Joe Cook, one of Australian banding's most revered players has joined conductor Mark Ford in being honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours List.

The award recognised his service to community music, as a player, conductor and teacher, with his citation noting his extensive commitment to various organisations across Australia (from Perth to Tasmania) all the way back to his musical starting point at St Mary's Band in 1961.

Soloist

He won his first Australian National Solo title in 1977 (repeated in 1985 and 2003) and was a member of the Australian Army. He was presented with the Defence Force Medal in 1993 and clasp in 1998, retiring as a Captain.

Twice a member of the multiple Australian National Championship winning Hawthorn City Band, he also claimed victory at the prestigious Ern Keller Soloist Competition on four occasions spanning a period of 26 years, as well as being a recipient of the Frank Wright Medal in 2007.

He was named in Australia Band World magazine's 'Band of the Century' in 2001 and won the Arthur Gullidge Brass Music Composition Award the same year4BR

Band of the Century

He was named in Australia Band World magazine's 'Band of the Century' in 2001 and won the Arthur Gullidge Brass Music Composition Award the same year.

He has also adjudicated at the New South Wales State Championships, whilst his popular march 'Keighley Moor' has been heard on many concert platforms and at the Whit Friday contests.