Everything to everyone Uncle Archie Roach

15 December 2022

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Last night, Reconciliation Victoria had the great privilege of being part of Uncle Archie Roach’s State Memorial Service held at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl,Kings Domain Gardens.

It was a tribute like no other. Anyone who took part in the service will have felt the power, the pain, and the pride of this occasion. “He was everything to everyone” said Aunty Di Kerr in the opening Welcome to Country, delivered with Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin.  

Both Aunties helped to ground the audience with fitting words to describe our feelings. They acknowledged every member of Uncle Archie’s family, recognised their deep loss, and embraced them in a moving and powerful traditional ceremony.

“We are so lucky we can say we have an Uncle Archie. He always spoke gentle with his story and every song had a story” said Aunty Di.

What followed was something wholly unexpected for everyone present, watching, listening, or tuned in from afar.

The honourable Premier Daniel Andrews was invited to the stage to deliver a tribute, which instead unfolded into a formal Apology to Uncle Archie Roach and his family on behalf of the Victorian Government.

Word for word, we listened intently to the Premier’s Apology:

“The Victorian Government apologises for the forced removal from your family, from your country, community, culture, and language, and for depriving you of your birthright by actions perpetrated on you.

We apologise for the extreme inhumane acts committed against you. The torture, the unspeakable hurt and the intergenerational trauma that you and your family continue to carry and experience due to your removal.

I am sorry. We are sorry.

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Together with theVictorian Government we have deeply reflected on the inhumane acts andmistreatment of the Victorian Aboriginal Stolen Generations and acknowledge therole that the Victorian Government has played.

It is now the responsibility of the Victorian Government to ensure all Victorians are aware of the True history of Australia, that they are aware of the truth of what stolen generations like you have endured and the ever-lasting impacts it causes for you, your family, and your future generations.

Our government will continue to be committed to building a positive future for all Aboriginal andTorres Strait Islander peoples, by improving their lives through self-determination, because without it, we can’t move forward, and we cannot improve First Peoples health, well-being, and human rights.

The Victorian Government respectfully intends that you receive this sincere apology in the spirit in which it is made, and hope it helps in some small way as part of your healing.
The Victorian Government also thanks you for sharing stories through songs and music. You have given voice to the pain, hope and pride of so many. We will be forever grateful for your service to Victoria. We and all those who come after us are richer for the life and work ofUncle Archie Roach, and we are poorer for his passing.”

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In concluding, the Premier handed the apology to Uncle Archie’s sister, Aunty MyrtleRoach, who so graciously responded. There was hardly a dry eye when Aunty said “This is an apology for all my brothers and sisters who don’t get one. This apology is for my Mum and Dad, Archibald Senior and Nellie Austin – all are at peace now”.

She called on the audience “Please don’t forget my brother” and the tears flowed as she sang out “You are now free Arch. You are free now Archie, Fly High”.