES CREEK JUDAS BULLOCKS - LEX KUNST
INSTRUMENTAL
CHARLEY BOYTER & LINDSAY WADDINGTON - DIDGERI GOOR, PETER SIMPSON - AUSTRALIAN GUITARS, TERRY BENNETTS - FREIGHT TRAIN BOOGIE
Awards held at the Pittsworth Town Hall 15th & 16th November 2008
Guest Artists: Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, Jeff Brown ,Ricky Shipp, Rachel Richards, Dean Perrett ,Keith Jamieson, Alisha Smith
Walkup Artists at showgrounds prior to awards. Camping at showgrounds available
Accommodation also at Pittsworth Motels and Hotels
Bush Poets Breakfast at Tatts Hotel with Gary Fogarty And Friends
Info Ph 0749340950 Or 0427731088

APPOLOGIES RE CMAA CLOSING DATE on EVENTS/AWARDS page!
I would like to appologise to artist members for not updating closing date for CMAA awards to the new closing date of 15th September on the Events/Awards page (from the previous closing CMAA date 15th October)
I only recently found out the date had changed and unfortunately I was on the road and could not access the website to make the changes in time. - Virginia Coad - Website Coordinator.

CHARMAINE POUT - NEW ALBUM RELEASE AT PARKES!
A new album Over The Years from Charmaine Pout is being released at Parkes on Friday 3rd Oct. The album is a compilation of a selection of tracks from her many previous albums.. for more details on the album launch contact
Charmaine Pout

New Radio Single for Dean Perrett - ‘The Dust of Kalkadoon’
After many deep thinking songwriting sessions and gathering songs from some very talented writers, Dean’s new album “A Thousand Campfires” is due for release in October 2008.
Once again Dean has gathered a strong collection of story songs and ballads from our land. Dean has also included two special duets on the album which I am sure his country music fans will enjoy immensely. This is definitely something to look forward to.
The first single from the album ‘The Dust of Kalkadoon’ has now been released to radio and is gaining a lot of interest already. This song from the pen of Ian Quinn is about Kalkadoon Park at Mount Isa, where the famous Mount Isa Rodeo was once held.
Mount Isa Rodeo celebrates 50 years of top rodeo action this year. For 48 of those years ‘Kalkadoon Park’ was the patch of ground where many famous and hard fought battles between many great men and famous bucking stock took place.
The Rodeo ground was named after the Kalkadoon aboriginal people of the area who were fearless warriors. The song is written as the old rodeo ground recalling great memories and hard fought battles.
Go to www.myspace.com/deanperrettmusic1 if you would like to have a listen to a copy of the radio single ‘The Dust of Kalkadoon’.
“A Thousand Campfires” is Dean’s ninth album and could well be his best to date, so look out for a copy coming soon to your local Record Store.
Submitted by Iron Bark Publicity

The Bush Balladeer Star Quest 2009!
Entry Now Open!
Are YOU an aspiring Bush Balladeer artist looking for a break? You could be the next winner!
Held annually at the Tamworth festival... the Bush Balladeer Star Quest encourages; Upcoming Bush Balladeers to be part of the Bush Ballad Industry and preserve Bush Ballad music for future generations. The Bush Balladeers Star Quest is a prestigious achievement on which the winner can build his/or her bush ballad career. Recording time & Appearances at Major Festivals; e.g., Tamworth Country Music festival (Major Bush Ballad Concerts), Bungendore Muster, the Gympie Muster, and the Mildura Country Music Festival, along with publicity support throughout the 12 months, ensures the Winner becomes established within industry and public circles.
The Bush Balladeer Star Quest purpose is to offer direction to young artists, a greater understanding of the industry, media, and to give them an opportunity to develop a solid foundation on which to build their career in Bush Ballad music.
2009 STAR QUEST ENTRY DETAILS ENTRIES CLOSE 30th September 2008

SOUTHERN STARS AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS - MILDURA - finalists 2008!
Congratulations to A.B.B.A members Matt Manning, Peter Pratt and Graham Rodger on your finalists spots in the Heritage Track section>
AUSTRALIAN INDEPENDENT HERITAGE TRACK OF THE YEAR TRADITIONAL SECTION
SONS OF THE SNOWY
Peter Pratt
A SADDLE FOR A THRONE
Graham Rodger
RED DIRT COUNTRY
Markus Meier
THE SADDLE
Matt Manning
For a full listing of awards finalist listing go to lhttp://www.milduracountrymusic.com.au/index.html

WONDARA WOOLSHED DO
7th and 14th October- Logan's Road, Via Tumbarumba Road, Carabost NSW
The 2008 Wondara Woolshed Do will be held between the 7th and 14th October at ‘Wondara’, Logan’s Road, Carabost NSW (follow signs)
Guest Artists: TOM MAXWELL, PETER HORAN, ERNIE CONSTANCE, REX DALLAS, CRAIG GILES, GARY GOUGH, plus VIC HALL, LINDY and JOCK CHARLTON, ALAN LUSCOMBE, KEVIN GROVES, and DAVID CROSER. Poets Breakfast: MERV WEBSTER & Others.
Entry Fee: Adults $50 pp (includes camping and entertainment)
Day Visitors: Fri/Sat/Sun $15pp (no camping)
Bring your own chairs.
Enquiries: (02) 6948 6128. Email: gazglo@bigpond.com or Ailsa and Ron Smith (07) 4927 7282

<< Mud Map...

