Horsham Country Music has awarded Max Johns with a life membership, recognising his contribution to its festival during the group’s 25-year history.

One of the group’s founding members, Mr Johns was inspired by Mildura’s country music festival, which he had regularly attended with his late wife, Elizabeth.

The pair attended an advertised meeting to form a Horsham group to host similar events.

“I’m proud to say that I was a part of the committee that introduced country music to Horsham,” Mr Johns said.

“Elizabeth and I used to go up to Mildura to the country music festival and we just thought it was so good and that it would be great if we could have it in Horsham.”

Confined by a small budget, early gigs were staged at Horsham hotels with local entertainers to raise money for future events.

The Horsham Country Music Festival eventually became a four-day event, featuring a host of musicians including Don Costa, Johanna
Hemara, Sandie Dodd and Laura Downing.

“It was successful,” Mr Johns said.

“The committee would cater and do all the set-up and pack-up. It was a lot of work, but I always enjoyed it – I didn’t expect this recognition.”

While the group no longer hosts a festival, Mr Johns and its members enjoy country music shows at Horsham’s RSL.

“It just got too much, we all got older – I’m 89,” he said. 

“But we have enjoyed continuing on at the RSL with the monthly shows.”

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