Two new inductees to the Pipe Bands Australia Hall of Fame have been announced recognising their influence and outstanding contribution to the pipe band world – Donald Blair OAM and the late Lew Zilles OAM ED.
Their elevation to the Hall of Fame records a level of contribution and influence of many decades for the betterment of pipe band performance, education and promotion and the stretch of that influence through endeavours they championed.
Donald and Lew were selected from among previous recipients of the Pipe Bands Australia national awards instituted in 2018 who became eligible for elevation to the Hall of Fame.
The selection panel noted that both had had a profound influence on the journey of the Australian pipe band movement, unselfishly making contributions for the benefit of many players.
A brief precis of their achievements includes:
· The influence of Donald Blair as a pipe tutor and educator has spread around Australia and internationally over four decades. He was a pioneering tutor of Victorian Certificate of
Education (Year 12) piping students and Donald co-founded of the South West Coast Piper
Drummer Dancer Workshop.
· Lew was at the forefront of establishing the Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association in 1924. For 50 years drum major Ballarat Highland Pipe Band, made a significant contribution to the writing of drill instruction manuals, acting as an adjudicator until the 1980s. An innovator in band and massed band displays and performances.
Formal recognition of new Hall of Fame inductees and award recipients has been rescheduled to April 2021 following postponement of the Australian Pipe Band Championships due to restrictions on public assemblies during the coronavirus pandemic.
