JOYCE Durdin has shared the stage spotlight in country and western music for six decades, now its her time to take a bow in her hour of need.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 78-year-old Warrnambool entertainer has been diagnosed with advanced stages of cancer and faces a tough health battle.
Friends have rallied to organise a benefit concert on Friday evening where Joyce, in her typical unflappable style, will take to the stage again.
“I’m not going to let the illness get me down,” she told The Standard yesterday.
On Wednesday next week she and her husband will celebrate 60 years of marriage, much of which has been spent performing to audiences around Australia and overseas, ranging from nursing homes to pubs and major concerts.
They’ve performed on television and radio talent shows, won hands of fame awards at the Tamworth Music Festival and in New Zealand and sang in Nashville.
Their highlight was a national tour with Buddy Williams in the 1970s.
“We’d like to record one more album before I go,” Joyce said. “I first picked up a guitar when I met Kevin and we’ve been playing ever since.
“We still regularly perform in nursing homes around the district.
“It brings joy to the residents, who love to sing along to songs they know.”
Friday night’s concert at Warrnambool’s Wannon Rooms will be compered by another local country music legend, Ken Smith, of Koroit.
It will also feature the Durdin’s son Warren, Gavin Arden, of Warragul, and Reg Poole, of Kyabram.
Mr Smith, 60, knows the trauma of cancer, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour 10 years ago, followed by three years of recovery.
“The Durdins are very well-respected members of the community and I feel they deserve a tribute concert,” he said.
Mr Smith has been running charity concerts for years.
