Paying our Respects to Senior Elder Uncle Archie Roach

Published on 01 August 2022

Paying our Respects to Gunditjmara and Bundjalung Senior Elder Uncle Archie Roach

The Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Darebin Council and the broader Darebin community wish to acknowledge the sad passing of Gunditjmara and Bundjalung Senior Elder, Uncle Archie Roach.

Uncle Archie Roach was a storyteller, songwriter and campaigner for the rights of Indigenous Australians. His wife and musical partner was singer Aunty Ruby Hunter.

Uncle Archie Roach was known for his song, 'Took the Children Away', which details his experience as a member of the Stolen Generations. In 2019 Uncle Archie Roach was named Victorian Australian of the Year and in 2020 was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. He was a recipient of the 2021 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for Indigenous Writing.

There is so much more to Uncle Archie Roach than these few words can describe. Uncle Archie Roach leaves behind a profound legacy as a truth-teller, and through his songs, words and actions, inspired a new generation to carry on his message of healing into the future.

His loss will be felt by all.

The Darebin Aboriginal Advisory Committee, Darebin Mayor and Councillors, along with the broader Darebin community, send our heartfelt condolences to Uncle Archie Roach’s family, his community, friends and fans.

As a mark of respect to Uncle Archie Roach, the Aboriginal Flag will be flown at half-mast across Darebin City Council venues from Monday 1 August until Monday 8 August.

Darebin Libraries is also this week featuring a list of collections items on our catalogue that are written by or about Uncle Archie Roach.

Image source: Nicholas Harrison / CC 2.0