‘We have got to inspire’: Russell ‘Rusty’ Smith inducted into SA Music Hall of Fame wants to inspire more from his community

The musician from a “forgotten” community will be centre stage this weekend when he becomes the fourth First Nations performer to join SA’s Music Hall of Fame.

Musician Russell ‘Rusty’ Smith who grew up in the “forgotten” Aboriginal community of Davenport on the outskirts of Port Augusta, will be inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame alongside some of Australia’s best First Nations artists.

Mr Smith, who is the lead-singer of indie rock band Brolga, will perform at the Umeewarra Downtown Music Festival in the town centre of Port Augusta alongside other local performers on Saturday.

He said it was good to take something “positive” back to the community where he grew up.

“I think after the Referendum we need to celebrate something and this is something good for the community to celebrate,” he said.

“It‘s all about celebrating community and Port Augusta has some good artists coming through.

Pitjantjatjara musician Russell Smith will become the fourth Indigenous artist to be inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame.

“Coming from a community like Umeewarra and to be recognised by industry peers, I hope it gives the young ones hope.

“We have got to inspire those young ones to go and play.”

Mr Smith grew up in Umeewarra Mission, now known as Davenport, where community leaders earlier this year spoke to The Advertiser about their concerns for the future of their children as youth crime gripped the town.

He said there was much talent out there and he hoped his music could inspire the next generation.

“I mean, there's some good bands around there, some really good hip hop bands, some good country bands and solo artists,” he said.

“In many Aboriginal communities there's not a whole lot to do and you can’t just pinpoint one community (Davenport), there’s trouble everywhere, so what do you do, how do you inspire kids to do something when there's nothing to do.

“There’s no jobs, there’s no future so its about getting those kids back into schools and being inspired and that's what I’m trying to do but it takes time.

“If you can inspire that next generation then you’ve done OK you know, because they can do it, that's what I’m saying and that's why it’s important.”

Pitjantjatjara musician Russel Smith performing on stage at Rockin in the Rainforest at Tamborine Mountain, QLD.

CEO of Umeewarra Aboriginal Media Association, Vince Coulthard said Saturday’s event would see local artists and businesses come together to celebrate First Nations music.

“We have had great support from local businesses and organisations to make this historic event happen,” he said.

“This year’s line-up is amazing with bands from interstate, down the road in Adelaide and some of our great local artists who live here in Port Augusta.

“We are presenting this free event for the community to come together, celebrate and get inspired.”

His band, Brolga features Aussie musicians including Dave Mudie and Bones Sloane, Phil Ceberano, Matty Vehl and Lee ‘Sonnyboy’ Morgan.

Mr Smith is the fourth First Nations artist to be inducted into the SA Music Hall of Fame, following the late Archie Roach AC, the late Ruby Hunter and band No Fixed Address.