A blue plaque in Broken Hill recognises the enduring impact of one of Australia’s favourite movie stars, Chips Rafferty.
Born John William Pilbean Goffage in Broken Hill in March 1909, Rafferty went on to become one of Australia’s most beloved and internationally renowned actors post World War II. Known for portraying rugged Australian characters, Rafferty starred in iconic films such as Forty Thousand Horsemen (1940), The Overlanders (1946), and Eureka Stockade (1949).
Few other Australian actors captured the public’s affection in the way Chips Rafferty did. His 1971 performance in the psychological thriller Wake in Fright is remembered as one of his most acclaimed roles. Filmed in Broken Hill, the movie was Rafferty’s final performance before his sudden death in May 1971. The plaque is on display at the Imperial Fine Accommodation building, where part of Wake in Fright was filmed.
Rafferty’s is one of 2 blue plaques in Australia’s first Heritage City, Broken Hill, along with Australian soprano June Bronhill (Gough), whose plaque is located at the Broken Hill Civic Centre.
Rafferty’s full story, along with 49 other people and events that have shaped New South Wales, can be found on the .
Quotes attributable to Sam Kidman, Executive Director, Heritage NSW
‘Chips Rafferty is a true icon of Australian film, and the blue plaque at the Imperial Fine Accommodation building pays tribute to his legacy and celebrates the vibrant cultural heritage of Broken Hill.
‘Chips’ blue plaque is a shining example of how the Blue Plaques program celebrates people and events that have made a lasting impact on New South Wales.’
