How Aussie cookbooks are winning hearts and stomachs worldwide
As for making dishes his own, Papadakis says you can take inspiration from the classics or your peers.
'I try to keep the integrity of the flavour and be original at the same time,' he says. 'A good example is our Tipomisu, a take on a tiramisu but very different, thus the name. We changed the coffee soaked savoiardi with a rich chocolate brownie and finished it with a salted caramel coffee sauce.
'In a similar way, we have had a smoked eel carbonara, where instead of guanciale I use local smoked eel, crisped up in a similar way as the guanciale, and make a smoked eel stock for the egg mix.'
The book team includes editorial manager Virginia Birch, designers Andy Warren and Megan Pigott, photographer Mark Roper, stylist Lee Blaylock and illustrator Robin Cowcher.
Australian cookbooks have form in the James Beard awards. Publisher Jane Willson has clocked up four wins and five nominations, including the latest for Tipo 00.
Those wins include Josh Niland's first two books – The Whole Fish Cookbook and Take One Fish – the late Greg Malouf's Suqar in 2019, and Milk Made by Nick Haddow in 2017, all while she was at Hardie Grant. Nominations there include Carla Oates' The Beauty Chef in 2018 and From the Earth by Peter Gilmore in 2019.
More recently, at Murdoch Books, she has garnered nominations for Mat Lindsay's Ester in 2024 and The Miller's Daughter by Emma Zimmerman in 2023.
She says common ingredients in the best books are 'committed authors, appetite for risk (from all involved), a POV/something to say and a team that's greater than the sum of its parts – and is firing'.
'That last element is actually more important than you might think,' she says. 'Book-making is such a collaborative undertaking. I don't think it's any coincidence that the authors who get that and, indeed, embrace that, are often the ones who are recognised.
'It's a total thrill to win, but it doesn't really sell books ... What it does do, however, is recognise a commitment to thoughtful, quality, often boundary-pushing publishing.'
Niland's The Whole Fish Cookbook won the major gong in the overall Book of the Year in 2020 as well as its category. His Take One Fish won its category in 2021, then Fish Butchery: Mastering the Catch, Cut and Craft won its category last year.
The Sydney-based chef known for his restaurant St Peter wrote that first book in just eight weeks on his mobile phone and has sold more than 200,000 copies.
'Doing the book was a good lesson in working with creatives in other fields,' Niland says. 'I felt like we managed to put together a team for [ The Whole Fish ] that was so ready. And nobody was combative or said, 'No, I don't think that will work' … it was like being in a drama lesson where you get taught to say yes, and it just made the product better.'
Lorraine Woodcheke has spent much of her career marketing Australian chefs and authors in North America, as marketing and publicity director for Hardie Grant in the US and before that at Penguin Random House/Ten Speed Press and Chronicle Books. Now with Murdoch, based in San Francisco, she says a nomination is a major honour and 'a win is life-changing'.
'It becomes a permanent part of a chef or author's bio – a credential that carries weight across the food and publishing industries anywhere in the world.'
While it may not immediately equate to sales, a win significantly expands visibility, particularly in the US,' Woodcheke says. '[It] affirms an author's place among the most influential culinary voices of their time. That recognition stays with them for the rest of their career and beyond.'
