Wednesday 15 August, 2012

The contribution the late Smoky and Dot Dawson made to the Australian Country Music Industry will be recognised with a commemorative plaque at Tamworth's Oxley Lookout.

Tamworth region Councillors decided at last night's Ordinary Council Meeting to accept a request from Smoky Dawson Memorial Committee Chairperson, Mary Chapman, for the couple's ashes to be scattered somewhere in Tamworth, the city they always regarded as their second home.

A report tabled at the meeting said Oxley Lookout has been identified as a preferred site following discussions with the Dawson family and the Memorial Committee.

Smoky and Dot Dawson contributed significantly to the Australian Country Music Industry as well as to Tamworth being recognised as the Australian Country Music Capital.

Smoky died on 13 February, 2008 - a month short of his 95th birthday. Dot died on 27 October, 2010 aged 104.

The Smoky Dawson Statue was unveiled in Peel Street Tamworth during the 2012 Country Music Festival.

'Scattering Smoky and Dot's ashes, overlooking the city would appear to be a more significant and appropriate gesture to recognise the couple's celebrity status,' the report said.

A commemorative plaque will be placed on a granite rock in a native garden at the lookout. The Smoky Dawson Memorial Committee will pay for the plaque and its installation.

It has been suggested a ceremony involving members of the Country Music fraternity and the general community be arranged to mark the installation of the tribute.