Career
He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia on 13 June 2005 with the citation, Foreign service to country music and to the community, particularly through support for senior citizens" groups. As a songwriter, he wrote "I"ve Been Everywhere" which was an Australian hit for Lucky Starr in April 1962 and became popular in North America when adapted for Hank Snow in November. More than 130 cover versions have been recorded.
His musical career was established during World World War World War II He enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force, and whilst serving in Borneo his ability to play the guitar and sing was noticed, and he was seconded to entertain the troops with visiting guest stars.
At the end of the war Mack went to Japan with the Occupation Forces to perform, and was appointed to Radio WLKS as the voice of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. His 1959 song, "I"ve been everywhere" became a hit in Australia in 1962 with the release of a version by Lucky Starr.
In 2005, the song was used in The Simpsons" episode Mobile Homer when Homer sang part of the American version to fellow Recreation Vehicle owners in his yard.
