Mount Isa's fabled didgeridoo master William Barton has won a lifetime achievement award for his musicianship.
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Barton, a proud Kalkadoon man, has taken out the Australia Council Don Banks Music Award, named for the the Australian concert and jazz composer.
Accepting the award, Barton said the decision to become a musician was in his DNA, as the son of opera singer Delmae Burton.
"I do remember pivotal moments as a child and young adult, I had the privilege of being out on country with my uncles and aunties and mum and dad would take me out and experience that rugged beauty of the Argylla and Selwyn Ranges," Barton said.
"The mum that was implanted in my soul came from mum playing classical music to me as a child and before I was born."
Barton said his uncle Arthur Peterson played the yidaki (didgeridoo) with his mother before he took over that role when his uncle died.
"I wanted to be part of that mystery when I heard that sound of this ancient instrument and how powerful it was, and I'm still learning about that mystery."
He has toured internationally since aged 15 and is now an accomplished composer and performer of world renown.
Barton most recently played in his home town in the 2019 Mount Isa Blast.
The Australia Council said Barton had performed across Australia over a long and remarkable career, from large concert halls to regional music festivals.
"William has performed at many landmark events, reflecting the central importance of his music to Australian identity," the Australia Council said.
"His generosity of sound and spirit have seen his work commissioned by some of the most outstanding ensembles from around the world."
The Australia Council has presented the Don Banks Music Award since 1984 and winners include Archie Roach (2015), David Bridie (2019) and Deb Conway (2020).
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