ABC ABC Country

Working all day like a sweet hog have to get home out of the smog there only one place i wanna be is Surfcoast Surfcoast Surf up its really pumping yeah

I like the song by Alan Archer about Chinchilla. I live in the village of Whissonsett in Norfolk U.K. where Matthew Goggs was born. I have been researching all of the Goggs family and I will be including this tale of Chinchilla in my research. Matthew Gogg's first wife,Bridget Burke is buried in our village churchyard.

Dear Felicity.

I congratulate David Crewe on his win.I concede it must have been a very difficult task for the judges to choose a single winner from the many well written entries. As a poet and song writer I picked out at least 20 entries which I thought were potential winners. It may come as a surprise to you that I hadn't included David's entry in my list, however as the judges are professionals in this field I guess my opinion is irrelevant.

Among the verses which I thought should have been considered for the short list, one stood out above all others,the very first entry, Country's In My Blood by Tom Griffin. This verse was very well structured and extremely rhythmic. From the outset it set the scene for a picture which was well painted of the town of Pambula. Shades of Banjo Patterson I thought.

Kind regards

Claude Varna.

I know of Melaney but I've never been there! Congratulations to David and thanks to the ABC for running this competition.

Congratulation to the winner and to all who posted their songs. Congratulation to all how put the competition together and the people who had the hard and long task of listening to each song ...

congrats and have fantastic time... David Crewe

Song our town Tumbarumba

Our highland town called Tumbarumba sometime referred to as land
Of thunder. Where the skies are blue and the streams run crystal clear.
The rolling hills and valleys and the breathtaking mountain view.
Kosciusko; snow-capped, so far and yet so near
An awesome pleasure just in living here.

I walked from Murray’s crossing to Tumbarumba, years ago.
Even then a big tall lad just sixteen years or so.
I met this chap half up the street, the side of the two hotels.
“He said my names Plum Wildsmith boy, and are you doing well?”

He had an old bush had, pulled low, down over his sunburnt brow,
Looking so much a stockman, a man who just knew how..
A stock-whip curled around his shoulder, the lash end hanging low,
He must have been a drover, it wasn’t there for show.

He started singing then, a tune, no matter how I try,
I can’t remember much of, those many years gone by.
Looking back a few of the words keep ringing in my mind,
Perhaps if I think hard enough, my memory might be kind.

“Spend a week on the Tumbarumba creel, and there you’ll always stay
I know because I came here with my good old horse and dray.”

I wonder did he mention the hills on the eastern side,
Those rugged mountain ridges tipped with snow
The rolling slopes on the western side, where the soft green grasses grow,
Come along to Tumbarumba and you’ll know.

Did he really mention the murmur, as the creek goes gently by,
Or looking up at night time at the stars.
The wildflowers and the bird life…. and breath the mountain air,
Take time to look around you, you’ll find an answer there.

So many things have changed since then and some things much the same
Those English trees with their trunks still standing proud.
And the Autumn leaves still coloured are painting the valley wide.
Our forebears who planted them, keep looking down with pride.

The Tumbarumba garden club as well now are waving their magic wand,
Painting a beautiful landscape there, for all to see..
The wondrous splash of colours in the street gardens and beyond
Where else in this world would you rather be?

So we’ll spend a week on the Tumbarumba creek.

We’ll walk downstream from the pony club, side the mountain stream so cool,
The steel ringed fence of the showground lined with trees,
Take in the site of the caravan park, then past the swimming pool,
Cross over the creek at the half moon bridge, and feel the evening breeze.

We’ll pause awhile at the kids skate park and watch the kids at play,
Note the big flash motel on the right hand side, not so very far away.
The monuments to Hume and Hovel, to our miners and mill hands,
Further down, stonework to honour our farmers, the ones who worked the land.

Follow the path to the water wheel, brought down from an out-town mill.
The library close with the high pitched roof reaching ever upward still.
The bowling club with its own motel… book in there for the night.
Think to myself, well, Plum old fellow, you were absolutely right.

Tumbarumba

When I speak about Tumbarumba.
Where’s that I hear you say?
I answer then, with a touch of country prid.
“It’s a little town placed halfway between
Sydney and Melbourne,
Just shoved a mite there to the side”.

How come you happen to be here then?
Again I hear you say
“Well the lord he kinda dropped me here
And me being kinda slow
Thought what the heck I like it here and
Didn’t feel the need to go.”

Now as I sit up here in my house in town
And sharpen up my pen
Writing about my shearing days, thinking
What might have been.

Had I travelling around this wide world.
Seen the wonders there unfold
Have I missed so much I wonder, as my
Bones are growing old.

You see this is the place where the distant
Hills show up in shades of blue
Further there the peaks of Kosciusko rise
White in winter’s stately view.

And I look across the fertile soils of these
Valleys and those hills.
Surrounded by the pines all spreading wide
And I see the kangaroos lying in a clearing
There, on the sunny side.

The young lambs running, and frolicking
Under their mothers and watchful eye
And I see the clouds are forming in the
Distant blue green sky.

There’s a winding creek and willow trees,
And cattle grazing there.
I walk slowly along with my fishing rod
Neither worry nor a care, as
I rest awhile neath a shady tree and enjoy
Just being there.

