PREMIER ANNOUNCES $10,000 BILLY THORPE SCHOLARSHIP
Published Tuesday, 06 March, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
The Premier Peter Beattie today announced the Queensland Government would establish an annual $10,000 scholarship in honour of the late Billy Thorpe.
The scholarship will be established to support the education and training of aspiring Queensland musicians.
“Billy Thorpe helped lead a revolution in Australian music and was well known for his active support for other musicians,” the Premier said.
“It is only fitting that by way of tribute Queensland honours his memory with a scholarship which will help promote the talent and skills of young musicians.
In Parliament today, Mr Beattie passed on his condolences to Billy’s wife of 35 years, Lynne, and their daughters Rusty and Lauren.
In his speech the Premier said Billy’s contribution to the Australian music scene was enormous, spanning more than four decades.
Moving to Australia from England in the 1950s, his family settled in Brisbane where Billy attended Moorooka State School and then Salisbury High. He was discovered as a 10-year-old playing guitar in the back of his parents shop in Moorooka. At 12, he was headlining his own band and appearing around Brisbane, including at the iconic Cloudland.
“His concert appearances were legendary. They were energetic, vital and by all accounts they were extremely loud,” Mr Beattie said.
“I am advised a recent appearance at the Wynnum-Manly Leagues Club drew a noise complaint.
“Billy Thorpe has made an enormous contribution to Australian music, and by establishing an annual scholarship we will encourage a talented Queenslander to develop their craft in the name of one of the best.
“Over coming weeks we will work with Billy’s family and the local music industry to finalise the details of the scholarship.
“The annual award will be a meaningful legacy, enabling a talented Queenslander to fine tune their musical craft by assisting their professional development, possibly including a recording opportunity.”
The annual Billy Thorpe Scholarship will be administered by Arts Queensland.
March 6, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 07 3224 4500
The scholarship will be established to support the education and training of aspiring Queensland musicians.
“Billy Thorpe helped lead a revolution in Australian music and was well known for his active support for other musicians,” the Premier said.
“It is only fitting that by way of tribute Queensland honours his memory with a scholarship which will help promote the talent and skills of young musicians.
In Parliament today, Mr Beattie passed on his condolences to Billy’s wife of 35 years, Lynne, and their daughters Rusty and Lauren.
In his speech the Premier said Billy’s contribution to the Australian music scene was enormous, spanning more than four decades.
Moving to Australia from England in the 1950s, his family settled in Brisbane where Billy attended Moorooka State School and then Salisbury High. He was discovered as a 10-year-old playing guitar in the back of his parents shop in Moorooka. At 12, he was headlining his own band and appearing around Brisbane, including at the iconic Cloudland.
“His concert appearances were legendary. They were energetic, vital and by all accounts they were extremely loud,” Mr Beattie said.
“I am advised a recent appearance at the Wynnum-Manly Leagues Club drew a noise complaint.
“Billy Thorpe has made an enormous contribution to Australian music, and by establishing an annual scholarship we will encourage a talented Queenslander to develop their craft in the name of one of the best.
“Over coming weeks we will work with Billy’s family and the local music industry to finalise the details of the scholarship.
“The annual award will be a meaningful legacy, enabling a talented Queenslander to fine tune their musical craft by assisting their professional development, possibly including a recording opportunity.”
The annual Billy Thorpe Scholarship will be administered by Arts Queensland.
March 6, 2007
Media Contact: Premier’s Office 07 3224 4500