Australian country music great to perform at Australia Day Awards

Mayor Greg Williamson said council had secured none other than Australian country music icon, Graeme Connors at the event on Monday, January 25.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Graeme Connors will be our special guest performer for the gala event,” Mr Williamson said.

For the past 22 years Graeme has spent mid to late January in Tamworth for his annual show at the Town Hall and the Golden Guitar Awards.

However, Mayor Williamson said the Tamworth Country Music Festival had become a COVID casualty.

“It’s unfortunate for Tamworth, but it means Graeme is home in Mackay for our awards and has agreed to perform at council’s Australia Day Awards Gala,” Mayor Williamson said.

“Graeme has 14 Golden Guitar Awards to his name and is a tremendous entertainer and storyteller, so it’s a real coup to be able to have him perform for the people in our region who have done so much for our community this year,” he said.

Graeme Connors said he was honoured to be asked to perform at the event.

“Our region is home to so many hardworking and selfless people who make Mackay the great place it is,” Mr Connors said.

“It’s wonderful to be able to acknowledge those who do so much for our community.

“As a songwriter, Mackay has been the source of inspiration for many songs throughout my career.

“From ‘A Little Further North’ to ‘Mango Shade’, there are little pieces of Mackay in my songs.

“Mackay really is a wonderful place to live.

“I hope all of those people nominated – the volunteers, sportspeople, coaches, artists, environmentalist and community champions – feel a strong sense of pride for the contribution they make to community.”

To nominate someone for an Australia Day Award visit council’s website or return a hardcopy version of the form to one of council’s Client Service Centres.

Nominations close January 6, 2021.  All award winners and nominees will be recognised at the Australia Day Awards Gala at the MECC, which will be held on Australia Day eve.

There are eight award categories including:

Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Arts and Culture, Environmental Achievement, Lori Burgess Community Volunteer, Community Group, Senior Sports and Young Sports Award.

The Australia Day Awards are proudly sponsored by P. Comino and Sons and Tropical Exposure and are supported by Star 101.9.