Delta Goodrem, John Schumann, Billy Pinnell make Australia Day 2022 Honours List

Singer-songwriter Delta Goodrem, John Schumann of Redgum and radio presenter and influencer Billy Pinnell were among those in music and media honoured in the Australia Day Honours List.

Goodrem received an AM for her contribution to funding cancer research through her foundation.

Much of it goes to the pioneering work in cell therapy at St Vincent’s in Sydney, which treated her when the singer was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma in her teenage days.

Responding yesterday to the honour, she said, “At my core, I believe in the power of kindness and my intention has always been to give back and to make a difference.

“I continue to be inspired through my music and the Delta Goodrem Foundation that serves to touch lives and inspire hearts as a force for good.

“I am a deeply proud Australian and this honour means the world to me.”

Redgum leader John Schumann received his AM for his work spotlighting mental health issues among defence and police veterans.

It began after the band’s 1983 hit ‘I Was Only 19’, which he wrote in 15 minutes, about Australian teenagers who fought in Vietnam.

It not only opened up how successive governments cold-shouldered problems facing the vets, but all royalties went to the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia.

A memorial was set up in 1992 in Canberra and a Royal Commission into veteran suicide was also recently announced.

Schumann’s work expanded to highlighting mental and financial issues of others on the frontline.

“I’m honoured they trust me enough to tell their stories for me to turn to songs,” he told TMN.

John Schumann

Melbourne radio identity Billy Pinnell, currently freelancing on Nine Radio’s 6PR and 3AW, has been a long time influencer with a large cult following.

He reached prominence hosting The Album Show between 1980 and 1990, which opened up new sounds on airwaves across the country.

Pinnell was honoured “for service to radio broadcast media”, which included being a programmer for EON FM (now Triple M).

He is also known for his support of community radio, mentoring of young musicians, and as a writer for STACK magazine.

Others also honoured January 26 were:

Evelyn Bury: Queensland country music singer-songwriter and pioneer, best known for her ‘Where the Burnett River Floods’ and award-winning album I’m Stronger Than I Look.

Mick Slocum: singer-songwriter, accordion player and multi-instrumentalist involved from the 70s in folk-bush music and storytelling through bands The Bushwhackers, The Sundowners and The Exciting McGillicuddies.

Caroline Hutchinson: long time breakfast host at Mix FM on the Sunshine Coast.

John Martin: president of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (1988—1990), president of the Community Broadcasting Foundation (1999—2012), manager of 2SER (1983—1990), and board director of 2RPH.

Doug Edwards, comedy writer and co-producer of acclaimed radio shows How Green Was My Cactus, Was It Really Necessary and Kevin Trump Private Detective.