18 April, 2011

One of the most recognisable voices in Australia is making himself heard as the national “poster boy” of Reconciliation Week.

Jimmy Little AO has been chosen as the 2011 face of National Reconciliation Week running 27 May to 3 June.

The Yorta Yorta song man said it was humbling to have been chosen for this important week from among so many in Australia who work towards reconciliation.

“Regardless of the colour of our skin, we all have the same blood running through our veins,” the publically voted National Living Treasure said.

“I am just one man with a powerful message, to learn from my experiences and live a long and healthy life – to try and close the gap on Indigenous disadvantage that sees Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living around 17 years less than non-Indigenous Australians.

“The Jimmy Little Foundation and the Thumbs Up! program is working in Indigenous communities around Australia to help reverse the devastating trends that put Indigenous Australians at such disadvantage.

“I hope my involvement in Reconciliation Week will help with recognition of the great good that my people do, have done and will continue to do, not only for themselves but in contributing to the fabric of this Australian community.”

Through The Jimmy Little Foundation, children in remote communities across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Far North Queensland are learning more about the harms of processed food and sugar-laden drinks through the Thumbs Up! program.

“Our team delivers workshops in schools where students between the ages of five and 16 create and record a song, often in language, with their healthy food and drink message for themselves and their community,” Dr Little said.

“We also partner with community stores groups to promote fresh fruit and vegetables and water through the Uncle Jimmy Little Thumbs Up! Healthy Food Seal; so it is a multi-faceted approach.”

Dr Little has been performing and recording music for more than six decades and has won a swag of national awards in the music industry and as a proud and prominent Aboriginal man.

His accolades include a Golden Guitar for Lifetime Achievement at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival, the APRA lifetime achievement award, elevation to the Tamworth Roll of Renown and induction into the ARIA Australian Music Hall of Fame. as well as being named NAIDOC Aboriginal of the Year, NSW Senior Australian of the Year and a recipient of the Australia Council’s Red Ochre Award.

The top-selling single Royal Telephone from 1963 is still one of the most recognizable songs in his stable of more than 30 albums.

“National Reconciliation Week’s theme this year is Recognition which comes in many forms and allows everyday and extraordinary heroes to be honoured,” Reconciliation Australia Chief Executive Leah Armstrong said.

“So, during National Reconciliation Week and in the coming months, let’s talk about recognition in all its forms and how we might better acknowledge the status of Indigenous Australians.

“The First Peoples of this nation deserve recognition, not only for their cultural longevity and resilience but for their continued contribution to our national identity.”