2008 Australian Camp Oven Festival - Millmerran - proudly sponsored by Heritage Building Society.
4th and 5th October.
Millmerran Showgrounds. Ph: 0429 727 503
Campsite Booking powered and unpowered sites. 0427 957 176
Festival contact: Sally Rigney-Vaughan: 07 46 939 134 .Mob: 0409 051 099 .Email Sally
Website: www.australiancampovenfestival.com.au

WIDGEE BALLADEERS MUSTER
The Widgee Balladeers Muster 23-26th October at the Widgee Sports Grounds - 20 minutes out of Gympie. A variety of bush ballad artists featured at this popular annual event... (Widgee Brochure PDF) 225kb
Contact: Lex K. (07) 41 293145 Mobile: (0428) 293145

THE BLACKTOWN DOROTHY POYCK MEMORIAL BUSH BALLADEERS CONCERT 2008
The Dorothy Poyck Memorial Concert will now be held at the Blacktown RSL Sydney on the Sunday 26th of October. Featuring... Peter Coad & The Coad Sisters, Ron Sadler, Greg Bain, Brian Letton, Charmaine Pout, Greg White. Blacktown RSL Club Blacktown. 11am Start. For more details contact Ron Sadler: ronjsadler@optusnet.com.au

Bungendore Muster and Awards -31st Jan- 3rd Feb 2008
- www.bushballadeers.com.au/bungendore.htm 2009 Awards close 1st October 2008.

THE GIDGEE COAL BUSH BALLAD AWARDS 2008
Pittsworth Town Hall 15th & 16th November 2008
Open To All Australian Independent Bush Ballad Artists and Writers
With 500 copies or more released for sale between 31st August 2006 & 31st August 2008.
Guest Artists: Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, Jeff Brown ,Ricky Shipp, Rachel Richards, Dean Perrett ,Keith Jamieson, Alisha Smith
Walkup Artists at showgrounds prior to awards. Camping at showgrounds available
Accommodation also at Pittsworth Motels and Hotels
Bush Poets Breakfast at Tatts Hotel with Gary Fogarty And Friends
Info Ph 0749340950 Or 0427731088
Forms Available: (DOWNLOAD PDF)(31.1 kb) or from bl27406@bigpond.net.au
or http://www.joysmusicworld.com
ENTRY CLOSES 31st August 2008

The Slim Dusty Country Music Memories Show at Kempsey Racecourse - 1st November
For information regarding the Slim Dusty Foundation and its aims, please contact Kathryn Yarnold, General Manager on (02) 6562 6533, or 1800 18 SLIM, or visit the website at www.slimdustycentre.com.au

Vale – Reg Lindsay
Reg Lindsay – one of the last surviving early pioneers of Australian country music – has died.
At age 79, Reg had been suffering a long term illness since he collapsed from a cerebral haemorrhage during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 1995.
He died yesterday in a Newcastle hospital of pneumonia after a long rehabilitation following a heart attack and triple bypass surgery. His wife Roslyn and three daughters were by his side.
During his career of more than 40 years, Reg achieved success locally and internationally producing 64 albums and 250 singles and winning three Golden Guitars.
As one of the pioneers of Australian country music, Reg, who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services to music, had his own top-rating nationally-syndicated television and radio programs over many years.
The composer of more than 500 songs, during his career he toured all over Australia and tasted success in the USA.
Four of his biggest hits were Armstrong, July You're A Woman, Silence On The Line and Empty Arms Hotel.
Reg was one of the first to be inducted into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame in 1977 and was elevated to Australian country music's highest honour, the Roll of Renown, in January 1984.
In tandem with his busy musical career, the country star held a very strong association with Australian rodeo.
"Reg was a giant of Australian country music," said Bob Kirchner, President of the Australian Country Music Foundation in Tamworth. "He was one of those people with true star quality, real talent, presence and charisma.
"Reg worked very hard for the success he achieved over the four decades since his legendary motorcycle ride from Adelaide to compete in, and win, Tim McNamara's '2SM Talent Quest' (something like today's 'Australian Idol') in Sydney in 1951.
"Another star has fallen from Australia's country music sky but the name, knowledge and reputation of the legendary Reg Lindsay will live on forever."
Article courtesy Bob Kirchner
Country Music Bulletin online
http://www.countrymusicbulletin.com.au
The funeral arrangements for country music pioneer REG LINDSAY - 11:00am
Monday, 11 August 2008, St John's Anglican Church, Cessnock, NSW

