As one of Australia’s most loved singer-songwriters, Graeme has been part of the music industry for four decades and, in that time, has released 18 albums.

A swag of accolades has come his way, including 14 Golden Guitars, an ARIA award, two APRA songwriting awards, two PPCA awards, two MO awards and 12 TSA awards, along with the prestigious Songmaker accolade for his outstanding contribution to Australian country music songwriting.

The audience of 5000 rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation at the 2016 Golden Guitar Awards when Anne Kirkpatrick and Max Ellis announced Graeme as the Roll of Renown recipient.

He took the stage with wife Lyn by his side.

Overcome by the moment, Graeme looked to Lyn for inspiration on his “thank you” speech – and of course, she quietly prompted him.

That happened a few times during his acceptance speech, and he told the audience his wife was not only beautiful, she knew just what to say every time.

To celebrate Graeme’s forthcoming 60th birthday, he will release 60 Summers: The Ultimate Collection, a mixture of 37 songs from the very beginning of his career through such landmark albums as The Return, The Road Less Travelled, This Is Life, The Moment and Still Walking.

There are also re-mixed and re-mastered selections from North and South Of These Days, along with four new songs, including the title track, which has been released as the lead single.

Announcing dates for his 60 Summers tour, Graeme revealed details of a free community drought relief concert to be held in Barcaldine, in central-western Queensland, on his 60th birthday – the release date of the album – Friday, April 29.

The open-air concert at the Australian Workers Heritage Centre, in conjunction with the Tree of Knowledge Festival and the Labour Day weekend, promises to be an unforgettable event.

His 60 Summers tour will be launched from his home base of Mackay on Friday, May 27 at the Entertainment Convention Centre.

WHEN Paul and Hele McCloud reluctantly stopped running their Hartwood Campfires and Country Music Festival a couple of years ago, it left a big hole in the Easter plans of hundreds of country music fans.

Fortunately, the property was sold in 2015 to new owners Chrys and Maria Kelly, who have made a commitment to continue the festival established more than 21 years ago by the McClouds.

Earlybirds wanting to get in and pick their spot can enter the property from this Monday, when gates open at 7am, paying just $10 per day extra up until Sunday, March 20.

From Monday, March 21 to Tuesday, March 29, entry to the festival is $120 per person, which includes entertainment and camping.

If camping isn’t your cup of tea, day visitors can purchase tickets for Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday for $30 per person, per day, with children under 16 years admitted free. 

Hartwood is a 1680-acre property on the Coolah-Gunnedah Rd and, whether you’re travelling north or south, it will be hard to miss the well-marked entrance to the property.

In the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of Hartwood you can enjoy a combination of professional and walk-up artists on the campfire stage, set among the gum trees, nightly from Wednesday through to Easter Sunday. 

A second stage will provide non-stop professional entertainment from Good Friday afternoon and all day Easter Saturday and Sunday, with great country music lined up for your enjoyment. 

Some of the performers you could see at Hartwood this Easter include the legendary Rex Dallas and his band, Graham Rodger, Brian Letton, Tom Maxwell, Johanna Hemara, Two Gals, Ryan Sampson, Royden Donohue, Rob Breese and Marie Hodson.

If you’d like to find out more about this rejuvenated event, visit the website, www.hartwoodfestival.com.au where you find the full program and lots of handy information you should know.