In a flap: Michael Whittle at home in North Geelong. Picture: Tommy Ritchie 59424
Erin Pearson
A NOVICE North Geelong songwriter has won an ABC radio program’s nod as the best song of 2010 with an emotive ballad about the First World War.
Michael Whittle said he composed Last Man From Dunolly in January last year for friends and family travelling to France for ANZAC day.
But he was overwhelmed with attention after the ABC’s Australia All Over program broadcast the song nationally.
“My music has been my avocation, the thing I do in my spare time, so everyone’s sort of chuffed,” Mr Whittle said.
“It’s been a nice surprise, especially for the family whose uncle I remembered.”
Mr Whittle said the 5533 Australian soldiers who died in the 1916 battle of Fromelles inspired the song.
He had tried to capture the sadness of communities when many Diggers returned to town alone from the battle.
The retired Geelong College computers teacher said he had been “inundated” with emails and phone calls requesting copies of his song since program presenter Ian ‘Macca’ McNamara announced Last Man From Dunolly as the top song.
“I’ve posted out about 70 so far.”
Mr McNamara, whose show features on 774 ABC’s Sunday morning schedule, said Mr Whittle’s composition was a “great little Australia song”.
“You only have to look at what happens on Anzac Day in Australia to see how much a song like this means to many people.” he said.
“Lots of little country towns like Dunolly lost lots of folk aged 18 to 25 , so it’s a little piece that says a lot about Australia and Australian country towns.”