THE SLIM DUSTY FAMILY To Film their historic final Concert in Canberra

The Slim Dusty Family’s Canberra concert this coming Friday night, at the Hellenic Club, now takes on a whole new level of importance. Not only will the August 1st show be the final concert in their historic Australian tour …but it was also announced today by the family’s label EMI Music, that due to the huge success of the Family’s Reunion debut album and current Reunion tour, a Canberra based production company (Pre Live Post) has now been engaged to record and film the Family’s Hellenic Club final tour concert at the Hellenic Club on Friday the 1st of August. Sadly, all indications are that this Slim Dusty Family Tour (featuring the First Lady of Australian Country music Joy McKean) will be the one and only time, that all three generations of the family (often referred to as the Royal family of Australian country music) will tour and perform together.
From every perspective the success of the Slim Dusty Family debut album and tour have both totally surpassed any modest expectations that Joy McKean and the family members may have had!
The Concert DVD featuring this final concert performance from the historic Reunion Tour will be released in November according to EMI. An EMI spokesperson had this to say “with the Family’s Reunion CD well on it’s way to Gold status and the tour proving to be just as popular …we’d have to be crazy not to have a souvenir of these historic Family concerts available for the many Slim fans who have obviously embraced the family project . We are thrilled that we are also going to be able to capture the very last show on this one off tour by Joy and her talented children and grandchildren. The Slim fans are also going to be really pleased that all the Families amazing musical tributes they do in the show will definitely all be included on the DVD as well”
Extracts from a Reunion Concert Review by Kym Eitel / Outback City Express :
While the family sang and took the audience on a trip down memory lane, photographs, old family movies and music clips were projected on the wall behind them. Special moments of their life on the road were shared. I’m sure that as a husband, father and grandfather, Slim would be tickled pink that his family has gone to such great lengths to honour him and his memory, and if he’s watching from up above, I reckon he’d be cheering and clapping louder than anyone!
Perhaps it was always a part of Slim’s dream that his grandchildren follow in his footsteps and pursue a musical career. And just like a dream come true, that’s exactly what has happened. Slim may not be with us any more, but his music lives on.
* Tickets are now available for this historic final Reunion Tour concert throughthe Hellenic Club Box Office, Canberra.

The exciting young bush balladeer and 2008 Golden Guitar winner Amos Morris... is the special guest on all the Family concerts.
For further information: Tour Publicist Ronda Toner Ph: 02 9798 8824 Mob: 0408 704 345 rtoner@bigpond.net.au
or Leon Concannon (0404075545)or visit the websites: www.countrymusicchannel.com.au www.slimdusty.com.au l www.slimdustycentre.com.au

HILLBILLY RD - NEW ALBUM FOR JOHN WILLIAMSON IN AUGUST!
"John Williamson will tell you he was brought up on grass, not on bitumen and it’s a perspective that’s always been evident in his lyrics. So when you get to a song like Flowers on the Concrete (from his new album Hillbilly Rd) it’s worth pausing to hear what he’s saying. Is this actually a positive song about living in the city?
“I do enjoy the city in small doses,” he admits and quotes a lyric from the song – “everything’s as handy as a roll of wire.” Whatever you want is five minutes away. But as much as he admires the young people ‘taking care of business for us all’, it’s a farm analogy that he returns to for the hustle and bustle of a busy city – ‘feeling like a sheep in a shearin’ yard.’
Because ultimately, John still hankers for the bush.
He’s been telling us for years about his hideaway in Springbrook and he’s trying to spend more and more time there now. It is this lifestyle that inspired the title track of Hillbilly Rd.
“Springbrook is going back to paradise,” he says. “The way of life I love is chopping wood, lighting the fire, discovering the bush, making things, building stone walls. Going back to being a kid again, going back to being a bush person again.”
After years of using the city as a convenient base from which to work, this is more the life he wants to live. “And when I spend enough time up there, then I look forward to going back to performing.”
He jokes about all the people in Springbrook being hillbillies and he doesn’t mind if you call him one now too. Just as he didn’t mind being called a Mallee Boy all those years ago. It’s typical of what he is about.
As is ‘Cydi.’ This song has been in John’s show for a few years now. Originally inspired by a letter he received describing a woman whose father had no sons and grew up to run the farm, he noticed a teenage girl up in Springbrook helping out her dad and his imagination did the rest.
“I’ve noticed you don’t have to be a bushie or a father to appreciate it. You only have to have a daughter. Father’s get teary no matter where I perform it.”
What’s also typical of John Williamson is that the album is an entertainment package, not just a sample of his songs. He doesn’t like to be pigeon-holed in one style, even though you’d be hard pressed to call ‘Hillbilly Rd’ anything but country.
“I could write an album of country ballads – but people wouldn’t listen to 12 of them; I could write 12 calypso songs and they wouldn’t listen to all of them either.”
So, he writes an album with variety, an ebb and flow of rhythms and rhymes and emotions.
And, yes, there are some ballads on the new album, romantic ones at that. Because, let’s face it, if you’re living in paradise - you want to share it with someone special.
Ray Farley - June 2008"
Album available in August. www.johnwilliamson.com.au

A.B.B.A.— Shirley Thoms Bronze Bust fund Raiser—July Tamworth Hats Off weekend
The show will feature Dianne Lindsay, Greg Bain (Star Quest Winner 2007) Lynette Guest (Tamworth's own Sweetheart of Country) Peter Simpson, Rodney Walker & Daly Stephenson. Compere Lorraine Pfitzner.
Staged at the Scully Room, Southgate Inn Tamworth on the 5th July, the show will commence at 2pm.
Shirley Thoms will be the first female country singer to be honoured this way with a bronze Bust in Bicentennial Park.
Shirley Thoms "Australia's Yodelling Sweetheart" was Australia's first solo country girl singer to record when she did her first session for the famous green & red label Regal Zonophone in Sydney in 1941 at the age of 16 years. Her most popular and best selling recordings were The Faithful Old Dog, Where The Golden Wattle Blooms and Yodelling In The Moonlight. Shirley's last sessions were recorded here in Tamworth with Eric Scott for the former Hadley label in 1970 and ‘72 when Eric encouraged her to come out of retirement. Those recordings are still available on Bellbird Music today on a CD.
Shirley toured through out Australia and also did many shows for the army during the war years.
Inducted into Tamworth’s Hands Of Fame in 1980 and elevated to the Roll of Renown in 1980.Contact: Lorraine Pfitzner

AUGUST ALBUM LAUNCH FOR JAY PODGER
Jay Podger's debut album "Feelin' Like Winter" was produced at Owen Blundells studio in Tumut, and it features 16 tracks 8 of which are Jay's originals with the title track entitled "Feeling like Winter". Jay wrote the song at the age of 18 when he was out on the family property near the Snowy River in the middle of Autum when the frost were starting to arrive and the afternoons had like a certain smell in the air like you Knew winter wasn't far away.
Jay's other songs are great traditional sounds which range from ballads,country rock to a old rock n roll number "Green Door".
"Our Wedding Day" was a track that Jay wrote for a commercial ("Mainly to see if I could write a song that would attract people to that special day").Jay had sung this song already at a few weddings, one wedding being Peter Simpson & Dianne Lindsay's.
Jay likes the music of the old Australian pioneers and has included two songs of Tex Mortons, one being a comedy style called Peg-Leg Jack & a Yodelling number Called I'll Be Hanged (If There Gonna Hang Me) which have that distinctive sound of the guitar playing.
Jay's debut album will be released on Saturday 16th of August at the Cooma Ex-servemens Club at 7pm and Sunday the 17th of August at the Cathcart War Memorial Hall at 2pm. $15 adult $5 child $35 a family.Artists include: Owen & Ian Blundell, Peter Pratt, Megan Carswell, Dianne Lindsay, and Peter Simpson and Lindsay Connelly,Darrel Ingram(Drums) and Brendon Podger(Sound Technician).
If you would like more information about Jay's cd Launch you can contact him on : Ph 0264522731 or E-mail jaypodger@bigpond.com
Jay will also be touring with Dianne Lindsay throughout the Southern NSW so check out the tourdates

ATTENTION WA BALLADEERS!
I’m writing to ask whether you might be able to help me locate a bush balladeer in Perth? Anglicare WA hold an annual Knit In on July the 9th, with over 400 knitting enthusiasts expected to attend, knitting squares, strips and much needed blankets for Anglicare WA’s Winter Appeal. These blankets are then distributed around the State to individuals and families in crisis though winter.During the Knit In we hope to be able to entertain the knitters with fantastic entertainment, and this year we would really like to feature a Bush Balladeer. I think our audience would absolutely love to hear from one of your members! I sincerely hope you, or one of your members might be able to help us out.I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Email: Lara Appelhans
Coordinator, Fundraising and Communications, ANGLICARE WA

