Chicka Dixon

Chicka Dixon was a proud Yuin man, wharf labourer, unionist and tireless activist who stood at the heart of the Aboriginal rights movement in the 1960s and 70s. Born on the South Coast of New South Wales, Dixon grew up with a strong sense of justice and community. After working on the Sydney docks, he became active in the Waterside Workers’ Federation, where he learned the power of solidarity. “If you don’t stand up, you’ll fall down and I wasn’t about to fall,” he later said.

Alongside contemporaries such as Charles Perkins, Faith Bandler, Gary Foley, and Paul Coe, Dixon fought for equal rights, land justice and recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty. He played a key role in the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI) and was instrumental in the 1972 Aboriginal Tent Embassy, a landmark protest that captured national attention.

He co-founded the National Black Theatre in Redfern, believing that storytelling and performance could spark political awakening, and later took the struggle global at the United Nations in 1981, building global awareness of Aboriginal peoples struggles in Australia. His belief that “our story is our strength, if you know who you are and where you come from, they can’t take that away from you” guided his life’s work.

Awarded the Order of Australia Medal, Dixon remained humble and grounded in community. His courage, humour and commitment continue to inspire generations of Aboriginal leaders who carry forward his vision for justice and self-determination.