Across The Great Divide

I grew up at the end of a long winding road
where the grass trees burned
and the limestone caves
drew me into a mountain world
Life and death were every day around me
a new calf born and the old dog dies
the river swelling to clean her sides

Take me back
across,
where the sun sets high and the stars a fiery blanket
Take me back
across,
Across The Great Divide

I left home and I set up in the city
where the buildings shine
and the pulse of life
drew me into a neon world
The daily grind was every day around me
On the train and the bus ride home
No-one talks, everyone's alone

Take me back
across,
where the sun sets high and the stars a fiery blanket
Take me back
across,
Across The Great Divide

I moved back to the other side of the mountains
where the ocean tide
and the river mouth
drew me into a sandy world
My family is every day around me
the town is small and the pace is slow
there's no place I'd rather go

But - Take me back
across,
where the sun sets high and the stars a fiery blanket
Take me back
across,
Across The Great Divide

"The Rock"

Intro.
It's not Uluru, not alcatraz, not a wrestler on TV
There's only one one The Rock to me.
1)
Magpies gargle in the dawn, from the kurrajongs down main,
Each tree is for a soldier, who did not come home again.
Tingle of the the morning train, rumbles through your feet,
Young blokes on their way to school, kick a footy down the street.

Chorus.
The lion of the riverina plain that guards this town,
sits atop a stony ridge, broke free from even ground.
Wheat beside canola, sews a patchwork quilt all round.....
This little town they call The Rock.

2)
Trucks go to and from the silos,like ants before a rain.
Good to see a bumper harvest, after 10 long years of pain.
Sheep fossick through the stubbles, like beachcombers on the sand.
Hooves give rise to dust, a hazy blanket 'cross the land.

Chorus

3)
The Rock was known as Kengal, before white man came to town.
An initiation place; they say it was sacred ground.
Now tourists come to scale the peak, for fitness or for fun.
Another day draws to a close, as the big cat blocks the sun.

Chorus

It's not Uluru, not alcatraz, not a wrestler on TV
There's only one one The Rock to me.

DEAR LADY SPRINGSURE (Springsure, Central Queensland)
Verse 1

Dear lady I'm ashamed to say
I haven't thought until today
To tell you of the love and deep respect I hold for you
I've chanced to travel far and wide
Yet always with the greatest pride
I told your fascinating tale - and how the tributes flew!

Verse 2

I ventured from another land
Yet you were there to take my hand
You gave me love and shelter as if I were your own
In bliss I spent my chjldhood days
I filled my time a thousand ways
Where else would I have chosen as a place to make my home?

Chorus

Lady stand and take a bow
Lady hear those tributes now
Lady all your children vow
To show their love for you
Your struggle through those early years
Your fallen boys you held so dear
The drought and fire that drained your tears
What pride we have in you

Verse 3

Dear lady in your autumn years
Rest easy now - forget your fears
For those who hold you dear will tend to all your needs
Despite the change that's in the air
Your rugged beauty and your flair
Will stand the test of time as an honour to your deeds.

Rep. Chorus

"Leeton's Where I Wanna Stay"

Northern side of the Murrumbidgee down in the MIA
A little town that sprang to life at the turn of the century
With water flowing in manmade channels planned by old sir Sam
It didn’t take long to sing the song “Leeton is the place to be”
Leeton’s in the heart of the Riverina
In the heart of the Mia
It’s Sun rice country, its citrus country, the best grown chardonnay
The Bidgee’s flowin the crops are groin
Yeah Leeton’s where I wanna stay
People came from all around to settle in our town
They scoured the country to find a place with peace and harmony
Rich farming land where crops will grow without much fuss and bother
Made farmers of men who helped each other when they were in need
Leeton’s in the heart of the Riverina
In the heart of the Mia
It’s Sun rice country, its citrus country, the best grown chardonnay
The Bidgee’s flowin the crops are groin
Yeah Leeton’s where I wanna stay
Now a hundred years have come and gone and our town it’s still here
Industries sprang up and died, corner shops now just a few
When times get tough we pull together and help each other out
That’s the way that Leeton works, that’s just what we do
Leeton’s in the heart of the Riverina
In the heart of the Mia
It’s Sun rice country, its citrus country, the best grown chardonnay
The Bidgee’s flowin the crops are groin
Yeah Leeton’s where I wanna stay
Yeah Leeton’s where I wanna stay

A great place in the bush. Part of our nations history. To see the Cooper Running is excellent.

Innamincka Town

Chorus
Innamincka Town is the place for me
Innamincka Town is the place to see
Innamincka Town is the place to be
In Innamincka Town you can be free

Free from the mobs of city crowds
Free from the maddening traffic lights
Free from the lines on the bitumen
Free to see the starry sky at night
You can be who you want not anyone else
You can be by yourself or with a crew
You can be a local, just living there
You can be a tourist just travelling through

For me I just might look around
For me I might stay around a while
For me it might be a little hot
For me I might really like the style
You can see the Dig Tree of Burke and Wills
You can see the Stony Desert all around
You can see the country from a plane up high
You can see a lot just staying on the ground

Innamincka town is a stylish joint
A special place its one of a kind
Innamincka people are a touch of class
With a pub that does the job you will find

When you live on a farm the house you live in and the country is the place you spend most of your time and energy. It is not a town. It is where you live. The song is about looking out the window towards the crossroads where the kids caught the bus to school. That changing view always amazes.

LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW

Sitting at the table looking out the window watching the world go by

Vege garden growing gardener out there sowing there is breeze in the trees

Roses are blooming colours of the rain bow you can smell them close your eyes

The wonder and the beauty the countries ever changing and time it just flies

CHORUS
For their ain’t no better place to sit and watch the world change and go by

Looking out the window across the garden and the paddocks out into the sky

Paddocks changing colour as seasons change and the years they go by

Morning sun in winter warming through the window dew drips from the leaves

Birds out flying moving round from place to place

New crops are growing farmers been out sowing now just waiting for the rain

The colours of the summer changed to the winter all shades of green

Clouds are moving swiftly the rain will come again the birds still flying round

Cup of tea for smoko with home made biscuits in the brown Tupperware

Still looking out the window the horizon is still there just the colours that have changed

Baby trees are growing out there on the fence line an ever changing view

Sitting at the table looking out the window watching the world go by

Seasons come seasons go the aches and pains always grow time marches on

Outside the window nature still rules its wonder is still there

So I’ll still sit at the window and keep looking out I’ll always be amazed

"When the Winter Winds Blow"

Chorus:
When the winter winds blow - through the Aussie gum trees
There's light and shade through - the Coffs Harbour plateau
The Coffs Harbour plateau - When the winter winds blow
When the winter winds blow - through the Aussie gum trees

Verse 1:
The early morning light on the manna gum trees
The early morning breeze - blowing the Aussie gum trees
Blowing the Aussie gum trees - blowing the tallowood trees
Blowing the tallowood trees - and the swamp mahogany

Verse 2:
The Aussie native gums swaying from side to side
Swaying from side to side in the gentle Aussie breeze
The Aussie butcher birds ringing out their call
Singing out there call in the early morning light

Verse 3:
The tall Australian gums with their canopies up high
They almost seem to touch our Aussie blue sky
And there's our Aussie legend, feeding on the sweet gum leaves
Feeding on the sweet gum leaves below the canopy up high

WOOLOMIN

SHE'S A GEM OF A PLACE/ NOT FAR FROM TAMWORTH/ SHE'S OUT OF THE RAT RACE/ NESTLED IN THE VALLEY/
SHE'S A VILLAGE WITH A SPIRIT/ TINGED WITH GOLDEN NUGGETS/ PERHAPS THE BEST KEPT SECRET/ IS HER COUNTRY PEACE AND QUIET/

CHORUS
WHERE EVERYONE SAYS G'DAY/ WITH A WINK AND A SMILE/ IF YOU STOP BY AND HAVE A CHAT/
IT MAY TAKE A WHILE/ WHERE THEY DRINK CUPS OF TEA/ AND HOMEMADE MOONSHINE/ WOOLOMIN IS THE HEART OF COUNTRY LIFE/ AND SHE'S OUR TOWN

YOU CAN WALK TO THE STORE/ OR ANY PART OF TOWN/ YOU CAN SWIM IN THE CREEK/ OR CAMP BY THE DAM/
YOU CAN SING LIKE THE BIRDS / OR HUM LIKE THE BEES/ YOU CAN DO NOTHIN AT ALL / BUT YOU BETTER NOT LEAVE/

YOU MAY SEE AN EAGLE CIRCLING THE SKIES/ OR MARVEL AT THE ROLLIN HILLS AS COTTON CLOUDS ROLL BY /
YOU MAY BE CONTENT TO BREATHE IN FRESH AIR / AND AFTER A WHILE YOU WON'T HAVE A CARE .. COS

CHORUS
EVERYONE SAYS G'DAY/ WITH A WINK AND A SMILE/ IF YOU STOP BY AND HAVE A YARN/
IT MAY TAKE A WHILE/ WHERE THEY DRINK CUPS OF TEA/ AND HOMEMADE MOONSHINE/ WOOLOMIN IS THE HEART OF COUNTRY LIFE/ AND SHE'S OUR TOWN / SHE'S OUR TOWN .. WOOLOMIN

Entry for the Your Town, Your Song competition:

Malanda, Our Town
by Pig's in the Shed

It started outside the pub
On a misty Malanda day
There was woodchops and everything
And one of the boys had something to say

We got gymnastics and soccer and things we don't know
There's skate parks, push bikes and taekwondo
But all we really needed was a senior football side
To don the mighty colours and show this town some pride

You see it finished many years ago, before we were born
The memory lay dormant for thirty years or more
But the word had got around that there were maybe three or four
And the Eels got back together and Made Malanda roar
We are for one and all like thirty years before
And the boys all made a pact to never let it fall

This is Malanda the town that we all love
This is Malanda the home of the big wooden pub
This is Malanda with players young and old
This is Malanda playing for the blue and gold

Now we all know what's happened since deregulation set in
It broke some of our farmers, but there are still some hanging in
Wearing their hearts out on their sleeves, they've all stuck together
And that's what makes this town so proud to be Malanda

This is Malanda the town that we all love
This is Malanda the home of the big wooden pub
This is Malanda with players young and old
These are the farmers asking for a fair go

High in the mountains, deep in the scrub
There lie a battle they said just couldn't be won
But the pioneers all had a dream, that only they could see
And that's why this town of Malanda stands before you and me

This is Malanda the town that we all love
This is Malanda the home of the big wooden pub
This is Malanda with players young and old
This is Malanda playing for the blue and gold
This is Malanda the town that we all love
This is Malanda the home of the big wooden pub
This is Malanda with players young and old
These are the farmers asking for a fair go

Aussie Sheilas
G. P. Torrens

In the land they call “Down Under,”they breed a race apart.
They're known as Aussie Sheilas and they're mostly made of heart.
For everything they do, they do with grace and style
Because they're Aussie Sheilas. It puts them ahead by a mile.

We've all heard of Dawn Frazer who hailed from Balmain Town
She showed that it was possible to swim a hundred metres in under a minute
And if there was a lark going on, you can bet our Dawnie was in it.
Her first GOLD came in the Melbourne Olympics and she was still going strong in Rome.
By the time she'd finished in Tokoyo, she'd bought forty records home.

Cause in the land they call “Down Under,”they breed a race apart.
They're known as Aussie Sheilas and they're mostly made of heart.
For everything they do, they do with grace and style
Because they're Aussie Sheilas. It puts them ahead by a mile.

