Coloured Stone

Inducted 4 July 2025

Coloured Stone is an Indigenous Australian rock band originating from Koonibba, on the Nullabor Plains in 1977.  Original Members of the band were Bunna Lawrie (lead vocals, drums), Neil Coaby (rhythm guitar & backing vocals), Mackie Coaby (bass guitar & backing vocals) and Bruce Mundy (lead guitar & backing vocals).

Coloured Stone gained popularity in the 1980s with their blend of rock, reggae, and traditional Indigenous Australian music addressing social issues affecting Indigenous Australians.  In 1984, they first drew significant attention with the release of ‘Black Boy’ as a single, becoming a major hit in Fiji.

The band has released many albums, commencing with ‘Koonibba Rock’ (1985), including ‘Human Love’ (1986), ‘Wild Desert Rose’ (1988), ‘Crazy Mind’ (1990), ‘Inma Juju Dance Music’ (1991) and ‘Dance To The Sun’ (2013). They have been nominated for multiple ARIA Awards, winning the 1987 ARIA Award for Best Indigenous Release for ‘Human Love’.

Over the years, the band has undergone many line-up changes with Bunna Lawrie remaining at its core.  He is a respected elder of the Mirning people.  Coloured Stone has been an influential force in promoting Indigenous Australian music and culture. They have performed at numerous festivals and events, including the 1988 Sydney Concert for Aboriginal Rights.  In 2011, the band was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Indigenous Music Awards.  Coloured Stone continues to perform and record music, celebrating their cultural heritage.