Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to recognise the passing of Don Burrows AO MBE. On 20 March 2020, the iconic and, arguably, the greatest Australian jazz musician and flutist passed away at the age of 91. His death marks the end of an incredible era of music in Australia. Oscar Wilde once said that he would rather be ashes than dust; that he would rather burn out than die out. I think that Don summed that up beautifully throughout his life. His passion for jazz began when he was a teenager. Filling in with jazz bands during World War II, with time and passion, Mr Burrows became a multi-instrumentalist. He continued to tour the world with his jazz repertoire. Burrows was the first Australian musician to garner international acclaim within his genre.

Whilst his contributions to the world of jazz is commendable, his lifetime contribution to the Australian music industry deserves special recognition. After Don had toured the world, he returned home to share his love of jazz with the next and future generations—and, for those of us on the northern beaches, most notably James Morrison. By starting the Sydney Conservatorium of Music's first jazz program, Don wanted to pass on to the next generation what he had developed.

For more than 40 years, he travelled the outback regions of Australia to share what he saw as the gift of music with Indigenous children and all those who otherwise did not easily have access to music. His enthusiasm was appreciated and absorbed by so many who never thought that they would ever have the chance to learn more. Those he educated and mentored zealously, as some of his mentees have told me, really appreciated Don's time.

Don was but one member of the creative arts industry, but a vibrant example of how the arts contribute to Australia's society, enriching the lives of so many by fostering response, engagement and creativity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts are also significant, as they are often an expression of their culture and their history. For many Australians the arts foster a richer and more meaningful life by supporting the expression and production of creative thought and new ideas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has confronted all Australians, especially the cultural and creative sector. In recognition of this hardship suffered by so many in the industry, the government has provided in response approximately $700 million of additional targeted support for the sector. On 26 September the government dedicated $22.9 million in 2020-21 to support Australia's national cultural institutions during COVID-19.

In Don's final years, which he lived out in Terrey Hills, in the electorate I represent, he was cared for by James Morrison. It was an act of kindness to return to him that which he had been given so freely by Don. Don spent his last years on the Northern Beaches at the Terrey Hills Nursing Home. His passion never faded. He led several small ensembles at the nursing home. Don Burrows's music touched many lives in his 91 years of life, and his spirit lives on in the dazzling body of jazz music he has left for us to listen to.

The ancient Greeks used to say that art, when done at its apogee, provokes, stimulates and beckons all of us to do better. It demands that reason lead our passion, because together they make us better. This, I believe, sums up Don entirely. Vale Don Burrows. Thank you for the music.

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