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That longing for physical and emotional connection is exacerbated by the tyranny of distance. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers I absolutely love the songwriting of Kasey. She is a gem and sings with such authenticity. Love her. Overkill, Men At Work A song that has probably exceeded its original release in popularity. The voice of the great Colin Hay and Greg Ham's always amazing brass lines are just awesome. Most People I Know, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs A great song from one of the pioneers of Aussie rock. A true legend who wrote great songs, played guitar like a god and sang with all his might. Mr Damage, The Angels I remember being scared of the menacing undertone of this song when I heard it on my brother's stereo as a 10-year-old. Years later, the fear would be that I'd stuff up the lyrics in front of a rabid live Angels crowd. Baby, I'm Gettin' Better, Gyroscope I loved this band from the moment I heard the song. More evidence that there really is something in the water over in WA. Short Note, Matt Finish A beautiful song. Melancholy, yet strangely uplifting. A great vocal from the sadly departed Matt Moffatt. Squealer, AC/DC Probably a contentious song nowadays, but to me a fine example of Bon Scott's lyrical prowess. Sallie-Anne, Spy vs. Spy A powerful song based on the death of Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, a Sydney sex worker who was killed apparently because she knew too much about the underworld and its connection to high-ranking corrupt police officers in Kings Cross. Across the Night, Silverchair Daniel Johns is one of the most talented musicians alive. The Diorama album is his Magnum Opus; and he's a fellow Newcastle boy. Carrion, Parkway Drive An absolute metal anthem that blows the doors off every time. I remember hearing this for the first time and immediately running to pick up my guitar. To the Moon and Back, Savage Garden They were my first ever live concert at Newcastle Entertainment Centre and you can still catch me singing along to every word. Rhapsody on a Windy Night, The Getaway Plan Matt's [Wright] voice is haunting and this entire album gives me goosebumps. As a kid this band made me realise I will never be as musically talented as these guys are. Prisoner of Society, The Living End As a young teen, these guys gave me a lot of opportunity to scream in my bedroom and feel like I was giving a big middle finger to any sort of authority. Horror Movie, Skyhooks My father's favourite band. I remember listening to old tapes switching between Skyhooks and Cold Chisel. It was my introduction to Aussie rock. The News, The Mission In Motion A band my wife introduced me to when we first met. We saw them live together so many times and hearing their music takes me straight back to when Jess and I were dating. 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I loved covering the 30-year anniversary of Tomorrow late last year - their debut EP that continues to resonate and be revered. Pick You Up, Powderfinger A soundtrack to my senior years of high school. Double Allergic and Vulture Street CDs were on high rotation. Difficult Woman, Renee Geyer My dad introduced me to Renee Geyer in my late teens/early 20s. She has an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful voice. Lachlan Tigers, Bushwackers For the first three decades of my life, my dad played in a bush band, as well as a jazz band. The bush band played lots of Bushwackers songs including Lachlan Tigers. Goodbye Blinky Bill, John Williamson When I was small, I would visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital with my dad. He would play music and we would pass his Akubra hat around to raise money for the injured koalas. The chorus goes ... "Pass the hat around between your friends, there's no time to contemplate. Maybe if we show some love, maybe it's not too late." 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It's about intense connections and unbreakable bonds. Thankyou (For Loving Me at my Worst), The Whitlams I love how this one doesn't shy away from the fact that we all have our worst moments - times when we aren't easy to love - and rather than regretting, it's about being grateful for people who stayed. The Ship Song, Nick Cave This song, for me, is all about invitation and surrender, about offering someone your messy, beautiful world and asking them to stay anyway. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers It just aches, doesn't it, with the pain of being overlooked, underestimated, or dismissed - not because you lack substance, but because you don't fit the mould. How to Make Gravy, Paul Kelly This song makes me cry. I love that it's about family, forgiveness and finding connection even when people are apart or hurting. In the Summertime, Thirsty Merc I'm playing this a lot right now. I'm so nostalgic (and desperate) for summer. This song feels like lazy afternoons, road trips and the joy of Australian summers. Can't Get You Out of My Head, Kylie Minogue It's bold, playful and iconic - I want words with anyone who doesn't have this on their list. Magic, Olivia Newton John I love this song for so many reasons. Of course, it's about belief being a catalyst for transformation and realised possibilities - trust your intuition. Get Free, The Vines Two minutes of pure rock adrenaline. When it