“Through the eyes of a boy” wins third annual Anzac song contest in Tamworth

On Tuesday evening the Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) announced Wendy Wood as the 2018 winner of the “Anzac song” contest at the annual National Country Music Songwriting awards in Tamworth.

Director of the Australian War Memorial Dr Brendan Nelson, who also judged the contest, wrote a personal letter congratulating Ms Wood for her song “Through the eyes of a boy”.

“Wendy has given Australia a great gift in this beautiful song. As we enter the final year of the centenary of the First World War, it is more important than ever for us at the Australian War Memorial to tell the stories of those men and women who gave their lives for us and our freedoms 100 years ago,” Dr Nelson said.

“One of the most powerful ways we preserve the history of these cataclysmic events is through art, culture, and song. Country music songwriters and musicians tell these stories as well as anyone. 

“For me, ‘Through the eyes of a boy’ captured the poignant personal story of Anzac, which, sadly, was the story of so many young men from the bush.

“This song is executed with tenderness, skill, and musicality. It deserves to receive high rotation on radio around the country, not just on Anzac Day but also throughout the year. I certainly hope it receives a good airing throughout the country music festival.

“It is an honour for me to choose the winner of the Tamworth Songwriters Association’s ‘Anzac song’ competition. With such a strong field this year, however, it was particularly difficult. They’ve all done a wonderful job. Well done to all the entrants and particularly the finalists, and thank you.”