NT COUNTRY SONGWRITING AWARDS AND COUNTRY SONGWRITING COMPETITION KATHERINE NT.2008 WINNERS marked in red:
BUSH BALLAD
Our Women Pioneers - Ray Rose
One Of Kidmans Men- Buddy Thomson
Born And Bred In The Nt- Ben Jacobs / Shaza Leigh
Banjo And Henry - Peter Coad
Woman On The Land - Graham Rodger
CONTEMPORARY
Wild Flowers -Clelia Adams
Thank God- Jay Collie / Tim Dutton / Jasper Sommerville-Collie
Free To Be Me - Michelle Little / Patricia Cruzado
Dreamland - Danny Hooper
Long Gone - Rodney Auld / Jay Collie /Jasper Sommerville-Collie
COMEDY/NOVELTY
The Boobs Song - Rita Schneider / Kath Fleming
Postman Kangaroo - Nathan Charlton
We're Real Aussies - Craig Stewart
Down On The Farm - Rita Schneider
There's A Hole In The Mozzie Net - Graham Rodger / Deidre Wilmington
NT COUNTRY SONGWRITING COMPETITION TOP FIVE FINALISTS:
PROFESSIONAL SECTION (Unreleased Material)
Temporary Loan - Lola Brinton
Million Miles - Leah Briggs
Manabadgerie Run - Graham Rodger/ Mark Kleinschmidt
I've Done It - Brent Lillie
Manarichie Rails - Johnny Kaye / Tom Mcivor.
AMATEUR SECTION
Katherine Through The Ages - Lindy Lou
Box Of Kisses - Lauren Brede
Island River - Mary Flynn
Coming Home - Edward Everingham
Rip It Up - Christie Lamb
LYRICS ONLY SECTION
The Old Brindle Bull - Lindy Lou
The Pride Of The Stockman - Alec Raymer
How Two Boys Lived Their Dream - Merv Webster
Strum - Manfred Vijars
The Fire At Granite Creek - Lindy Lou / Zac Finden

Song of the year wild" WILD FLOWERS" Clelia Adams.
Congratulations to all Winners and Finalists.

SHORTY RANGER MEMORIAL BRONZE BUST — KEMPSEY SUCCESS
Country music fans attended two memorable concerts held at the Kempsey Macleay RSL Club on Saturday 26th April. Some of Australia’s top country music artists gave their time to raise funds for the Shorty Ranger Memorial Bronze Bust Appeal. They included Peter Coad, Big Mal Coad, the Coad Sisters, Anita Ree, Keith Jamieson “The Guitar Pickin’ Chicken” Alisha Smith, local band Cedar Creek, Bob Easter, Bernie Parsons, Glenice Hollis, Daryl Turnbull, the Young Balladeers, (Nathan Charlton, Matt Manning, Dan Manning and Amos Morris.) Compere for the concerts was Lyn Manning.
The event raised $11,500. Funds raised at Tamworth in January, and from other sources, along with the Kempsey contribution see the bronze Bust manufacture underway. Thankyou to all who attended, especially those who travelled long distances to support this event and other projects/events re this fundraiser.

NEW ALBUM FOR MERV WEBSTER
Bush Ballad writer and bush poet, Merv Webster, released his new CD, "The Storyteller" at Boondooma's Balladeer Muster in April. Merv has taken nine out of the seveteen nominations in the Lyrics Only section of the T.S.A. National Songwriting Wards on 2006/7/8 and won it back to back in 2006/7. He has also picked up nominations in the Lyrics Only section of the Katherine's Northern Territory song Writing Awards in 2005/6/8 and won it back to back in 2005/6. There are nine original bush ballad tracks and six original poems. Mer'vs daughter Meagan sings "Flowers on a Friday" and "The Lady in the Locket." Other ballad tracks include Boondooma's Balladeer, So Many Roadside Epitaphs, The Ballad of Faylene Anderson, Bluey's Reflections, Keeping the Culture, That Motel Whiskey Dream, Where's the Water Gone? Poems include The Oriental Cure, The Wallet, Old Jacko in the City, Something For Our Stevie, Caravanning Mayhem and The Payday Dilemma. Contact Merv thegrey@tpg.com.au or go to web site www.users.tpg.com.au/thegrey

APRIL

THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS AWARD OF ALL
According to Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson, it was the privilege of being able to perform to the NSW Branch of the Rats Of Tobruk Association.
Recently Dianne and Peter wrote and recorded a song titled ‘Three Gum Leaves In Tobruk’. The song is a true account of a young soldier in Tobruk who received a letter from his father containing three gum leaves to remind him of his beloved homeland.
‘Even though their numbers are now few, we could immediately sense the wonderful strength of character and pride these men possess and as you can imagine, it was a very emotional though rewarding experience. These men are genuine Australian heroes and we should never forget the contribution of our servicemen and women to this country.’
Three Gum Leaves was released on Balladeers Volume No 9 and LBS Country Collection No 12 and has had a wonderful response including two finalist placings in the Tamworth TSA Awards as well as achieving ‘Songwriter of the Year’ in the NSW Gold Medallion Awards. The Australian War Memorial in Canberra has recognized the song as a worthy inclusion as part of their military history records.
Dianne and Peter hope to perform to each of the state branches of the Rats of Tobruk Association where they will individually meet each member and present them with a copy of the recording.
Pic: Centre (in white) Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson and the Rats Of Tobruk,

