Buddy Williams Bronze Bust

**Artist **Peter Latona

**Production date **2008

Media Bronze sculpture

Bronze bust on sandstone plinth, bronze inscription.

Located in Bicentennial Park, Pioneers Parade, Kable Avenue, Tamworth.

Photography by Steve Gonsalves.

Text on plaque:

"BUDDY WILLIAMS

5/9/18-12/12/86

Born in Sydney, and raised as an orphan near Dorrigo NSW.

Buddy Williams overcame his difficult early years to become

one of Australia's best known and best Country Music

entertainers. His historic recording session with EMI in 1939

was a milestone in Australian Country Music. Introducing for

the first time on record, original songs about the Australian

bush environment he knew and loved so well.

He was honoured in many ways, the Roll of Renown and the

Hands of Fame in 1977 at the Australian Country Music

Awards in 1986, and as the first Honorary citizen of Warwick.

Buddy also served in Balikpanpan, Borneo during WW2, where

he was severely wounded.

Buddy's life was full of hardship, but he always battled

through, and was well known for his characteristic wide grin.

Buddy's brand of Country Music brought immense pleasure to

people all over the nation, and continues to do so today.

Buddy Williams - A Truly Great Australian."