That little festival became the Port Fairy Folk Festival which would go on to host some of the world's best folk artists and carve this corner of south-west Victoria into music history.

Ahead of the 44^th annual 'Folkie', founder Dr Jamie McKew OAM was honoured with the Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Award on Monday.

He is the first Australian to receive the prestigious award, with previous recipients including Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez.

Dr McKew said he was totally surprised and lost for words.

"It is very life affirming to be embraced by the wonderful folk music community both nationally and internationally," he said.

''Personally, this award is a great privilege, and also a challenge. It is a privilege to receive an award such as this because it also recognises all who contribute to the vast and complex folk music world.

"We acknowledge all artists, volunteers, crews, media, other festivals and all who have supported us over 40 plus years. The award is really a recognition for the booming Geelong music scene and the Port Fairy Folk Festival which was dreamed up here in 1977."

He received the award at the Folk Alliance International in Geelong on March 2.

Alliance board president Lisa Schwartz said the award recognised Dr McKew's contribution to folk music.

"Folk Alliance International was established over 30 years to preserve, present and promote all iterations of folk music. We celebrate the significance it plays politically, socially and culturally, and we are committed to advancing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion within the music industry," she said.

"Each year we present the Elaine Weissman Lifetime Achievement Award to people and organisations that have had a tremendous impact in the field, and we are thrilled to now present the award to our first Australian recipient, the founding Director of the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Jamie McKew.

''Jamie's dedication to folk music, building community and enhancing the careers of Australian and international artists alike is nothing short of exceptional. He joins an alumnus that includes Alan Lomax, Joan Baez, Harry Belafonte and the Newport Folk Festival, among many others."

The 44th Port Fairy Folk Festival takes place from Friday 6 to Monday 9 March. Visit portfairyfolkfestival.com for tickets and program details.

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