The country has been rocked by the deaths of some of its most beloved voices in the past month – Archie Roach, Judith Durham and most recently, Olivia Newton-John.
At a meeting on Monday, August 8, Hume councillor Naim Kurt paid tribute to Archie Roach in a touching speech, sending condolences to the Gunditjmara and Bundjalung elder’s family members in the municipality.
“Australia has been in mourning for the past two weeks, with the sad passing of musical legend and Aboriginal activist, Uncle Archie Roach,” Cr Kurt said.
“Uncle Archie was a national treasure and a prolific truth-teller, who gave a voice to many First Nations people, offering them comfort and healing in his words and music.
“As a member of the Stolen Generations, Uncle Archie’s song ‘Took the Children Away’ described his own painful life story and in the process helped to educate Australia about one of the darkest chapters in our history.”
Cr Kurt said the loss was being deeply felt across the continent, but particularly in Hume as well, where the artist’s sister, Myrtle, resides, as well as his two nieces.
He acknowledged the work of Roach’s nieces who actively campaigned and raised up First Nations issues across Victoria and in the municipality, working with council in various capacities to do so.
“Uncle Archie was a musical legend with strong connection to our Hume community,” Cr Kurt said.
“He always used to say, ‘Together we’ll fly’, and on behalf of all I’d like to extend my condolences to his family, and in his words, I hope he’s together flying with his beloved Ruby. May he rest in peace.”
