Musician Paul Field was among a number of people from the arts and entertainment industry who has been recognised in this year’s Australia Day honours list.
The manager of The Wiggles and former lead singer of The Cockroaches was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and said he was both shocked and humbled to be recognised for simply doing what he loves … entertaining.
Paul was honoured for service to the arts, particularly to children’s entertainment, and as a supporter of charitable endeavours.
Australia Day on the job
And not surprisingly Paul was spending Australia Day working with The Wiggles at a free concert at Sydney’s Bella Vista Farm.
The former student of Patrician Brothers’ Blacktown said he was “really chuffed” to be honoured.
“Entertaining is what I do and to be recognised for it really is such an honour,” he said.
“Entertaining is what I do and to be recognised for it really is such an honour”
“For me and The Wiggles giving back is very important and something we learnt as young kids watching my mum and dad volunteering around our local parish and school.
“We do what we can for others, whether that’s visiting sick kids in hospital or helping with fundraisers, I think is core to being Australian.
“And Australia Day is a real celebration of what makes up Australia, we’re such a multicultural country, and I think as the years go on we get better and better.
“We’re a very relaxed and tolerant country, which is wonderful.”
From The Cockroaches to The Wiggles
After completing year 12, Paul studied teaching and while at university in the 1980’s he met and formed the band The Cockroaches which later morphed into The Wiggles featuring his brother and only remaining original member Anthony.
Deciding to concentrate on other activities, Paul stepped away from the music industry and worked in a number of fields including teaching at St Joseph’s Hunters Hill before returning to The Wiggles as managing director.
Instantly recognisable by their colourful skivvies, their catchy tunes and educational focus, they have attracted millions of loyal fans around the world made up of both kids and parents.
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