2026 IMPACT AWARD

We are incredibly proud to share that ILBIJERRI have received a 2026 IMPACT Award from PAC Australia in recognition of the extraordinary reach and impact of BIG NAME, NO BLANKETS (BNNB).

BNNB is a rock 'n' roll theatre show celebrating the remarkable story of Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher, a founding member of the iconic Warumpi Band. Famed for taking First Peoples culture to a global audience, Warumpi Band were the first artists to record music in language, performing in Luritja and Gumatj (Yolngu Matha), and were renowned for communicating politics and activism through song.

BNNB’s 2024–25 tour earned standing ovations at every one of its 51 performances, reaching more than 26,500 audience members across major festivals, prisons, and remote communities.

Yorta Yorta and Gunaikurnai playwright Andrea James (ILBIJERRI Artistic Director) wrote the play alongside the key storyholder – Papunya-based Elder and Warumpi Band founding member, Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher. Anyupa Butcher (former Associate Producer at ILBIJERRI) co-directed BNNB alongside Yidinji and Meriam director Dr Rachael Maza AM.

A huge thank you to the incredible team and community that made this possible!

“I am very happy for this award, because I enjoyed working with all the people involved in making the show Big Name, No Blankets, about my life in the Warumpi Band, I feel very grateful. And to see my daughters Anyupa, Crystal Butcher and sons Jason and Jeremiah Butcher to bring my story to life in theatre.
It’s important to keep these stories alive, for the next generation. It’s important because we need to be responsible to inspire our next generation to be proud, no matter where they come from. Palya.”

- Sammy Butcher

“It was important for us as a family to ensure this story travelled from remote communities to local festivals, to prisons and to the big stage in the cities so it was accessible for as many people as possible.

To us, this was the greatest way to honour the legacy of my fathers in Warumpi Band in the 80s when they too toured bush, to cities and everywhere in between which made them a band for the people, bringing everyone together with their music.”

- Anyupa Emily Butcher

“ILBIJERRI are immensely proud of our production and tour of Big Name No Blankets...

Luritja man and founding Warumpi band member, Sammy Tjapanangka Butcher wanted this show to bring hope to the community wherever in Australia they may be and we were driven by that goal.

We are proud to accept this award on behalf of Sammy and his daughter Anyupa."

- Andrea James, Artistic Director

Photos by James Henry