The Hon Ernest Francis Bridge JP MLA OAM was a foundation member of the Western Australian Aboriginal Lands Trust in 1972. In 1986, he was the first Aboriginal person to become a cabinet minister in the Western Australian State Government. His grandfather Joseph Bridge was from NSW and moved to the Kimberley to establish a cattle station in Mabel Downs. Growing up in the Kimberley, Ernie Bridge was a drover and station hand in his youth influencing much of his musical inspiration. After receiving some schooling, Ernie Bridge began running his father's stock camp at fourteen. He also began horse racing at fourteen and during the 1950s was the winner of the Halls Creek Cup. In 1977 Ernie Bridge was awarded the Queen's Jubilee Medal. Upon his father's exit from local government, Ernie Bridge approached by family and friends to run for local government. He won his father's seat in the Kimberley unopposed.
