Paul Kelly pays tribute to ‘inspirational’ Archie Roach ahead of state memorial

Daniel Andrews has issued a “profound apology” to the late Archie Roach over his teatment as part of the Stolen Generations.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has apologised to the late Indigenous singer-songwriter Archie Roach for the “torture” and “trauma” he suffered as a Stolen Generation survivior.

Mr Andrews made the apology at Roach’s state memorial service at Myer Music Bowl on Thursday night.

“We acknowledge the immense pain, suffering and despair placed upon Archie due to past government policies and laws,” Mr Andrews said.

“We deeply and genuinely acknowledge his continued resilience, strength and courage in his journey of recovery. On behalf of the Victorian government, we make this overdue apology to you Archie.

“The Victorian Government apologises for the forced removal from your family, 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 continued to carry and experience due to your removal. I am sorry. We are sorry.”

Archie Roach. Picture: Phil Nitchie

Roach, a Gunditjmara and Bundjalung man, and extraordinary folk musician, died in July after a long illness. He was 66.

His debut album Charcoal Lane, released in 1990, introduced to the world a stirring, soulful voice, telling stories and truths about himself and his people.

Roach’s signature song Took The Children Away is taught in Australian classrooms as part of lessons about the Stolen Generations.

Roach’s older sister Myrtle, tearful and deeply moved accepted the apology.

“It’s easy for me to be angry, but I won’t be.” she said. “This is because my brother came good and achieved so much in his life. He was a gift to me. He found strength to survive.” Looking to the sky, Myrtle said: “You are free now Archie. Fly high.”

Roach’s biggest admirers, and those he inspired, also paid tribute to the trailblazing singer and storyteller, through his songs.

They included Paul Kelly, Adam Briggs, Dan Sultan, Shane Howard, Emma Donovan and Roach’s son, Amos.

Kelly told the Herald Sun: “(Roach) was an inspiration,”

Roach’s debut album, Charcoal Lane, introduced a stirring, soulful voice, telling stories about himself, and his people.

After his passing, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on social media: “Archie’s music drew from a well of trauma and pain, but it flowed with a beauty and a resonance that moved us all.”

Singer songwriter Paul Kelly says Archie Roach was an inspiration.

The order of service of Roach’s state memorial includes:

SMOKING CEREMONY

WELCOME TO COUNTRY

ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF VICTORIA

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews

REFLECTION

Aunty Myrtle Roach

REVISED NATIONAL ANTHEM

Kutcha Edwards

TRIBUTES

“Took The Children Away,” performed by Amos Roach, Nola Lauch, Kutcha Edwards and Pertame School Choir Dusty Feet Mob Dance Group

“The Children Came Back”, performed by Adam Briggs

Uncle Graham ‘Bootsie’ Thorpe and Uncle Talgium ‘Choco’ Howard Edwards

“Charcoal Lane”, performed by Paul Kelly and Fred Leone

“Walking Into Doors”, performed by David Leha and David Bridie

“Dancing With My Spirit”, performed by Dr Lou Bennett AM, Sally Dastey, Amy Saunders, Emma Donovan, Deline Briscoe and Jen Anderson

“Move It On”, performed by Dan Sultan and Richard Pleasance, Kee’ahn Bindol and Marlon Motlop.

“Liyarn Ngarn”, performed by Shane Howard and Goanna Band

Associate Professor Louis Irving and Jill Shelton

“We Won’t Cry”, performed by David Arden, Candice Lorrae and Rulla Kelly-Mansell

Uncle Eric Richards, Uncle Jeffrey Hunter and Janaya Roach

“Nopun Kurongk”, performed by Emma Donovan and Paul Grabowsky

“Let Love Rule”, performed by Professor Deborah Cheetham, Jess Hitchcock, Dr Shellie Morris, Nancy Bates, Dhungala Children’s Choir and Craig Pilkington

CONCLUSION

Dr Shellie Morris and Rulla Kelly-Mansell