COOLGARDIE'S Trevor Jamieson was among the winners when the 14th annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander awards were announced at the Sydney Opera House last week.

The talented performer and musician said it was "just fantastic" to receive one of the Deadlys for his show Ngapartji Ngapartji. He was still "sort of on a high" and added it was "hard being a bit humble".

But while he was proud of the achievement, he said he was bringing it back for those who influenced him and helped along the way, whether indigenous or not.

Mr Jamieson shared the award with the show's co-writer and director, Scott Rankin. They were recognised in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Film, TV or Theatre. With Ngapartji Ngapartji, which took years to research and is close to his heart, Mr Jamieson has been hailed as "a cross-cultural broker". In the show he recreates the experiences of the Spinifex people in his native tongue - Pitjantjatjara.

Apparently the performance combines high-end new media image-making with  active storytelling and music.

Mr Jamieson has earned acclaim on stage and in films, appearing in classics like Bran Nue Dae and Rabbit Proof Fence. A board director for Country Arts WA, he
also enjoys playing the didgeridoo and dancing.

The Deadlys recognise the diverse achievements of indigenous people in the arenas of music, sport, entertainment and community excellence.
MARY LYNN MATHER