Country Music and Kids Ministry Icon, Colin Buchanan Receives Legacy Award

Born in Dublin in 1964 and immigrating to Australia as a six-year-old, Colin Buchanan is a beloved Australian storyteller, worship artist, country music icon, and kids ministry legend.

Over more than 30 years, Colin Buchanan has built a diverse career across the creative arts, using his gifts to tell Australia’s stories and share the hope of Jesus.  It is for his lifetime of incredible creative work that CMAA has presented him with a Legacy Award, Enduring Impact – Arts.

A nine-times Golden Guitar winner, Colin has written songs for the cream of Australian country music:  Troy Cassar-Daley, Slim Dusty, Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Amber Lawrence, and Lee Kernaghan - with a remarkable 30 credits on Kernaghans greatest hits album.

Colin’s move from teacher to songwriter began in 1988, when he and his wife Robyn left Sydney’s suburbs to spend a year at Cornerstone Christian community in Bourke.

His arrival in the outback began both a spiritual journey, and a musical one. There he discovered his love for songwriting, capturing the places and characters of the bush.

After winning a 1989 songwriting competition, the fire was lit - and within a couple of years he was signed to the ABC label. As well as country music, Colin has recorded worship and faith-based albums like Real Hope, God of Wonders, and Calvary Road.An ARIA and APRA award winner, many of his albums have reached gold and platinum status.

In 1993 Colin released his iconic kids album, I Want My Mummy, and three years later, he recorded Remember The Lord, which was the first of many Christian kid’s albums.

His catchy Bible songs became favourites in kids clubs, schools and family car trips world wide, and his live kids ministry tours bring levels of energy and fun to rival Hi 5 and the Wiggles.

Besides his music, Colin’s also well known for his TV work as a presenter on Play Schooland Playhouse Disney. He’s also a prolific children’s picture book author, and a cherished Aussie radio talent.

For over 10 years he hosted the national radio show, Toyota Outback Club, and he’s a regular fixture on ABC Sydney Drive’s top-rating Thank God It's Fridaywith Richard Glover.

Colin Buchanan’s contribution to the creative arts, and the spiritual landscape of Australia, are nothing short of remarkable.

It was our great honour to present him with his Legacy award in person, at the CMAA Excellence in Media Awards on Tuesday, September 24.