By Emily Brex, Taurus Marketing
With Australia Day approaching, I would like to share that celebrated musician, songwriter and founding member of The Seekers, Keith Potger AO, will serve as an Australia Day Ambassador this year, representing Kyogle. Keith is of Burgher descent and was born in Sri Lanka before migrating to Australia.
Keith’s career spans more than six decades, during which he helped shape one of Australia’s most iconic musical legacies. Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and migrating to Australia as a child, Keith taught himself to play guitar, banjo and keyboards. While still a student at Melbourne High School, he formed the vocal groups that evolved into The Seekers in 1962.
As a founding member, Keith’s distinctive 12-string guitar sound and harmony arrangements became hallmarks of timeless hits including I’ll Never Find Another You and A World of Our Own. In 1967, The Seekers were named Australians of the Year, the only group ever to receive this honour.
Following the group’s disbandment in 1968, Keith moved to the UK where he wrote and produced for major artists and co-founded The New Seekers, achieving further international success. Returning to Australia in the late 1970s, he continued composing, producing and performing, later reuniting with The Seekers for milestone tours and albums, including the Platinum-selling Future Road in 1997.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to music and charitable work, Keith was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2014 and inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. His solo career reflects his self-described “wandering minstrel” style, blending Seekers classics with original songs and stories from a life in music. His current show, Celebrating The Seekers – 60 Years, continues to delight audiences across Australia.
Beyond performance, Keith is deeply committed to giving back. He has supported charities including Variety and the Motor Neurone Disease Association of WA, and has served on the board of Support Act, the music industry’s leading benevolent organisation.
As an Australia Day Ambassador, Keith celebrates the values of compassion, unity, generosity and cultural pride. For him, Australia Day is a time to reflect, respect, be inclusive rather than divisive, and celebrate the rich tapestry of our nation, acknowledging the unique power of music and the arts to bring people together.
About Keith Potger AO
Keith Potger AO is a celebrated musician, songwriter and performer, best known as a founding member of The Seekers. His 12-string guitar sound and harmony arrangements helped define the group’s global success, including hits such as I’ll Never Find Another You. The Seekers were named Australians of the Year in 1967.
After moving to the UK and co-founding The New Seekers, Keith returned to Australia to continue a prolific solo and collaborative career. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2014 and inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame for his contribution to music and charitable work.
As an Australia Day Ambassador, Keith embodies inclusion, creativity and generosity, using music to connect communities and celebrate the diverse stories that shape Australia.