On the track, we had Majorie Jackson, the fabulous “Lithgow Flash”.
In '52,she claimed GOLD and World Records in both the one and two hundred metre dash.
And never forget Betty Cuthbert, Australia's first “Golden Girl.”
When Betty got to the Melbourne Olympics, she gave that track a twirl..
In the women's one hundred metre sprint, it was GOLD to Australia that day.
Then in the two hundred metres, GOLD again came Australia's way.
In the four by one hundred metre relay, our “Golden Girl” did it once more.
Then eight years later in Tokyo, Betty added more GOLD to the score.

Cause in the land they call “Down Under,”they breed a race apart.
They're known as Aussie Sheilas and they're mostly made of heart.
For everything they do, they do with grace and style
Because they're Aussie Sheilas. It puts them ahead by a mile.

In the pool, we've had Curry and Lenton, Riley, Gould, Lewisand Brown
On the track, we've had Nunn, Fleming, Saxby and Boyle
with Gainsford and Freeman's reknown.
In the past we've cheered wildly and proudly for Susie and Becky and Marina
and Rachel, Marayka and Nova and Elli, Tracey and Katrina
For our stars, both known and unknown, our hearts have beaten with pride
and none have even competed alone ,for they've had this whole nation on side.

Cause in the land they call “Down Under,”they breed a race apart.
They're known as Aussie Sheilas and they're mostly made of heart.
For everything they do, they do with grace and style
Because they're Aussie Sheilas. It puts them ahead by a mile.

On The Run .. V1. She ran away from Runaway Bay/ A Long reach away from home/ She had seven thrills in Seven Hills / You couldn't call her on the phone / V2. She had a good time in Narromine/ took her back pack to Crackin Back and back/ She ended up in Jindabyne/ Had a stack off the beaten track / Ch: She's on the run to have some fun/ kickin up her heels spinnin out her wheels/ She's on the go, boy don't you know/ She won't be back and that's a fact / V.3 She went to work in the back o Bourke/ Pickin fruit she learnt to shoot/ She lost a shoe in Dunedoo/ She couldn't dance she learnt to bootscoot/ V.4. She met a bloke in the town of Broke / kissed a man in Brighton Le Sands / She rowed a boat to and fro Norfolk/ She finally caught her man in romance.
They're on the run to have some fun/ kickin up their heels spinnin out the wheels/ She's on the go, boy don't you know/ She won't be back and that's a fact ..

Coopernook My Town.

Just one look, was all it took, to love Coopernook, friendly faces, some from other places, abound.

I left the city for this emerald valley, of peace & solitude, her thriving history, now a mystery for those who never new.

Oh Coopernook, just one look, was all it took.

A memory of your used to be, somehow it sticks with me, I feel love abound, from the General Store to the bloke next door, the Pub and all around.

Some say why? Others want to try, your lovely surrounds. The peace I've found, cannot be found in many other places.

Oh Coopernook, just one look, was all it took.

On return for me, from the city, makes my heart skip a beat, at the sight of the Manning far below. I'm home at last, no need for my past, here in this lovely town.

So come take a look, at what it took, to turn my heart around. Breathe the fresh air, let go of your cares, and happiness will abound.

Oh Coopernook, Coopernook, just one last look.

The Magic of Maleny
By David Crewe

There’s something in the air up here that seems to make you smile,
Not like the crowded city folk where smilin’s out of style.
So when you’re walking down the road strangers still hello you,
And the people in the shops and stores are pleased to get to know you.

I’ve travelled far and travelled wide, crossed every land and sea,
But there’s one place in this great big world that I would rather be.
No matter where I wander, no matter where I roam,
The green hills of Maleny are calling me come home.

Up here you’ll find the peacefulness that any man would seek,
Among the ancient forests and along the Obi creek.
When the sky comes dropping down the world can disappear,
Within the soft embrace of clouds you’ll know that heaven is near

I drink with men whose father’s father’s came here long ago,
To build a life that’s different with no pretentiousness or show.
Why I’m here I’m not so sure I know the reason why,
But there’s something about Maleny – can’t avoid it if you try.
Within this magic hinterland, the places I’ve explored,
I’ve come to think I’m living in the bosom of the Lord.

I’ve travelled far and travelled wide, crossed every land and sea
But there’s one place in this great big world that I would rather be
No matter where I wander, no matter where I roam
The green hills of Maleny are calling me come home

Entry by Catherine Wheeler from Bega High School. Written at a Landcare camp at Bournda

Bournda

V1
About 2 kays from Kalaru
there's a place where you can do
almost anything you like
Paddle a canoe or ride a bike

Chorus
The only way that you would know
that anyone was here
Is when you see a car or tent
They're all silent to the ear

V2
When you wander, wonder, walk
Listen to the animals talk
Look out for the shape of a kangaroo
and be amazed, there's only you

V3
Waiting for a whisper, not a sound
But nature can be heard and found
Just wait, just listen and you will see
Why Bournda is the place for me

Chorus

Bridge
You'll never know that anyones near
Because they're all silent to the ear

Silent, Serene, My town

Entry by Ella Davies from Bega High School. Written at a Landcare camp at Bournda

Bega
V1
There's a dark side of Bega
that people often see
the drugs and drink
The side that scares me
Chorus
But there's a bright side, a right side
The hidden side
People actually care
The hippy side some would say
But its the right side for me
V2
The parks, the walks
Our house on the hill
15 minutes from the beach
this place is for me
V3
The people we see
The places we go
The vegans and the bogans
My family and me

"Life and Love Go 'Round"

chorus ...Life and love go 'round
in our back yard
& in our town,
Bundy's got such heart & soul
natural beauty,folks like gold.

Funny how the circle goes 'round
recycling's quite the fashion,
Mum did it in the good old days
dressed in sugar bags & hessian.

chorus...

