Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

A beautiful person, a beautiful voice—Judith Durham was a great Australian. She was a beautiful Australian. I've given up counting the number of times I've sung 'Georgy Girl' to my daughter, Georgina. I still do and always will. I know how much she and the rest of my family love Judith Durham, perhaps because of that song. But Judith Durham gave so much to so many for so long. Her death, at age 79, was mourned by people right across the nation. She was a fantastic singer, songwriter and musician. I know when Keith Potger visited Forbes for Australia Day celebrations in 2019 he spoke lovingly and fondly about Judith. And Athol Guy and Bruce Woodley will never forget the vibrance, the energy and the beauty she brought to the Seekers.

The Seekers—what a great group! In 1962 they were one of the first bands with their mix of music to top the charts and to do so well in the UK and elsewhere. We mourn Judith's loss because it brings an end to a great era. We know how much she was mourned at the state memorial service held in September. It concluded with a special recording of 'Carry Me', a new song by the Seekers, due for release late this year to celebrate the band's 60th anniversary. Just think about it—six decades of performing.

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