“I found out nine weeks ago when I received a brown envelope from the government, which always makes me nervous,” Mr McMartin chuckled.

“When I got it, I was in hospital having a hip operation. My wife brought it in and I don’t know whether it was the drugs I was on or just the impact of it, but it really bowled me over getting it.

“I was really honoured by it.”

Mr McMartin believes he was awarded for the voluntary work he has done within the music the music industry rather than for his professional achievements. 

He has been on the board of Support Act, the music industry benevolent society, for twenty years and a director for that whole period. Mr McMartin also foundered the Managers Association in Australia and then the Worldwide Managers Association.

“While that’s been voluntary, it’s been fun and it’s given me the opportunity to meet amazing people and visit amazing places. That setting up an independent music industry in Egypt and giving seminars in China before copyright wasn’t really accepted or understood,” he said.

“So, there has been some great opportunities and experiences within it."

An award ceremony will be held at Government House in September where family will invited to join the recipients.