was released in 2002 I thought The Vines could have been anything. The hype didn't last, but my god, it kicked in the back teeth. Purple Sneakers, You Am I My entire list could be filled with Tim Rogers songs. A genius. The lyrics of teenage awkwardness and the search for human connection just resonates above all the others. Straight Lines, Silverchair I met my wife at a Silverchair show and they're Newy's greatest band. I could have chosen Freak or Emotion Sickness, but Straight Lines was melodically Daniel Johns' finest moment. Bye Bye Pride, The Go-Betweens Once again, my list could be entirely filled with Go-Betweens songs. I absolutely adore the chorus, and when Grant McLennan and Amanda Brown's voices combine it simply soars. Blue Sky Mine, Midnight Oil Watching the Oils in 2017 at Hope Estate gave me an entirely new appreciation for the band. The outro where they sing "in the end the rain comes down" is spine-tingling. Perfect Now, Sarah Blasko A gorgeous performance from one of Australia's best vocalists. The song is about knowing your momentary happiness won't last. A melancholic thought, delivered powerfully. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards - Tame Impala I've enjoyed Kevin Parker's later more electronic material too, but for me, Lonerism and this track were his pyschedelic peak. U Should Not Be Doing That, Amyl & The Sniffers The Melbourne four-piece are the most exciting band Australia has produced in years. This is punk rock with a modern flavour, verve and intelligence. One Crowded Hour, Augie March It's probably the most unconventional Triple J Hottest 100 winner, but one of the most stunning. Glenn Richards' romantic and poetic tale sounds like Jeff Buckley channelling mid-60s Bob Dylan. Jezabel, The Drones Gareth Liddiard is another of my favourite songwriters. This bleak tale about a man scarred by the horrors of Middle Eastern conflicts combines The Drones' discordant power and beauty. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool The riff is so pervasive - but what's the point of dropping your pants when you should be dancing? Beds Are Burning, Midnight Oil Such a great combination of a driving bass rhythm and a political message. Throw Your Arms Around Me, Hunters & Collectors Because I'm a hopeless romantic. Boys In Town, Divinyls I introduced this to my son when he was 13. He loved it immediately, and suddenly gave me more respect. Star and the Slaughter, Heroes The song that closed the Star Hotel - and started a riot. The Newcastle Song, Bob Hudson I've performed this song to great laughs on stage in Newcastle, Melbourne, Christchurch and in a pub in the west of Ireland. The Biggest Disappointment, Slim Dusty I loved it as a Slim Dusty song many, many years ago, and I loved rediscovering it when Missy Higgins did an acoustic version recently. The Special Two, Missy Higgins A special song from an extraordinary album. Reckless (Don't Be So..), Australian Crawl Wonderful word imagery and music combined. Live it Up, Mental As Anything Such a great upbeat and happy song - you've gotta love it. Torn, Natalie Imbruglia Great song, great singer, great video. Big, Sneaky Sound System A catchy song that I loved when it first came out. It's still in my playlist. Like I'm Falling Down Stairs, Sparkadia I love the melody. It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll), AC/DC It gets the heart pumping. Dumb Things, Paul Kelly Words to live by. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil An anthem for the politically minded. Better, Screaming Jets Novocastrians represent. Working Class Man, Jimmy Barnes Classic Aussie rock. What's not to like? Hot Potato, The Wiggles What can I say, I'm a dad of three and love a singalong. Perfect for long car trips to get the backseat happy. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool This one has become a family hit with the kids. Sounds Of Then (This is Australia), GANGgajang Reminds me of life on the farm. Took The Children Away, Archie Roach It just epitomises the tragedy of the Stolen Generation, and it brings a tingle to my spine. Walking On A Dream, Empire Of The Sun I like chilling with a bit of electronica. It's an iconic song that takes you away. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil I love the politics of the album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, in particular. It means so much to me. Into My Arms, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds I'm a relatively late convert to Nick Cave. I saw him here at the Civic Theatre [in 2022] in what was one of the most incredible concerts I've ever seen. Fred Astaire, San Cisco It's a song most people have heard and like and it's one I certainly love. Better, Screaming Jets You hear that song and you get up and wanna dance and go hard. Iconic Novocastrians. Straight Lines, Silverchair At one point they were one of the world's biggest bands, and they're Newy. My kids go to Newy High and you walk in and see the photo of them. Just legends. So Caught Up, Teskey Brothers I'm a huge fan of the Teskey Brothers and they fit in perfectly with that blues and soul sound and have iconic voices. London Still, The Waifs One of my best friends is Josh Cunningham's [of The Waifs] brother Saul. I've seen them countless times and watched them go from playing at Moruya to performing to massive sold-out spaces. Follow The Sun, Xavier Rudd If I need to chill