SMOKY DAWSON PASSES AWAY AGED 94
February 14, 2008
Country Music Capital Bids Farewell
Tamworth (NSW) is today in mourning with the news that one of Australia’s most prolific and influential country music pioneers has passed away. Smoky Dawson, a country music icon died late yesterday in Sydney aged ninety four. He is survived by his wife Dot.
Born in 1914 in the Victoria town of Warrnambool, Smoky Dawson was Australia's first cowboy. Together, he and his horse Flash were legendary. An entire generation of young Australians grew up listening to his radio show and abiding by his "code of the west". At its peak, the show was broadcast nationally on 69 stations
Smoky Dawson rose to prominence after WWII with his radio show The Adventures of Smoky Dawson, which was broadcast around Australia from 1952 until the early 1960s. He was awarded an MBE in 1978, was admitted to the Australian Record Industry Association Hall of Fame, was elected to Australia's Country Music Roll of Renown, and also received the Honour Award of the Grand Ole Opry and the American Country Music Association in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Mayor of Tamworth, Councilor James Treloar spoke from the Country Music Capital, “the loss of Smoky Dawson is a sad day for Tamworth, the Country Music Industry and Australia. Smoky was a treasured icon and legend who brought so much joy to so many, his memory and recordings will live on within country music”.
During the 2007 Tamworth Country Music Festival, Smoky Dawson made his last trip to Tamworth to be inducted into the prestigious “Galaxy of Stars” monument. During his visit he was celebrated at a small lunch and was in high spirits.
(SUPPLIED BY TOURISM TAMWORTH)

2008 Northern Territory (NT) "Country Song Writer’s Awards"& “Song of the Year” awards.
The Katherine County Music Muster, NT Country Song of the Year and Country Song Writer’s Awards is the Territory’s acknowledgement of Australian Country Music Songwriter’s and their songs.
It is open only to Australian citizens whose material has been written wholly in Australia and has been commercially released for distribution in Australia for the first time between 1st of May 2006 and 17th March 2008
Both lyrics and music must be original. Commercially released means 500 or more copies of any one title released for sale or commercial use. Closing Date: 17th March 2008..... More details and entry Form (PDF)

STAN COSTER MEMORIAL BUSH BALLAD AWARDS WINNERS 2008!
Marked with **
NEW TALENT
** GREG BAIN - Can I Sing Trumby
DENISE BROOKS - A Scene From Long Ago
LEIGH MONEGHETTI - The Shakedown On The Floor

MALE VOCAL
BRIAN LETTON - Driving Through A Postcard
AMOS MORRIS - Follow The Footsteps
**GRAHAM RODGER - Woman On the land

FEMALE VOCAL
** LYNETTE GUEST - Murray River Blues
SHAZA LEIGH - You Can't wrap Your Arms Around A Memory
DIANNE LINDSAY - Local Mary Magdalene

GROUP OR DUO
LINDSAY BUTLER - Ramblin' Guitar
** TOM MAXWELL/LYNETTE GUEST - A Bushman Can't Survive
DEAN PERRETT AND PETER PRATT - Riding Down The Valley

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
** JEFF BROWN - Harvest Time Again
DEAN PERRETT - Return Of The Stockman
GRAHAM RODGER - Thunderbolt

SONGWRITER
** TREVOR DAY - An Empty Plate
LEX KUNST - Lakes Creek Judas Bullocks
GRAHAM RODGER - Woman On the Land

COMEDY
** TREVOR DAY - The Homemade Chair
KEITH JAMIESON - Old Pete's Yellowbelly
PETER PRATT - Mary Kathleen

Barry Thornton Encouragement Award: Lana Ross

RACHEL RICHARDS - BUSH BALLADEER STAR QUEST WINNER 2008!!

The 2008 Bush Balladeer Star Quest saw the field narrowed to just four finalists. All genuine balladeers, this Star Quest was one of the most competitive held so far, and intense competition.
The Quest saw top performances from EVAN PLATSCHINDA, SHARON SMITH and DEAN RICHARDSON, but it was RACHEL RICHARDS who took out the honours.

Guest appearances on the show: 2007 Star Quest winner Greg Bain, and Daly Stephenson Comperes: LYNN MANNING & ANITA REE. Backing band: The Charley Boyter Band.