Donald Cook & Dr Jenkins
heal our hearts & minds,
save many a wayward stranger
loving,caring,sharing times.

chorus...

Pottering 'round the garden beds
the goat,the chooks,the lizards,
the compost,worms & silvereyes
simply are our treasures.

chorus...

"Bundy's Wonder Water Zoo"

Our Jessie dog's been beggin'
to tear off for a run,
the dam's in sight,such sweet delight
that mud's incredible fun!
The kids they'll all get coated
& plaster it in their hair,
call around the neighbourhood
& give their friends a scare!

chorus...That dam's so central to our lives
it really is a treasure,
gives us so much pure joy
way beyond all measure.

We've dangled chunks of chicken bits
from twine upon a stick,
hauled out lots of yabbies-
masses,nipping,fat & thick;
Even famous,wealthy folk
who've really done it all,
reckon this enticing yabbying's
the absoluteness of having a ball!

chorus

God's great world beneath the weed
in this our Bundy dam,
chock full of fish & turtle life
beyond the realms of man;
Let's keep it clean & special
for it's a landmark too,
has entertained us all for years
our wonder water zoo!

Coledale' Brave'.

Little town, time forgotten,
spose there's nothin' to see
But I reckon it's slow enough
and it'll do me
We've got not nothing to shame us
But let beauty blame us
For keepin' our secret 'hard kept' from the world

Blink and you'll miss us
On a post card with kisses
Wish you here with us
at Coledale by the sea

Is our name 'beer' in origin ?
Were we named after coal ?
Were we fashioned in granite like the war's 'Honor Roll' ?
Where loss wont belittle me
Coledale to Gallipolli
Jack Simpson worked underground
Black coal for his crust.Sent his hard earned to Mother
Tar soap for the dust
His black and white photo, hangs up in the local
set sail for the 'motherland'
to fight Johnny Turk
Old enough to work underground
Too young for a Missus
To write home some kisses
........Black coal for his crust from the seam in Coledale

Little town,time forgotten
Nothin' to see
Unless you open your eyes up
there's more history

Quiet girl ran through ocean mist
In the still of the morn
Steel town will and an iron fist
then savagely torn
Little boy, held her hand ,
His mum's Kerryn McCann
On a lap made for victory
Twas a sad valedictory
You can take all the gold,
and melt it all down......
A hero, a Mother from Coledale her town.

Should I think that you'd miss us
From beyond the cold pale
Little town by the seaside struck two stamps for your mail
Heroes have havens and their Holy Grails
Each fought the good fight, they fought tooth and nail
They're here and in spirit. If you come here you'll feel it

In the blink of an eyelid 'twas their home in Coledale.

Author;Chris Driscoll

TAMWORTH COUNTRY MUSIC

TAMWORTH ON THE RIVER PEEL
IS THE GREATEST PLACE ON EARTH
ITS THE COUNTRY MUSIC CAPITOL
AUSTRALIA IS ITS BIRTH
THE FANS THEY COME FROM NEAR AND FAR
TO CHEER THEIR SINGERS ON
AND SING AND DANCE AND PARTY
EVERYDAY AND ALLNIGHT LONG

CHORUS
WE BOAST THE WAX MUSEUM
WE DO THINGS HERE IN STYLE
A MIGHTY TOURIST CENTRE
YOU CAN WALK A COUNTRY MILE
THE TREC AND EQUINE CENTRE
THE WONDEROUS HANDS OF FAME
TSA SONGWRITINGS TRIBUTE
AND THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME.

THE GOLD GUITARS AND CAMERATA
STARMAKERS ALL FIND STARS
THE FANS GO THERE IN THOUSANDS
THEY FILL THE CLUBS AND HOTEL BARS
YOU,LL FIND RECORDING STUDIOS
AND BUSKERS ON THE STREET
THERES MANY GLOWING POETS
ALREADY TO COMPETE

REPEAT CHORUS.

THERE,,S CAMPERS ON THE RIVER BANK
IN TENTS AND CARAVANS
SO THEY CAN PLAY IN TAMWORTH
AND HEAR THEIR FAVOURITE BANDS
ITS EVERY MUSOS PARADISE
EVERYONE CAN HAVE A GO
IN COUNTRY MUSIC CAPITOL
LET EVERYBODY KNOW

Lithgow – Heart of the Country

Verse 1

Forged around factories, mills and pits
A town nestled high in the mountains blue
Where working class people are the fabric
Family, hard yakka and mateship the glue

Verse 2

Home of the factory that armed our forces for war
Birthplace of the industry that built this nation
With abundant supplies of natural resources
This valley has always been such a prime location

Verse 3

To the steelworkers the potters their wives and kids
To the factory workers, miners and railwaymen
We pay tribute to what they got on with and did
And homage to the community that supported them

Chorus

Bent backs, calloused hands, lungs dusted with coal
Young men once - grown prematurely old
To my town these men are the heart and soul
Gateway to the central west, my town Lithgow

I Know A Place

Verse 1:
I know a place with the whitest sand
I know a place where the rainbows land
I know a place where the dolphins play
And the mermaids go on holiday

Chorus:
It’s not too fancy, no it’s just right
You might even call it paradise
So if you’re looking for a place to get away Then come on down to Jervis Bay

Verse 2:
I know a place with the sweetest breeze I know a place with whispering trees I know a place where the eagles fly And the clouds all love to surf the sky

Chorus:
It’s not too fancy, no it’s just right
You might even call it paradise
So if you’re looking for a place to get away Then come on down to Jervis Bay

Verse 3:
I know a place with possums and roos
I know a place where ships like to cruise I know a place with a turquoise sea And everyday is like winning the lottery

Chorus:
It’s not too fancy, no it’s just right
You might even call it paradise
So if you’re looking for a place to get away Then come on down to Jervis Bay Come on down to Jervis Bay Come on down to Jervis Bay

"Life and Love Go 'Round"
chorus..Life & love go 'round
in our back yard
& in our town
Bundy's got such heart& soul
natural beauty,folks like gold.

