Mr Graham told a riveted audience at the Leeton library of the strange stranglehold Banjo Paterson once took on him, after performing “As the Crow Flies”, as part of Local Government Week on Friday.

These days, he said, he makes sure the character leaves him when he leaves the stage.

While he may shed his onstage character, Mr Graham loses none of his entertaining charm and his conversations are scatted with improvised impersonations and witty anecdotes.

The library filled up with guests eager to see the Australian performer on Friday afternoon, many already familiar with his work.

“I reckon he was terrific,” said guest Bob Maskus.

“I saw him at the John O’Brien festival and we came back to see him again. I hope he comes back to Leeton.”

Mr Graham combines bush poetry, music and comedy to celebrate Australian heritage and culture.

“I grew up on a farm, I am fourth or fifth generation Australian and I have a great love for Australia generally and a love for the bush,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t know about our history. People have no time to find out either.”

He said his shows are popular in country towns where the audience can identify with the theme and characters.

Library services manager Lyn Middleton said it was a good chance for library members to broaden their knowledge.

“It’s good to see someone really focus on our roots and on Australian history,” she said.

“It also gives people the broader context, because we have the poems here that people can come back and follow up.”

Mr Graham is hoping to perform at the Roxy Theatre in October.