out from the stress of politics, I whack that one on and it's got bird calls and whistles. It's been a difficult moment for Australian music. Last month, the federal government's advisory body, Creative Australia, released statistics that showed just how challenging it's become for homegrown artists to have their music heard. Only 8 per cent of the top 10,000 artists streamed in this country were Australian. Today's Triple J Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time seeks to give music fans a clear reminder of the remarkable talent produced in this country. So we asked a bunch of Hunter identities who made their top 10. These Days, Powderfinger A brilliant song. I feel like the movie Two Hands would have been a lesser film without the inclusion of this great song. One Perfect Day, Little Heroes Such an evocative song for people in long-distance relationships. That longing for physical and emotional connection is exacerbated by the tyranny of distance. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers I absolutely love the songwriting of Kasey. She is a gem and sings with such authenticity. Love her. Overkill, Men At Work A song that has probably exceeded its original release in popularity. The voice of the great Colin Hay and Greg Ham's always amazing brass lines are just awesome. Most People I Know, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs A great song from one of the pioneers of Aussie rock. A true legend who wrote great songs, played guitar like a god and sang with all his might. Mr Damage, The Angels I remember being scared of the menacing undertone of this song when I heard it on my brother's stereo as a 10-year-old. Years later, the fear would be that I'd stuff up the lyrics in front of a rabid live Angels crowd. Baby, I'm Gettin' Better, Gyroscope I loved this band from the moment I heard the song. More evidence that there really is something in the water over in WA. Short Note, Matt Finish A beautiful song. Melancholy, yet strangely uplifting. A great vocal from the sadly departed Matt Moffatt. Squealer, AC/DC Probably a contentious song nowadays, but to me a fine example of Bon Scott's lyrical prowess. Sallie-Anne, Spy vs. Spy A powerful song based on the death of Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, a Sydney sex worker who was killed apparently because she knew too much about the underworld and its connection to high-ranking corrupt police officers in Kings Cross. Across the Night, Silverchair Daniel Johns is one of the most talented musicians alive. The Diorama album is his Magnum Opus; and he's a fellow Newcastle boy. Carrion, Parkway Drive An absolute metal anthem that blows the doors off every time. I remember hearing this for the first time and immediately running to pick up my guitar. To the Moon and Back, Savage Garden They were my first ever live concert at Newcastle Entertainment Centre and you can still catch me singing along to every word. Rhapsody on a Windy Night, The Getaway Plan Matt's [Wright] voice is haunting and this entire album gives me goosebumps. As a kid this band made me realise I will never be as musically talented as these guys are. Prisoner of Society, The Living End As a young teen, these guys gave me a lot of opportunity to scream in my bedroom and feel like I was giving a big middle finger to any sort of authority. Horror Movie, Skyhooks My father's favourite band. I remember listening to old tapes switching between Skyhooks and Cold Chisel. It was my introduction to Aussie rock. The News, The Mission In Motion A band my wife introduced me to when we first met. We saw them live together so many times and hearing their music takes me straight back to when Jess and I were dating. Give it All, The Amity Affliction This song and album got me through a lot of heavy shit when I was younger. If music is therapy, then I owe these guys a lot. Come into My World, Kylie Minogue When you say Aussie pop icon, Kylie is the only answer. I've still got as big of a crush on her now as I did when I was a teenager. Jewels for Eyes, Closure In Moscow Beautiful, ethereal and experimental. Closure is like Bowie meets The Mars Volta. Incredible Australian musicians. Electric Blue, Icehouse Transports me straight back to my childhood in the '80s. My parents playing Icehouse, Dire Straits, The Police and Huey Lewis and the News on cassette tapes, as we hit the road on holidays. Down Under, Men At Work Hard not to include this song in my top 10. Another one that takes me back to the 80s growing up in Australia. Iconic lyrics. Tomorrow, Silverchair Silverchair was big when I was in high school in Port Macquarie. I remember friends heading to Newcastle to see their concert. I loved covering the 30-year anniversary of Tomorrow late last year - their debut EP that continues to resonate and be revered. Pick You Up, Powderfinger A soundtrack to my senior years of high school. Double Allergic and Vulture Street CDs were on high rotation. Difficult Woman, Renee Geyer My dad introduced me to Renee Geyer in my late teens/early 20s. She has an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful voice. Lachlan Tigers, Bushwackers For the first three decades of my life, my dad played in a bush band, as well as a jazz band. The bush band played lots of Bushwackers songs including Lachlan Tigers. Goodbye Blinky Bill, John Williamson When I was small, I would visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital with my dad. He would play music and we would pass his Akubra hat around to raise money for the injured koalas. The chorus goes ... "Pass the hat around between your friends, there's no time to contemplate. Maybe if we show some love, maybe it's not too late." Better, Screaming Jets Newcastle's original rockstars and their epic rock anthem. I remember watching this film clip in the early '90s on Rage with my brother. My Island Home, Christine Anu A beautiful song that always makes me smile. It resonates with me ... having grown up in the small coastal community of Bonny Hills. Stalker, The Main Guy and The Other Guys Just like Silverchair, another iconic Newy band that needs to reform. Missing Piece, Vance Joy This song reminds me of how simply being with the right person can make everything feel lighter. Connection doesn't need grand gestures - just sincerity, safety, and shared space. Scar, Missy Higgins This one really resonates deeply with me on quite a few levels ... professionally and personally. I really appreciate authenticity and courage, especially in conversations about mental health and in my personal relationships. Never Tear Us Apart, INXS I just love the intensity and passion of this song. It's about intense connections and unbreakable bonds. Thankyou (For Loving Me at my Worst), The Whitlams I love how this one doesn't shy away from the fact that we all have our worst moments - times when we aren't easy to love - and rather than regretting, it's about being grateful for people who stayed. The Ship Song, Nick Cave This song, for me, is all about invitation and surrender, about offering someone your messy, beautiful world and asking them to stay anyway. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers It just aches, doesn't it, with the pain of being overlooked, underestimated, or dismissed - not because you lack substance, but because you don't fit the mould. How to Make Gravy, Paul Kelly This song makes me cry. I love that it's about family, forgiveness and finding connection even when people are apart or hurting. In the Summertime, Thirsty Merc I'm playing this a lot right now. I'm so nostalgic (and desperate) for summer. This song feels like lazy afternoons, road trips and the joy of Australian summers. Can't Get You Out of My Head, Kylie Minogue It's bold, playful and iconic - I want words with anyone who doesn't have this on their list. Magic, Olivia Newton John I love this song for so many reasons. Of course, it's about belief being a catalyst for transformation and realised possibilities - trust your intuition. Get Free, The Vines Two minutes of pure rock adrenaline. When it was released in 2002 I thought The Vines could have been anything. The hype didn't last, but my god, it kicked in the back teeth. Purple Sneakers, You Am I My entire list could be filled with Tim Rogers songs. A genius. The lyrics of teenage awkwardness and the search for human connection just resonates above all the others. Straight Lines, Silverchair I met my wife at a Silverchair show and they're Newy's greatest band. I could have chosen Freak or Emotion Sickness, but Straight Lines was melodically Daniel Johns' finest moment. Bye Bye Pride, The Go-Betweens Once again, my list could be entirely filled with Go-Betweens songs. I absolutely adore the chorus, and when Grant McLennan and Amanda Brown's voices combine it simply soars. Blue Sky Mine, Midnight Oil Watching the Oils in 2017 at Hope Estate gave me an entirely new appreciation for the band. The outro where they sing "in the end the rain comes down" is spine-tingling. Perfect Now, Sarah Blasko A gorgeous performance from one of Australia's best vocalists. The song is about knowing your momentary happiness won't last. A melancholic thought, delivered powerfully. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards - Tame Impala I've enjoyed Kevin Parker's later more electronic material too, but for me, Lonerism and this track were his pyschedelic peak. U Should Not Be Doing That, Amyl & The Sniffers The Melbourne four-piece are the most exciting band Australia has produced in years. This is punk rock with a modern flavour, verve and intelligence. One Crowded Hour, Augie March It's probably the most unconventional Triple J Hottest 100 winner, but one of the most stunning. Glenn Richards' romantic and poetic tale sounds like Jeff Buckley channelling mid-60s Bob Dylan. Jezabel, The Drones Gareth Liddiard is another of my favourite songwriters. This bleak tale about a man scarred by the horrors of Middle Eastern conflicts combines The Drones' discordant power and beauty. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool The riff is so pervasive - but what's the point of dropping your pants when you should be dancing? Beds Are Burning, Midnight Oil Such a great combination of a driving bass rhythm and a political message. Throw Your Arms Around Me, Hunters & Collectors Because I'm a hopeless romantic. Boys In Town, Divinyls I introduced this to my son when he was 13. He loved it immediately, and suddenly gave me more respect. Star and the Slaughter, Heroes The song that closed the Star Hotel - and started a riot. The Newcastle Song, Bob Hudson I've performed this song to great laughs on stage in Newcastle, Melbourne, Christchurch and in a pub in the west of Ireland. The Biggest Disappointment, Slim Dusty I loved it as a Slim Dusty song many, many years ago, and I loved rediscovering it when Missy Higgins did an acoustic version recently. The Special Two, Missy Higgins A special song from an extraordinary album. Reckless (Don't Be So..), Australian Crawl Wonderful word imagery and music combined. Live it Up, Mental As Anything Such a great upbeat and happy song - you've gotta love it. Torn, Natalie Imbruglia Great song, great singer, great video. Big, Sneaky Sound System A catchy song that I loved when it first came out. It's still in my playlist. Like I'm Falling Down Stairs, Sparkadia I love the melody. It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll), AC/DC It gets the heart pumping. Dumb Things, Paul Kelly Words to live by. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil An anthem for the politically minded. Better, Screaming Jets Novocastrians represent. Working Class Man, Jimmy Barnes Classic Aussie rock. What's not to like? Hot Potato, The Wiggles What can I say, I'm a dad of three and love a singalong. Perfect for long car trips to get the backseat happy. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool This one has become a family hit with the kids. Sounds Of Then (This is Australia), GANGgajang Reminds me of life on the farm. Took The Children Away, Archie Roach It just epitomises the tragedy of the Stolen Generation, and it brings a tingle to my spine. Walking On A Dream, Empire Of The Sun I like chilling with a bit of electronica. It's an iconic song that takes you away. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil I love the politics of the album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, in particular. It means so much to me. Into My Arms, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds I'm a relatively late convert to Nick Cave. I saw him here at the Civic Theatre [in 2022] in what was one of the most incredible concerts I've ever seen. Fred Astaire, San Cisco It's a song most people have heard and like and it's one I certainly love. Better, Screaming Jets You hear that song and you get up and wanna dance and go hard. Iconic Novocastrians. Straight Lines, Silverchair At one point they were one of the world's biggest bands, and they're Newy. My kids go to Newy High and you walk in and see the photo of them. Just legends. So Caught Up, Teskey Brothers I'm a huge fan of the Teskey Brothers and they fit in perfectly with that blues and soul sound and have iconic voices. London Still, The Waifs One of my best friends is Josh Cunningham's [of The Waifs] brother Saul. I've seen them countless times and watched them go from playing at Moruya to performing to massive sold-out spaces. Follow The Sun, Xavier Rudd If I need to chill out from the stress of politics, I whack that one on and it's got bird calls and whistles. It's been a difficult moment for Australian music. Last month, the federal government's advisory body, Creative Australia, released statistics that showed just how challenging it's become for homegrown artists to have their music heard. Only 8 per cent of the top 10,000 artists streamed in this country were Australian. Today's Triple J Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time seeks to give music fans a clear reminder of the remarkable talent produced in this country. So we asked a bunch of Hunter identities who made their top 10. These Days, Powderfinger A brilliant song. I feel like the movie Two Hands would have been a lesser film without the inclusion of this great song. One Perfect Day, Little Heroes Such an evocative song for people in long-distance relationships. That longing for physical and emotional connection is exacerbated by the tyranny of distance. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers I absolutely love the songwriting of Kasey. She is a gem and sings with such authenticity. Love her. Overkill, Men At Work A song that has probably exceeded its original release in popularity. The voice of the great Colin Hay and Greg Ham's always amazing brass lines are just awesome. Most People I Know, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs A great song from one of the pioneers of Aussie rock. A true legend who wrote great songs, played guitar like a god and sang with all his might. Mr Damage, The Angels I remember being scared of the menacing undertone of this song when I heard it on my brother's stereo as a 10-year-old. Years later, the fear would be that I'd stuff up the lyrics in front of a rabid live Angels crowd. Baby, I'm Gettin' Better, Gyroscope I loved this band from the moment I heard the song. More evidence that there really is something in the water over in WA. Short Note, Matt Finish A beautiful song. Melancholy, yet strangely uplifting. A great vocal from the sadly departed Matt Moffatt. Squealer, AC/DC Probably a contentious song nowadays, but to me a fine example of Bon Scott's lyrical prowess. Sallie-Anne, Spy vs. Spy A powerful song based on the death of Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, a Sydney sex worker who was killed apparently because she knew too much about the underworld and its connection to high-ranking corrupt police officers in Kings Cross. Across the Night, Silverchair Daniel Johns is one of the most talented musicians alive. The Diorama album is his Magnum Opus; and he's a fellow Newcastle boy. Carrion, Parkway Drive An absolute metal anthem that blows the doors off every time. I remember hearing this for the first time and immediately