Mr Jimmy Little AO
Photo: Mr Jimmy Little AO
Australian Catholic University (ACU National) awarded acclaimed Indigenous performer Jimmy Little with its highest honour, Doctor of the University (Honoris Causa), at a graduation ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday 11 April 2007.More than 320 students from ACU National’s Brisbane Campus (McAuley at Banyo) graduated at the ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, with Mr Little performing two songs as part of his occasional address to graduates.
ACU National Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Sheehan AO said Mr Little had achieved “legendary status” within the Australian community for his work on and off the stage.
“James Oswald Little’s musical career spans more than 50 years and has seen him inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame, achieve Gold record sales, headline at the Sydney Opera House and perform at the invitation of the late Pope John Paul II and Queen Mother, among numerous other achievements,” Professor Sheehan said.
“Importantly, Jimmy has used his fame as a platform to selflessly champion improved health and education outcomes for Indigenous people. His teaching and mentoring work at the Eora Aboriginal Education Centre at Redfern, his ambassadorial roles with the Fred Hollows Foundation and Kidney Health Australia, and his stewardship of the Jimmy Little Foundation – which promotes better health in remote Indigenous communities – have earned him many accolades, including an Order of Australia Medal in 2003.
“In recognition of Jimmy Little’s outstanding community work and his significant contribution to Australian culture, ACU National is delighted to bestow its highest honour upon him.”
