Throughout his life Smoky worked selflessly for the benefit of others, donating his time freely to numerous causes every year. The Smoky Dawson Foundation was established after Smoky's passing as a perpetual memorial to one of Australia's greatest composers and founders of country music in Australia.
The Foundation will continue Smoky's selfless work to help others by proving grants, awards and scholarships to help young and aspiring members of the Australian music industry.
Recipients of awards include students of the Talent Development Project, where the Smoky Dawson Foundation provides an annual scholarship for a young, aspiring performer to participate in the most successful youth training and development program in the music and entertainment industry in Australia.
“Never have I known a more positive and encouraging man than Smoky. Always planning and looking ahead and always so gracious in his support of young Aussie talent.” Keith Urban, Capital News 2008.
SMOKY DAWSON FOUNDATION AMBASSADORS
"I have so many wonderful memories of dear Smoky Dawson and Dot. I remember as a kid of about 8yrs old, visiting his ranch in Sydney and desperately wanting to grow up fast so I could work there. Like many kids, I just didn’t want to leave! In later years, I had the privilege of not only recording one of Smoky’s songs, The Lad With The Laughing Eyes, but also performed along side of him on stage. However, my most treasured memory was visiting Smoky and Dot at their home at Lane Cove. Dot brought around a tray of cordial in delicate little glasses and we talked and laughed together for hours as he reminisced about the old days. He even let me try on his boots and hat! How incredibly lucky I felt to have had this opportunity. Like Smoky, it will stay in my heart forever." TANIA KERNAGHAN
IAN 'MACCA' McNAMARA
Every Sunday morning, some two-million listeners from every corner of our country tune in to listen to Ian McNamara's radio program AUSTRALIA ALL OVER on ABC radio. The program is an eclectic mix of music, poetry, anecdotes, book readings and talkback, all delivered in Macca's trademark, off-the-cuff style.
Join us in welcoming and thanking Macca as he joins Tania Kernaghan and Mary Schneider as a patron of the Smoky Dawson Foundation!
MARY SCHNEIDER
“Smoky was a beautiful man. I remember adoring him and his radio shows as a child. Then later my sister Rita and I got to meet and we became very close friends with he and Dot. We loved his voice and the beautiful songs he wrote. Always in my heart, Smoke.”
“Smoky was a beautiful man. I remember adoring him and his radio shows as a child. Then later my sister Rita and I got to meet and we became very close friends with he and Dot. We loved his voice and the beautiful songs he wrote. Always in my heart, Smoke.”
JOHN KERR
In November 2015 John Kerr will celebrate 58 years in the radio industry. From 2GB, 2PK, and long stints at 2UE, John can now be heard on Gold Coast's 94.1FM Country Radio station.
"As a primary school boy growing up in Sydney one of my heroes was Smoky Dawson and I avidly followed his exploits on radio/film and TV. Many years later my close association with country music made it possible one memorable day in Tamworth to meet with my boyhood idol. On many subsequent meetings, I like so many others, would be entranced listening to Smoky and his wonderful stories.
I’ve been fortunate to have been photographed with many international celebrities whom I’ve interviewed – one of the most treasured photos is with Smoky and Slim Dusty. I don’t think it gets much better than that."
|
|
|
Smoky Dawson was the inaugural patron of the Bear Cottage Children's Hospice and keenly supported their fundraising efforts right until the time of his passing. The Smoky Dawson Foundation aims to perpetuate Smoky's philanthropic legacy.