Tony Briggs

Tony Briggs (born 3 July 1967) is an Australian actor, writer and producer. He is a former track and field athlete. He is best known for creating the stage play "The Sapphires" (later a 2012 film) telling the true story of an Aboriginal singing group, including his mother and aunt, who toured Vietnam during the war.
Career.
Television.
Between 1987 and 1988, Briggs had the recurring role of banker Pete Baxter
on television soap opera "Neighbours". This was followed by many roles in television series such as "Blue Heelers", "Stingers" and "The Man From Snowy River". From 1997 he appeared in children's television series "Ocean Girl" as Dave Hartley. From 2009, Briggs appeared in the television series "The Circuit" as Mick Mathers. In 2011, Briggs played Bilal in "The Slap", based on the book by Christos Tsiolkas. He also had a small role in "Redfern Now" in 2012. In 2016, he played the role of Boondee in the television drama series "Cleverman" and Brett in "Nowhere Boys: Two Moons Rising". In 2017 he had a role in "Seven Types of Ambiguity" and was involved in creating and writing the series "The Warriors" as well as appearing in a small role.
Theatre.
Briggs wrote the Helpmann Award winning play "The Sapphires" which was first performed in 2004. It tells the story of The Sapphires, a singing group of four Koori women who tour Vietnam during the war. It is inspired by the true story of his mother, Laurel Robinson, and aunt, Lois Peeler, who toured Vietnam as singers in 1968. Briggs adapted the play for the 2012 film "The Sapphires".
Film.
His movie roles include "Australian Rules" in 2002, "Bran Nue Dae" in 2009 and "Healing" in 2014.
A terrific little classic "Joey (1997 film)" in 1997.
Athletics career.
Briggs was a successful 400m hurdler and was runner-up at the Australian Athletics Championships from 1990 to 1992. He also finished third at the 1990 Championships in the 110m hurdles. He was an Australian Institute of Sport athletics scholarship holder from 1986 to 1987.