RACHEL RICHARDS (WINNER)
Born 1974 in Mount Gambier SA. Rachel was introduced to Bush Ballads by good friend Bazza Salkeld and for the last 6 years has called Brisbane her home.
Rachel loves to write and perform Australian Bush Ballads. In 2007 Rachel was a Grand Finalist in Star Quest.
This year she returns with newly acquired skills in Bush Ballad Pick-Strum guitar.
Rachel has just released her debut album.
Rachel will be appearing at various festivals and concerts around the country, so keep an ear out for her. To keep up with her news and tour dates go to www.bushballadeers.com.au/richards.htm
CONGRATULATIONS - RACHEL!!

Fundraising begins to honour country pioneer Shirley Thoms
Fundraising has begun to erect the bust of the fifth Australian country music pioneer, Shirley Thoms, to be placed in Tamworth’s Bicentennial Park.
During the 2008 Tamworth Country Music Festival, the bust of Barry Thornton will be unveiled to the public, and officially handed over to the Tamworth Regional Council by the Country Capital Bronze Bust committee, chaired by Lorraine Pfitzner.
“With the completion of Barry’s bronze bust, fundraising has started in earnest for Shirley’s,” Lorraine said.
“This will be quite a significant bust, as it is our first female pioneer to be honoured in this way. Shirley Thoms was known and loved by many as Australia’s yodelling sweetheart.”
Shirley Thoms held the distinctions of being the first female solo act to record country music in Australia, she was the first Queenslander to be featured on disc and was the first female to be elevated to the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown.
In 1941, at age 16, Shirley went to Sydney and recorded for the now famous red and green label, Regal Zonophone. One of her most famous songs, Faithful Old Dog, emerged from this first batch of recordings.
She toured with George Sorlie’s variety shows and, during the war, entertained armed forces throughout Australia and New Zealand. During this period, she kept on writing songs and recording and later toured with Sole Bros Circus where she met her first husband John Sole.
After recording several “sides” for the Rodeo label, Shirley gave up show business for home and family, but tragedy struck with the premature death of her husband John. The couple had only one child, a son, Peter.
In 1970, Shirley was encouraged by Tamworth radio station 2TM to come out of retirement and appear on the Captain Cook Bicentenary Show in the historic Tamworth Town Hall. This was to spur a brief re-emergence of Shirley’s career as Eric Scott of Hadley Records signed her to a recording contract. She recorded two albums with Hadley, the first released in 1970, the second in 1972.
Some of the most memorable songs Shirley is remembered for include Where The Golden Wattle Blooms and Yodelling In The Moonlight.
“With the great support this committee receives from the Australian country music public, January is the ideal time to launch Shirley’s fundraising drive,” Lorraine said.
“It is only through donations by individuals and organisations that we are able to honour our pioneers in this special way. The bronze busts are now a major tourist attraction in Tamworth.”
The first fundraising event for the Shirley Thoms bronze bust will be a concert at Tamworth’s Salvation Army Hall, known during the Festival as The Balladeers’ Homestead, at 1pm on Wednesday, January 23, 2008. Entry is by donation of $12.
Artists donating their time and talents to the cause include Amos Morris, Hank Sasaki, Jeff Brown, Dianne Lindsay, Lynette Guest and more.
Anyone wishing to donate at other times during the year can send a cheque made out to CCBB (Country Capital Bronze Busts), to PO Box 1207, Tamworth 2340.

SHORTY RANGER TRIBUTE TAMWORTH FUNDRAISER CONCERT 2008
As part of the A.B.B.A week of entertainment at the Balladeers Homestead during the 2008 Tamworth Festival, a special Shorty Ranger Tribute Fundraiser is being incorporated with all Funds raised to aid the Kempsey Shorty Ranger Bronze Bust Committee, re funds toward a Shorty Ranger Bronze Bust in Kempsey.
the A.B.B.A. are staging the event on Sunday 20th Jan 7.30pm at the Balladeers Homestead (Salvation Army Hall) Sydney Road Tamworth:Artists appearing: Reg Poole, Peter Coad & The Coad Sisters, Greg Bain, Lorraine Pfitzner, The Young Balladeers (Matt Manning, Nathan Charlton, Amos Morris and Dan Manning) Charley Boyter, Lindsay Butler, Julie Perandes, The Durdins, Warren Mahoney, Bluey Francis and the backing band will be the Charley Boyter Band. Compere: Paul Rowe. Plus Guest Speakers.
Entry: $20 donation.
All artists will be performing Shorty Ranger material. Songs from Shorty's vast reportoire of over 1,000 compositions, many of which have been recorded by mainstream artists such as Slim Dusty, Buddy Williams, Reg Lindsay, Reg Poole, Lee Kernaghan, John Vaughan, and many more.
Shorty's famous 'Winter Winds' which has been recorded by artists overseas, guaranteed to be performed on the day. Shorty Ranger- The Singing Wanderer - OAM has been a major contributor to the ongoing success of Australian and Bush Ballad Music for the last 60 years.
This Tamworth 2008 Fundraiser Concert will enable artists and bush ballad supporters the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Shorty Ranger's memory in thanks for all the great songs he wrote and his lifetime dedication to Australian Country music. - A.B.B.A.
For more A.B.B.A. Events go to www.bushballadeers.com.au/festival.htm

