Bayside City Council invites the community to “An Evening with Jimmy Little” on Wednesday 30 September at The International of Brighton.

Dr James Little AO is one of Australia’s most renowned Indigenous entertainers, and has dedicated his life and 50-year career in the music industry to improving the welfare of Indigenous Australians.

Jimmy will share his life story about how he became one Australia’s most highly regarded singers and songwriters after winning a radio contest at 17 years of age.

The now 72-year-old has won almost every major entertainment award for Australian performers, including an induction into the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) Music Hall of Fame and elevation to the Tamworth Country Music Roll of Renown.

Along with his astounding career in music, Jimmy has been an active campaigner for improving the lives of Indigenous Australians.

Jimmy will talk about his achievements in his role as Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy and Numeracy Education Program, helping to improve educational opportunities for Indigenous Australians.

The Jimmy Little Foundation, established in 2006, is also helping to raise awareness for the epidemic of kidney and other chronic diseases among indigenous Australians. Jimmy established the charity after suffering from kidney failure and enduring two years of dialysis before receiving a life-giving transplant.

The “Uncle Jimmy Thumbs up!” program being launched by the Foundation in 2010 will focus on nutrition education for Indigenous children aged between five and 15 years.

In 2004, Jimmy was recognised for his astounding career and advocacy work with an Order of Australia and was also named a Living National Treasure.

Bayside City Council Mayor Cr James Long said was he proud to have Jimmy Little share his remarkable life story with the Bayside community.

“Jimmy is an extraordinary icon who has opened the hearts and minds of millions of people through his music and charity work,” Cr Long said.

“His tireless efforts to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, while at the same time, bringing wonderful music into our homes, is an inspiration us all. I encourage everyone in Bayside to come along and hear the passion and talent Jimmy Little has to help make the world a better place.”

Bayside City Council presents two artist seminars each year as a way of providing professional networking opportunities and encounters with high-profile people to help inspire emerging artists in Bayside.

Tickets for “An Evening with Jimmy Little” are now on sale for $15 and can be purchased online, or by ringing 9599 4444.

Details:

• What: “An Evening with Jimmy Little”
• When: Wednesday 30 September 7pm-8:30pm
• Where: The Ballroom - International of Brighton, 81 Bay Street, Brighton
• Cost: $15 (food and drinks not included). Tickets can be purchased online.
• Contact: Bayside City Council, 9599 4444.