The songwriting genius behind musical talents Troy Cassar-Daley, Lee Kernaghan and many more has been awarded the Member of the Order of Australia.

Former Sherbet keyboard player and songwriter Garth Porter has been awarded the honour for his contribution to Australia music.

“I feel it’s a great honour and I’m pretty proud,” he tells Chris Smith.

“I actually just wish my mum and dad were still around… I think they would’ve been incredibly chuffed.”

Porter tells Chris his dad, who served in the military, would’ve been particularly proud of his achievements.

Porter co-wrote a number of Sherbet’s hits including ‘Cassandra’, ‘Howzat’, ‘Slipstream’ and ‘Summer Love’ and has been a powerhouse in the music industry since the 70s.

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview