Your chance to pay tribute to a great Australian

When Smoky Dawson died on 13th February 2008, we all lost a hero and a friend.

For more than six decades, Smoky and his wonderful wife Dot made an extraordinary contribution to the life of our country.

Their contribution to Australian culture, to Country Music and the entertainment industry, to the community or just to their fellow Australians, is remarkable.

They did so much to set the standards, musically, professionally and ethically, to which our industry aspires. They helped shape our lives and our country.

Now we would like to establish a permanent memorial to the iconic figure that Dot and her husband created over the years.

With your help, we are planning to commission and erect a life size statue of SMOKY DAWSON in Tamworth, the city he and Dot enjoyed so much and which they helped transform into Australia's Country Music Capital.

Following are some details of our plan...

• The memorial will be situated in a prominent position in Tamworth.

• Discussions are under way with the sculptor and the Dawson Estate and Family about the nature of the memorial and with Tamworth Regional Council about its location.

• Incorporated in the sculpture will be a plaque with likenesses of Smoky and Dot, which will tell the story of their incredible life together.

• The Smoky Dawson Memorial Committee has been formed under the auspices of the Australian Country Music Foundation. The committee comprises people who have had a long association with the Dawsons including long time family friend and Chairperson Mary Chapman together with Max Ellis, Bob Kirchner, Judy Loffel, Deniese Morrison and Lance Smith.

• After consideration, the sculptor chosen is Tanya Bartlett from Shortland, whose work on projects such as the Light Horse Memorial in Tamworth and the statue of Don Bradman in Bowral, has been widely acclaimed. Tanya, who is originally a country girl, has a strong respect and understanding of the way in which Smoky is viewed by his fans and friends and we are confident she will produce an outstanding and very sympathetic work of art.

• We are aiming to unveil the memorial statue in January 2011.

• The appeal for funds is now open and will close at the end of January 2010.

• Contributions to the Smoky Dawson Memorial fund are fully tax deductible through the Australian Country Music Foundation.