Funny how the circle goes 'round
recycling's quite the fashion,
Mum did it in the good old days
dressed in sugar bags & hessian.

chorus

Donald Cook & Dr Jenkins
heal our hearts & minds,
save many a wayward stranger
loving,caring,sharing times.

chorus

Pottering 'round the garden beds
the goat,the chooks.the lizards,
the compost,worms & silvereyes
simply are our treasures.

chorus

My town is every town.

A job's a job and mine can take me almost any place,
inkeepers and truckstop ladies all know my face,
hotel rooms and motel rooms have always been my base.

Always moving always travelling,
nowhere can I call home,
I wish that I could settle down,
but it's been my life to roam.

So my town is every town I've stayed in all my life,
I've had no time to settle down, no time to take ( be) a wife,
my town is called Australia, there's no place I'd rather be,
cause just about everywhere
has been a home to me.

© 2010 Eric Henderson & Peter Searle.

Bombala by Ron Milliner, Bombala, southeast NSW

Chorus:

Bombala is a little town and I'm not one to boast
Two hours south of Canberra and an hour from the coast
There's timber, sheep and cattle studs, it's where Monaro lies
There's rolling hills and valleys to where the mountains rise.

1st verse
When you walk down maybe street, locals smile and nod
It's not very often that you find a cranky sod
Robert Stewart is the mayor, we call him mayor Bob
He keeps his finger on the pulse and odes a damn good job

2nd verse
You say its cold in winter and you've seen the frost and ice
So you may not want to live here and you'd probably think twice
But this town's a little different and puts us miles apart
'Cause the good folk of Bombala will really warm your heart

3rd verse
There's national parks and forests, and platypus to see
Walks around the river of have a shopping spree
There's golfing, bowls & tennis, sit back and relax
Or ski up in the mountains or drive the rally tracks

Bombala by Ron Milliner, Bombala, southeast NSW

Chorus:

Bombala is a little town and I'm not one to boast
Two hours south of Canberra and an hour from the coast
There's timber, sheep and cattle studs, it's where Monaro lies
There's rolling hills and valleys to where the mountains rise.

1st verse
When you walk down maybe street, locals smile and nod
It's not very often that you find a cranky sod
Robert Stewart is the mayor, we call him mayor Bob
He keeps his finger on the pulse and odes a damn good job

2nd verse
You say its cold in winter and you've seen the frost and ice
So you may not want to live here and you'd probably think twice
But this town's a little different and puts us miles apart
'Cause the good folk of Bombala will really warm your heart

3rd verse
There's national parks and forests, and platypus to see
Walks around the river of have a shopping spree
There's golfing, bowls & tennis, sit back and relax
Or ski up in the mountains or drive the rally tracks

Bombala by Ron Milliner, Bombala, southeast NSW

Chorus:

Bombala is a little town and I'm not one to boast
Two hours south of Canberra and an hour from the coast
There's timber, sheep and cattle studs, it's where Monaro lies
There's rolling hills and valleys to where the mountains rise.

1st verse
When you walk down maybe street, locals smile and nod
It's not very often that you find a cranky sod
Robert Stewart is the mayor, we call him mayor Bob
He keeps his finger on the pulse and odes a damn good job

2nd verse
You say its cold in winter and you've seen the frost and ice
So you may not want to live here and you'd probably think twice
But this town's a little different and puts us miles apart
'Cause the good folk of Bombala will really warm your heart

3rd verse
There's national parks and forests, and platypus to see
Walks around the river of have a shopping spree
There's golfing, bowls & tennis, sit back and relax
Or ski up in the mountains or drive the rally tracks

Bombala by Ron Milliner, Bombala, southeast NSW

Chorus:

Bombala is a little town and I'm not one to boast
Two hours south of Canberra and an hour from the coast
There's timber, sheep and cattle studs, it's where Monaro lies
There's rolling hills and valleys to where the mountains rise.

1st verse
When you walk down maybe street, locals smile and nod
It's not very often that you find a cranky sod
Robert Stewart is the mayor, we call him mayor Bob
He keeps his finger on the pulse and odes a damn good job

2nd verse
You say its cold in winter and you've seen the frost and ice
So you may not want to live here and you'd probably think twice
But this town's a little different and puts us miles apart
'Cause the good folk of Bombala will really warm your heart

3rd verse
There's national parks and forests, and platypus to see
Walks around the river of have a shopping spree
There's golfing, bowls & tennis, sit back and relax
Or ski up in the mountains or drive the rally tracks

Bombala by Ron Milliner, Bombala, southeast NSW

Chorus:

Bombala is a little town and I'm not one to boast
Two hours south of Canberra and an hour from the coast
There's timber, sheep and cattle studs, it's where Monaro lies
There's rolling hills and valleys to where the mountains rise.

1st verse
When you walk down maybe street, locals smile and nod
It's not very often that you find a cranky sod
Robert Stewart is the mayor, we call him mayor Bob
He keeps his finger on the pulse and odes a damn good job

2nd verse
You say its cold in winter and you've seen the frost and ice
So you may not want to live here and you'd probably think twice
But this town's a little different and puts us miles apart
'Cause the good folk of Bombala will really warm your heart

3rd verse
There's national parks and forests, and platypus to see
Walks around the river of have a shopping spree
There's golfing, bowls & tennis, sit back and relax
Or ski up in the mountains or drive the rally tracks

Bombala by Ron Milliner, Bombala, southeast NSW

Chorus:

Bombala is a little town and I'm not one to boast
Two hours south of Canberra and an hour from the coast
There's timber, sheep and cattle studs, it's where Monaro lies
There's rolling hills and valleys to where the mountains rise.