2008 TSA SONGWRITERS’ SALUTE AWARDS OF AUSTRALIA FINALISTS
The 2008 TSA Awards will be staged on Wednesday 23 January 2008, commencing at 7.00pm, West Tamworth League Club auditorium (Blazes).

CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY SONG OF THE YEAR
Luckiest Girl Alive – DONNA BOYD & DAVID CARTER
Picture On The Mantle – REG MEFFERT, CRAIG & ROSALYNNE GILES
Things That Bring Me Down – AMBER LAWRENCE
The Best Things In Life Are Free – DAVID & MERELYN CARTER
Strong Enough – ALLAN CASWELL & AL CRAIG

BUSH BALLAD OF THE YEAR
Driving Through A Postcard – GEOFF SIDEBOTTOM & SHAZA LEIGH
Thunderbolt – GRAHAM RODGER
Follow In The Footsteps – KEITH JAMIESON
An Empty Plate – TREVOR DAY
The Old Saddle – PETER & VIRGINIA COAD

COUNTRY BALLAD OF THE YEAR
The Tree That Died Of Shame – TOM McIVOR
Woman On The Land – GRAHAM RODGER
Three Gum Leaves In Tobruk – DIANNE LINDSAY & PETER SIMPSON
Old Brown Guitar Case – DIANNE LINDSAY
A Bell Is Ringing Out In Beaconsfield – WENDY WOOD

GOSPEL SONG OF THE YEAR
Strong & Gentle Love – ALLAN CASWELL & AL CRAIG
Let Jesus Travel With You – JAMES WESTWOOD
God Is Watching Over Me – COL MILLINGTON
A Guiding Light – PETER SIMPSON
When God Takes A Photograph – BRENDON WALMSLEY, MERELYN & DAVID CARTER

CHILDREN’S SONG OF THE YEAR
Go Goanna Go – TOM CURTAIN & GARTH PORTER
Why Does A Cow Go Moo – RITA SCHNEIDER
Dear Santa – JOHN NORMAN & GLENN JONES
Desert Groove – JULIE McALLAN
The Hemidemisemiquaver Song – JOHN HOWIE

COMEDY/NOVELTY SONG OF THE YEAR
The Home Made Chair – TREVOR DAY
I Just Wanna Lose Me Fat Belly – RITA SCHNEIDER
There’s A Hole In The Mozzie Net – GRAHAM RODGER & DEIRDRE WILLMINGTON
Old Pete’s Yellowbelly – KEITH JAMIESON
The Boobs Song – RITA SCHNEIDER & KATH FLEMING

COUNTRY SONG OF THE YEAR

Winner selected from winners of above sections.

TSA SONGMAKER AWARD
GRAHAM RODGER
WAVE JACKSON
GREG CHAMPION
GEORGE DASEY
TOM OLIVER

TSA/CAPITAL NEWS NEW SONGWRITER AWARD
It’s Just Turned Drinking Time – DAVID DELLE-VERGIN & NATHAN WARRICK
Three Gum Leaves In Tobruk – DIANNE LINDSAY & PETER SIMPSON
The Legacy – DANNY HOOPER
Old Brown Guitar Case – DIANNE LINDSAY
Streets And Headstones – CRAIG STEWART

36th CMAA COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS OF AUSTRALIA FINALISTS
BUSH BALLAD OF THE YEAR
Brian Letton - Driving Through A Postcard
Written by Geoff Sidebottom & Shaza Leigh
LBS Music
Jeff Brown - In The Wings Of The Yard
Written by Kelly Dixon, Marion Dixon & Jeff Brown
Independent
Amos Morris - Sign Of The Times
Written by Ian Quinn
Nulla Records
Peter Pratt - Sons Of The Snowy
Written by Peter Pratt
Independent
Graham Rodger - Thunderbolt
Written by Graham Rodger
Independent

INSTRUMENTAL OF THE YEAR
Ruckus - Black ‘n’ White
Independent
Michael Fix - Hobbity Hoi
Independent
Steve Passfield - Stump Jumpin’
Independent
Alisha Smith & Charley Boyter - Tanami Track
Kross Cut Records
Crakajak - The Lunger
Independent
For a full listing of finalists go to