running to pick up my guitar. To the Moon and Back, Savage Garden They were my first ever live concert at Newcastle Entertainment Centre and you can still catch me singing along to every word. Rhapsody on a Windy Night, The Getaway Plan Matt's [Wright] voice is haunting and this entire album gives me goosebumps. As a kid this band made me realise I will never be as musically talented as these guys are. Prisoner of Society, The Living End As a young teen, these guys gave me a lot of opportunity to scream in my bedroom and feel like I was giving a big middle finger to any sort of authority. Horror Movie, Skyhooks My father's favourite band. I remember listening to old tapes switching between Skyhooks and Cold Chisel. It was my introduction to Aussie rock. The News, The Mission In Motion A band my wife introduced me to when we first met. We saw them live together so many times and hearing their music takes me straight back to when Jess and I were dating. Give it All, The Amity Affliction This song and album got me through a lot of heavy shit when I was younger. If music is therapy, then I owe these guys a lot. Come into My World, Kylie Minogue When you say Aussie pop icon, Kylie is the only answer. I've still got as big of a crush on her now as I did when I was a teenager. Jewels for Eyes, Closure In Moscow Beautiful, ethereal and experimental. Closure is like Bowie meets The Mars Volta. Incredible Australian musicians. Electric Blue, Icehouse Transports me straight back to my childhood in the '80s. My parents playing Icehouse, Dire Straits, The Police and Huey Lewis and the News on cassette tapes, as we hit the road on holidays. Down Under, Men At Work Hard not to include this song in my top 10. Another one that takes me back to the 80s growing up in Australia. Iconic lyrics. Tomorrow, Silverchair Silverchair was big when I was in high school in Port Macquarie. I remember friends heading to Newcastle to see their concert. I loved covering the 30-year anniversary of Tomorrow late last year - their debut EP that continues to resonate and be revered. Pick You Up, Powderfinger A soundtrack to my senior years of high school. Double Allergic and Vulture Street CDs were on high rotation. Difficult Woman, Renee Geyer My dad introduced me to Renee Geyer in my late teens/early 20s. She has an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful voice. Lachlan Tigers, Bushwackers For the first three decades of my life, my dad played in a bush band, as well as a jazz band. The bush band played lots of Bushwackers songs including Lachlan Tigers. Goodbye Blinky Bill, John Williamson When I was small, I would visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital with my dad. He would play music and we would pass his Akubra hat around to raise money for the injured koalas. The chorus goes ... "Pass the hat around between your friends, there's no time to contemplate. Maybe if we show some love, maybe it's not too late." Better, Screaming Jets Newcastle's original rockstars and their epic rock anthem. I remember watching this film clip in the early '90s on Rage with my brother. My Island Home, Christine Anu A beautiful song that always makes me smile. It resonates with me ... having grown up in the small coastal community of Bonny Hills. Stalker, The Main Guy and The Other Guys Just like Silverchair, another iconic Newy band that needs to reform. Missing Piece, Vance Joy This song reminds me of how simply being with the right person can make everything feel lighter. Connection doesn't need grand gestures - just sincerity, safety, and shared space. Scar, Missy Higgins This one really resonates deeply with me on quite a few levels ... professionally and personally. I really appreciate authenticity and courage, especially in conversations about mental health and in my personal relationships. Never Tear Us Apart, INXS I just love the intensity and passion of this song. It's about intense connections and unbreakable bonds. Thankyou (For Loving Me at my Worst), The Whitlams I love how this one doesn't shy away from the fact that we all have our worst moments - times when we aren't easy to love - and rather than regretting, it's about being grateful for people who stayed. The Ship Song, Nick Cave This song, for me, is all about invitation and surrender, about offering someone your messy, beautiful world and asking them to stay anyway. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers It just aches, doesn't it, with the pain of being overlooked, underestimated, or dismissed - not because you lack substance, but because you don't fit the mould. How to Make Gravy, Paul Kelly This song makes me cry. I love that it's about family, forgiveness and finding connection even when people are apart or hurting. In the Summertime, Thirsty Merc I'm playing this a lot right now. I'm so nostalgic (and desperate) for summer. This song feels like lazy afternoons, road trips and the joy of Australian summers. Can't Get You Out of My Head, Kylie Minogue It's bold, playful and iconic - I want words with anyone who doesn't have this on their list. Magic, Olivia Newton John I love this song for so many reasons. Of course, it's about belief being a catalyst for transformation and realised possibilities - trust your intuition. Get Free, The Vines Two minutes of pure rock adrenaline. When it was released in 2002 I thought The Vines could have been anything. The hype didn't last, but