Chart hits and charity praised

IVA Davies is mystified about how a song he wrote 31 years ago for his band Icehouse became such an Australian pop classic.

IVA Davies is mystified about how Great Southern Land, the song he wrote 31 years ago for his band Icehouse, became such an Australian pop classic.

"I'm as baffled today as I was back then about its success," the 58-year-old singer, songwriter and composer said. "The way people immediately reacted to it was incredible."

Davies, who today becomes a Member (AM) of the Order Of Australia, has had many successes since that 1982 hit and in many different facets of the music industry, including composing for film, ballet and Olympic events.

His Queen's Birthday honour is not just for his music, however -- Davies has been recognised for his services to the community as well.

The Sydney-based singer has worked for many years as an ambassador and fundraiser for a number of charity organisations, including the Salvation Army, Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia and Music Assist.

"The career in music has given me the platform to be able to help in that way," Davies said.

"The Salvation Army Red Shield appeal is launched every year on the same day as my birthday, so I generally spend all of my birthday launching their campaign. They are fantastic people."

Davies said while Great Southern Land was his proudest moment as a musican, he was grateful for being able to work in fields other than pop music.

He composed the music for the Australian movie Razorback and won awards for his work on Peter Weir's Master and Commander. Davies also composed music for the Sydney Dance Company's ballets Boxes and Berlin.

Composing in Hollywood wasn't his favourite endeavour.

"I dipped my toe in the water," he said of working on Weir's film. "It's incredibly interesting and a particular discipline; you're writing for the director, not yourself."

Davies's biggest regret in his career is that he had to turn down an offer to go on tour in Europe with British singer Peter Gabriel at the beginning of Icehouse's international success, albeit because the band had a tour with David Bowie at the same time.

"I always regret that, because Gabriel -- like Bowie -- is an artist I really admire."

Icehouse, whose other hits include Electric Blue and Hey, Little Girl, has enjoyed a renaissance following the rerelease of its catalogue last year and a national tour.

Today, however, is one of his proudest moments. "It's among the highest honours you can be given by your country, so that's pretty significant," he said. "I'll be telling my children that they have to refer to me now as Sir Iva."

Also honoured today is Mike Brady, composer of AFL anthem Up There Cazaly, who has been made a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia "for significant service to the community, and to music as a composer and performer".

IVA DAVIES
Music, community work
AM