When Neil Murray was awarded the 1995 APRA Song Of The Year in November, it had been a long time coming. His song, My Island Home, recorded by the legendary Warumpi Band, has been an anthem throughout outback Australia for a decade and was finally introduced to the rest of the country last year by Christine Anu.

In accepting the award - voted for by his songwriting peers - Murray modestly said: "I've always believed that a good song will find a home."

Coincidentally, Murray has returned to western Victoria where he was raised, to set up his own rural retreat. "I'm back in the country, completing the circle to some extent," he said.

Murray left Victoria in the late 70s to discover the Australian outback. During his travels, he helped form the Warumpi Band, widely credited with pioneering contemporary indigenous music.

The Warumpi Band re-formed last July for a European tour, which also involved Archie Roach, Kev Carmody and Tiddas at one time or another.

Murray is pleasantly surprised a new album resulted from the reunion - it should be released in March through CAAMA Music. "I just hope they can keep it together," Murray laughed. "It's one thing to tour Europe, there is less pressure. We have one tour set up through the Territory and Kimberley's, the old stomping ground, in March and that will be a bit of a test. But we are a lot older - I hope it works."

Regardless of the outcome, Murray is continuing to pursue his solo career, which began in 1989 when he relocated to Sydney and released the highly acclaimed Calm and Crystal Clear album. He is currently completing work on his third album - to be released in May - and exploring the folk music festival circuit, which he had previously regarded with scepticism.

"People like Tiddas and Archie (Roach) and Shane Howard were all telling me how great it was, so I thought I would do one. I was really knocked out," Murray said.

At long last, the APRA award is starting to open doors for Murray whose fans regard him as one of the country's finest lyricists. His ability to capture Australia and its people puts him in the company of better-known writers like Paul Kelly and Don Walker.