1st verse
When you walk down maybe street, locals smile and nod
It's not very often that you find a cranky sod
Robert Stewart is the mayor, we call him mayor Bob
He keeps his finger on the pulse and odes a damn good job

2nd verse
You say its cold in winter and you've seen the frost and ice
So you may not want to live here and you'd probably think twice
But this town's a little different and puts us miles apart
'Cause the good folk of Bombala will really warm your heart

3rd verse
There's national parks and forests, and platypus to see
Walks around the river of have a shopping spree
There's golfing, bowls & tennis, sit back and relax
Or ski up in the mountains or drive the rally tracks

Bombala by Ron Milliner, Bombala, southeast NSW

Chorus:

Bombala is a little town and I'm not one to boast
Two hours south of Canberra and an hour from the coast
There's timber, sheep and cattle studs, it's where Monaro lies
There's rolling hills and valleys to where the mountains rise.

1st verse
When you walk down maybe street, locals smile and nod
It's not very often that you find a cranky sod
Robert Stewart is the mayor, we call him mayor Bob
He keeps his finger on the pulse and odes a damn good job

2nd verse
You say its cold in winter and you've seen the frost and ice
So you may not want to live here and you'd probably think twice
But this town's a little different and puts us miles apart
'Cause the good folk of Bombala will really warm your heart

3rd verse
There's national parks and forests, and platypus to see
Walks around the river of have a shopping spree
There's golfing, bowls & tennis, sit back and relax
Or ski up in the mountains or drive the rally tracks

Bombala by Ron Milliner, Bombala, southeast NSW

Chorus:

Bombala is a little town and I'm not one to boast
Two hours south of Canberra and an hour from the coast
There's timber, sheep and cattle studs, it's where Monaro lies
There's rolling hills and valleys to where the mountains rise.

1st verse
When you walk down maybe street, locals smile and nod
It's not very often that you find a cranky sod
Robert Stewart is the mayor, we call him mayor Bob
He keeps his finger on the pulse and odes a damn good job

2nd verse
You say its cold in winter and you've seen the frost and ice
So you may not want to live here and you'd probably think twice
But this town's a little different and puts us miles apart
'Cause the good folk of Bombala will really warm your heart

3rd verse
There's national parks and forests, and platypus to see
Walks around the river of have a shopping spree
There's golfing, bowls & tennis, sit back and relax
Or ski up in the mountains or drive the rally tracks

Bega Town by Geoff Johnston, Bega ,NSW

Bega Town

Wheels keep on turning, travelling coast to coast
In double B's and on freight trains
They are carrying the loads.
People ask where you come form
Very few know the town
They know the name, that made us fame
That's our Bega town!

I've been around Australia, nearly been everywhere
Been in shops, in the outback you'll find eit verywhere
All sealed up in plastic, with a look that can't mistake
Looking like gold, well lo and behold
Its our Bega Cheese!

Wheels keep on turning, travelling coast to coast
In double B's and on freight trains
They are carrying the loads.
I've been around Australia, nearly been everywhere
Been in shops, in he outback you'll find it everywhere
There it is again, Bega!

This entry is from Carol Badewitz for Bombala, NSW.

Carol Badewitz, Bombala NSW

Bombala, A Town We Can Sing Of

We're a pretty little town in the valley
Where the end of the rail chose to stop
The river flows down through the centre
And two bridges hold south to north

CHORUS: Bombala is a town we can sing of
Where we all pull together in time of strife
We're battlers, we're strugglers, We're lovers
For this community town Bombala is our life

Bombala is a town of many colours
Seen in winter, spring, summer and fall
No prettier place you'll find in your travels
You'll know it when autumn comes to call

CHORUS:

We've clubs and pubs and yes we have churches
We've sporting fields, skate parks and pools
We've a hospital, aged home, doctors, nurses
We've butchers, bakers, varied shops and schools

CHORUS:

We're builders, we're workers in the forests too
We're farmers, we're mechanics, painters too
We're crafters and carers of each other
Mothers, fathers, there's nothing we can't do.

CHORUS:

Eden, far south cost NSW by N. Knight

We live in Eden on Twofold Bay

Where the whales visit to romp and play

It is not too big and it is not too small

We think we have it all

In this garden we call paradise.

Eden, far south cost NSW by N. Knight

We live in Eden on Twofold Bay

Where the whales visit to romp and play

It is not too big and it is not too small

We think we have it all

In this garden we call paradise.

Eden, far south cost NSW by N. Knight

We live in Eden on Twofold Bay

Where the whales visit to romp and play

It is not too big and it is not too small

We think we have it all

In this garden we call paradise.

Look at the moon
Look at the Heavens
At the Southern stars
Running above The Great Dividing Range.

The show is free, free.
The display is a wonder to see
Such colours, the world's envy.
Its tempers rage from silence
To thunder and lightening,
Loud booming strikes in the skies
That sometimes hit the Eucalypt trees

Australia the rage, from A to Z,
Goes from silence to the booming muster
By the sea
To its incredible blue hue
Its special light
That makes Australia
The amazing home
For all nation's many.

Copyright 2010

That’s Carnarvon!
(as in ‘That’s Amore!’)

Chorus Get on the road again,
Come on home again,
It’s not far, where ever you are,
Where the outback meets the coast,
At the place we love the most,
That's Carnarvon!

Verse One
Some came by wagon when
Afghan camel men,
Rolled in full of station wool.
They’re in the murals by our Post
Along with ships and Smithy’s ghost.
Wallet’s thicker, jet plane’s quicker.
Yamaji chick, you city slicker
Fly on home now, up the coast
To roo tail roast we love the most,
in Carnarvon!

Verse Two
Hitch up the caravan
And the kids and Gran
Pack toothpaste so much to taste.
Have a banana on a stick,
Enjoy the sport, a ball to kick.
Fishing fun, so much to munch on,
Heaps to eat at every function.
Prawns galore, excuse our boast,
raise your glass and join our toast,
to Carnarvon!

Verse Three
Get on the way again,
Catch that cray again.
Winter sun, the fun’s begun,
Surf is up and coral is nice,
Load the ute with solar ice.
Thrills and spills in off-road racin’
River bed beside plantation.
Mango Tango, let us host
You, in the place we love most,
That's Carnarvon!

THE MULLET DANCE

Just up the road from where the Royal Tar was built
Is a Dance Hall where they're setting a new trend
A band called “Timber Getters” are making all the noise
Vibrating the walls with a song I'd recommend
But only if you're fit enough
And you can handle things rough and tough

Hands by your side, nose in the air
Jump of the ground everyone beware
The Mullet Dance is from the shore
Now the Mullet Dance is on the floor

Now some folks get around with Oysters in their gob
They reckon they can't dance but you want to see them try
It's good fun to watch even the Crabs are doing their best
Moments like this you wish you can fly
But only if you're fit enough
And you can handle things rough and tough

Hands by your side, nose in the air
Jump of the ground everyone beware
The Mullet Dance is from the shore
Now the Mullet Dance is on the floor

It's a golden rule when ever you visit Nambucca Heads
Bring your dancing shoes or boots with springs in heels
You can practice near the river where the Mullet are cool
And when you're ready the staff are serving up meals
But only if you're hungry enough
And you can handle things rough and tough

Hands by your side, nose in the air
Jump of the ground everyone beware
The Mullet Dance is from the shore
Now the Mullet Dance is on the floor

RBeswick(Words)30thSep2010

"Bassendean"

Bassendean is my town,
prettiest thing around.
Bassendean come or go,
is the picture of my dreams.

Where ever I should roam,
Bassendean is my home.
Without her I'm alone,
and my heart begins to moan...

Bassendean!
Have you seen,
Bassendean?
Prettiest town I ever seen.

I can travel far away,
part of me will always stay.
In a place I have found,
a place called Bassendean.

Bassendean!
Have you seen,
Bassendean?
Prettiest town I ever seen.

John Wardle

The following is written to honour those who have been before us, whether it be in the Mallee town of Loxton, or anywhere across Australia.
'Cause they did what they did, we can do what we do!

MALLEE TOWN LOXTON

The land of the Murray was covered in scrub,
Before there was ever a town or a pub.
The morning sunshine, saw resting cockatoo,
And the Erawirung people sharing fish and kangaroo.
Then Sturt and his men brought a pioneering wave,
With a vision and a future, bold, strong and brave.
The farmers that followed soon opened the land.
Wiping sweat from their brow amid flies, heat and sand.

Oh give thanks for the families and their children too.
‘Cause they did what they did, we can do what we do...

The turn of the century, saw Loxton’s Hut was growing,
The river trade brought steamers and the barges they were towing,
In 1907, the town was proclaimed,
The strong Loxton spirit forged through drought, dust and rain.
Their sons and their daughters then went off to the war,
To be wounded by shells and the horrors they saw,
Brave hearts that were fighting for peace in their day,
Some never returned, but their memories still stay.

Oh give thanks for the families and their children too.
‘Cause they did what they did, we can do what we do...

Our street names are memorials to honour our peers,
Australian VC heroes, war nurses and pioneers.
We thank God for their sacrifice and their hard work too,
Because they did what they did, we can do what we do.
Now with vineyards and orchards, our community still grows,
Built on strong foundations that’s withstood the heavy blows,
When times are hard, you know you’re guaranteed a welcome smile,
So if you drift through Loxton, just drop anchor for a while.

Oh give thanks for the families and their children too.
‘Cause they did what they did, we can do what we do.
‘Cause they did what they did, we now do what we do...

Peter Magarey and Chris McDonough
Loxton 2010

PS Couldn't find this on the web-site comments list, so this may be a repeat.
Sorry, if so.

I have lived my whole life the past 16 yrs in this beautiful town and it has inspired many of my songs I have wrote. So I decided tonight to put a tune down and write the lyrics about beautiful mackay and this is my song.
My Home Town Mackay © Destiny Feeney

From the coalfields to the Ocean, it's here I want to stay,
With Beaches and the Marina, In the region of Mackay
The walkways and the Gardens, is quite a sight to,
Blue Water Keys by the River side, That's where I want to be.

All around the City, the ocean's at your door.
Diving, Surfing, and Sailing, you couldn't ask for more.
So if you come to Queensland, and wander up our way,
Make a stop in paradise, to our City of Mackay

At Eungella in the National Park, you Track along the way,
In the ponds at the waterfalls, you see the Platypus play.
What could be more peaceful, it's far beyond belief.
We have one of the Seven Wonders, The Great Barrier Reef.

Butterflies in autumn, Whales migrating in the spring,
With Sunshine and the waterfalls, the sound of Parrots sing.
So if you ever come to Queensland, and wander up our way,
Make a stop in paradise, to our City of Mackay

We'll embrace you with our beauty, and delight you every night,
With scenery and Island Trips, to never ending sights.
So if you come to queensland, and wander up our way,
Make a stop in Paradise, to our city of mackay