A big congratulations to the APRA AMCOS members who were recognised yesterday for their incredible service to the arts, music and the broader community, receiving Order of Australia Honours.
Archie Roach was posthumously appointed a companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to the performing arts as a songwriter and musician, to Indigenous rights and reconciliation, and through support or emerging First Nations artists.
"He carried his people and their stories with him wherever he went and we are all richer as a musical community because of the many truths he revealed about our shared history through his songs," APRA AMCOS and the NATSIMO said together in a shared tribute to him last year.
In the week he received the honour, his 'One Song' was included in the Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year top 20 shortlist. We miss him and his music dearly.
Honours also went to Italian-Australian singer-songwriter Peter Ciani and bush balladeers Dianne Lindsay-Simpson and Peter Simpson.
Dianne shared on her Facebook page, "We feel very humbled to receive this award and we are proud to be a part of the Australian country music industry. We feel privileged to be a part of the industry that we love. Thank you to everyone for your support through the years."
Congratulations and thank you for your service!
APRA AMCOS members receiving Order of Australia Honours are:
Archie Roach
Companion (AC) in the General Division
For eminent service to the performing arts as a songwriter and musician, to Indigenous rights and reconciliation, and through support or emerging First Nations artists.
Kenneth Bowman
Medal (OAM) in the General Division
For service to the tourism and hospitality industry.
Thomas Buchanan
Medal (OAM) in the General Division
For service to music, particularly through choirs.
Peter Ciani
Medal (OAM) in the General Division
For service to music, particularly as a singer and songwriter.
Dianne Lindsay-Simpson
Medal (OAM) in the General Division
For service to the performing arts as an entertainer.
Peter Simpson
Medal (OAM) in the General Division
For service to the performing arts as an entertainer.