Jimmy Chi (1997)

An extraordinary creative talent, Jimmy Chi wrote the award-winning musicals Bran Nue Dae and Corrugation Road in collaboration with his band Kuckles, the Pigram Brothers and friends. Both musicals played a significant role in the development and direction of Indigenous performance.

In 1990, Jimmy Chi was awarded the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission drama award for Bran Nue Dae, and its story of a young Aboriginal man's journey to consciousness.

Bran Nue Dae, which celebrates family, forgiveness and reconciliation, was a hit at the Festival of Perth in 1990 and went on to tour Australia extensively.

It brought acclaim for many Aboriginal artists including Ernie Dingo, Josie Ningali Lawford and Leah Purcell. The musical's success was also instrumental in the formation of the Black Swan Theatre.

Corrugation Road also toured Australia and broke box office records. It smashed taboos surrounding mental health, abuse, sexuality and religion with humour and optimism.

In 1997, Jimmy  was awarded the Australia Council Red Ochre award. This award pays tribute to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist who throughout their lifetime, has made an outstanding contribution to the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, at both national and international levels.