my god, it kicked in the back teeth. Purple Sneakers, You Am I My entire list could be filled with Tim Rogers songs. A genius. The lyrics of teenage awkwardness and the search for human connection just resonates above all the others. Straight Lines, Silverchair I met my wife at a Silverchair show and they're Newy's greatest band. I could have chosen Freak or Emotion Sickness, but Straight Lines was melodically Daniel Johns' finest moment. Bye Bye Pride, The Go-Betweens Once again, my list could be entirely filled with Go-Betweens songs. I absolutely adore the chorus, and when Grant McLennan and Amanda Brown's voices combine it simply soars. Blue Sky Mine, Midnight Oil Watching the Oils in 2017 at Hope Estate gave me an entirely new appreciation for the band. The outro where they sing "in the end the rain comes down" is spine-tingling. Perfect Now, Sarah Blasko A gorgeous performance from one of Australia's best vocalists. The song is about knowing your momentary happiness won't last. A melancholic thought, delivered powerfully. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards - Tame Impala I've enjoyed Kevin Parker's later more electronic material too, but for me, Lonerism and this track were his pyschedelic peak. U Should Not Be Doing That, Amyl & The Sniffers The Melbourne four-piece are the most exciting band Australia has produced in years. This is punk rock with a modern flavour, verve and intelligence. One Crowded Hour, Augie March It's probably the most unconventional Triple J Hottest 100 winner, but one of the most stunning. Glenn Richards' romantic and poetic tale sounds like Jeff Buckley channelling mid-60s Bob Dylan. Jezabel, The Drones Gareth Liddiard is another of my favourite songwriters. This bleak tale about a man scarred by the horrors of Middle Eastern conflicts combines The Drones' discordant power and beauty. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool The riff is so pervasive - but what's the point of dropping your pants when you should be dancing? Beds Are Burning, Midnight Oil Such a great combination of a driving bass rhythm and a political message. Throw Your Arms Around Me, Hunters & Collectors Because I'm a hopeless romantic. Boys In Town, Divinyls I introduced this to my son when he was 13. He loved it immediately, and suddenly gave me more respect. Star and the Slaughter, Heroes The song that closed the Star Hotel - and started a riot. The Newcastle Song, Bob Hudson I've performed this song to great laughs on stage in Newcastle, Melbourne, Christchurch and in a pub in the west of Ireland. The Biggest Disappointment, Slim Dusty I loved it as a Slim Dusty song many, many years ago, and I loved rediscovering it when Missy Higgins did an acoustic version recently. The Special Two, Missy Higgins A special song from an extraordinary album. Reckless (Don't Be So..), Australian Crawl Wonderful word imagery and music combined. Live it Up, Mental As Anything Such a great upbeat and happy song - you've gotta love it. Torn, Natalie Imbruglia Great song, great singer, great video. Big, Sneaky Sound System A catchy song that I loved when it first came out. It's still in my playlist. Like I'm Falling Down Stairs, Sparkadia I love the melody. It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll), AC/DC It gets the heart pumping. Dumb Things, Paul Kelly Words to live by. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil An anthem for the politically minded. Better, Screaming Jets Novocastrians represent. Working Class Man, Jimmy Barnes Classic Aussie rock. What's not to like? Hot Potato, The Wiggles What can I say, I'm a dad of three and love a singalong. Perfect for long car trips to get the backseat happy. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool This one has become a family hit with the kids. Sounds Of Then (This is Australia), GANGgajang Reminds me of life on the farm. Took The Children Away, Archie Roach It just epitomises the tragedy of the Stolen Generation, and it brings a tingle to my spine. Walking On A Dream, Empire Of The Sun I like chilling with a bit of electronica. It's an iconic song that takes you away. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil I love the politics of the album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, in particular. It means so much to me. Into My Arms, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds I'm a relatively late convert to Nick Cave. I saw him here at the Civic Theatre [in 2022] in what was one of the most incredible concerts I've ever seen. Fred Astaire, San Cisco It's a song most people have heard and like and it's one I certainly love. Better, Screaming Jets You hear that song and you get up and wanna dance and go hard. Iconic Novocastrians. Straight Lines, Silverchair At one point they were one of the world's biggest bands, and they're Newy. My kids go to Newy High and you walk in and see the photo of them. Just legends. So Caught Up, Teskey Brothers I'm a huge fan of the Teskey Brothers and they fit in perfectly with that blues and soul sound and have iconic voices. London Still, The Waifs One of my best friends is Josh Cunningham's [of The Waifs] brother Saul. I've seen them countless times and watched them go from playing at Moruya to performing to massive sold-out spaces. Follow The Sun, Xavier Rudd If I need to chill out from the stress of politics, I whack that one on and it's got bird calls and whistles.
