Harrow at heart of country tune

If the latest release of a Tamworth-born singer is anything to go by, the West Wimmera town of Harrow has a charm that captivates more than its visitors and residents.

In fact, the township, its history and its iconic Tussock Jumpers Bachelor and Spinster Ball are the inspiration behind rising country performer and 2016 top-10 Australian songwriter Mark Fitzsummons’ up-coming single.

Tussock Jumpers Ball, set to be released in coming weeks, was ‘one of the easiest’ songs Fitzsummons has written after he came across an article about the town.

Despite having never visited Harrow, famed largely for its connection with the 1868 Aboriginal Cricket Team, he said he fell in love with the area and its stories, particularly the journey of cricketer Johnny Mullagh.

Harrow Discovery Centre manager Josie Sangster said it was a comment she received all too often.

“I hear it here all the time – once people enter the township of Harrow, you get the sense of its history,” she said.

“Most of it is untouched, and people get here and they can’t believe how quaint and uninterrupted it really is.

“It’s pretty much like stepping back in time.

“And for a population of so few, what Harrow manages to deliver and put to a national stage is incredible.”

Ms Sangster said Harrow’s Johnny Mullagh had inspired other songs in the past.

“It’s pretty much like stepping back in time. And for a population of so few, what Harrow manages to deliver and put to a national stage is incredible” – Josie Sangster

She said what she found particularly exciting about Tussock Jumpers Ball, however, was the fact that Fitzsummons had created the song without once visiting.

“It’s incredible, and to hear this now is very exciting,” she said.

“I’m absolutely enthralled for Harrow.”

Fitzsummons said while the references in the song might be missed by some listeners, he hoped Harrow residents and people who were aware of its stories could find in it an added sense of enjoyment.

“I have just a joy and love for this song,” he said.

“It’s another good rocky song to play at the B and S ball and get dancing to, but if you were aware of the stories, like how they were bringing girls from Melbourne to meet the guys in Harrow, you’d be like, ‘oh, I really get that’.

“I’m really excited to release it. It shows what you can do from a long way away.”

Tussock Jumpers Ball is part of Fitzsummons’ latest EP Southern, which debuted on November 18 and can be bought or streamed on major digital distribution sites including Apple Music, itunes and Spotify.