Shirley Thoms Bronze Bust

**Artist **Wayne Strickland

**Production date **2012

Media Bronze statue

Shirley Thoms (12 January 1925 – 1 July 1999), was an Australian country music singer and pioneer of Australia's country music industry. She was known as Australia's Yodelling Sweetheart. Shirley is remembered for such classic songs as ‘Where The Golden Wattle Blooms’ and ‘Yodelling In The Moonlight’.

Shirley Thoms is the first female pioneer to join the collection of bronze busts in the Bicentennial Park. Her bronze bust was officially presented to the public on the 26 March 2012.

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

Photography by Steve Gonsalves.

Text on plaque:

"SHIRLEY THOMS

AUSTRALIA'S YODELLING SWEETHEART

12.1.1925 - 1.7.1999

Born in Toowoomba, Queensland Shirley Joyce Thoms was the first female country singer/songwriter from QLD to record solo in 1941 for regal zonophone, later for rodeo and the Hadley Labels. Her most popular songs were the Faithful Old Dog, Where the Golden Wattle Blooms and Yodelling in the Moonlight. She toured Australia with her music paving the way for other female artists to follow.

A gift from the country music Fraternity to the Tamworth Regional Council.

Sculpted by Wayne Strickland."