The Bushwackers Release New Version Of Iconic Song ‘I Am Australian’

The Bushwackers have returned to the spotlight with an updated version of the 1987 classic I Am Australian, modernising the legendary song with some younger voices.

Billed under The Bushwackers Youth Collaboration, the new release immortalises the version of I Am Australian heard at many of the band’s recent live shows (and on physical copies of their new album The Great Australian Lap), and features the likes of Lucy Beveridge, Kyla-Belle and Rory Phillips.

In a statement shared on social media, The Bushwackers said of the reinvented classic: “Our live audiences have been loving it, with hardly a dry eye to be seen, so we hope you’ll give it a spin even though the song itself has been around since 1987.

“Originally co-written by [Bushwackers frontman] Dobe Newton and [former member of The Seekers] Bruce Woodley, this new rendition begins with Dobe himself, but also brings a fresh new perspective to the timeless track, with our young vocalists representing the future of Australia, and Kyla-Belle singing the last verse in Gomeroi language.”

The track was released alongside a poignant music video filmed at one of The Bushwackers’ recent live shows – and as the band themselves noted in their statement, “tissues may be required” for viewing.

The Bushwackers are yet to release The Great Australian Lap on digital platforms or streaming services, however physical copies can be purchased from their webstore. You can also find it IRL at one of the band’s upcoming live shows – head here to see when they’ll be heading to your neck of the woods.