One of Sculthorpe's most performed works, it was inspired by a passage from D H Lawrence's novel, "Kangaroo", in which he describes the town of Thirroul in New South Wales. At the heart of the work, two trumpets play "The Last Post" in haunting canon over hushed strings. Small Town is often used to accompany broadcasts of civic occasions, Anzac Day processions and at state funerals. It is also a firm favourite with orchestra education programmes.