Duré Dara OAM was born on 18 September 1945 in Ipoh, Malaysia. She moved to Australia in 1962 and attended the Presbyterian Ladies' College in Melbourne. She later studied social work at the University of Melbourne. Since the 60s, she has frequently performed on ABC radio, recordings and at festivals and concerts around Australia as an improvising musician and contemporary jazz player. She joined the Brian Brown Quintet in the mid 70s and played on the albums 'Carlton Streets' (1975) and 'Moomba Jazz '76 Live From The Dallas Brooks Hall Vol. 2' (1976). Later she was well known for her work with the late jazz bassist and synths player David Tolley recording the albums, 'Cutheart' (1980) and 'You Know You Know' (1981). As an improvisational musician, Dara has collaborated on countless music projects with some of the most admired Australian musicians.
Dure Dara is widely celebrated as a trailblazing restaurateur, businesswoman, women’s equity activist and percussionist. She has also been director of the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition. She received the Medal of Order of Australia for services to the community and women’s groups. She was selected on the Inaugural Women’s Honour Roll by the Victorian government; was named a Legend of the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival; has received the Vida Goldstein Award for excellence in trade; and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at Parliament house in Canberra from the National Restaurant and Catering Association.
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