Ballarat Indigenous Elder Alan Harvey Harris dies aged 63

A funeral will soon be held for a “loving” Ballarat family man and champion of Indigenous culture. Warning: contains images of a deceased Aboriginal person.

Ballarat Indigenous Elder Alan Harris, known as Big Al, died on January 20, 2025.

Family and friends will soon gather to remember a Ballarat husband, father, grandfather, and champion of Indigenous culture.

Alan Harvey Harris, or ‘Big Al’, died on January 20 at age 63.

Mr Harris taught people about Aboriginal culture throughout Australia and overseas, even meeting the Dalai Lama in 2010.

He was an accomplished sportsman and musician, singing and playing the guitar and didgeridoo – he even performed alongside U2 and Carlos Santana.

Mr Harris taught others about Indigenous culture.

Mr Harris’ family described him as a “kind, passionate, and incredibly wise man, with a larger than life personality”.

“He knew how to hold the attention of every one in a room while also having a special ability to connect with every single person he came into contact with,” they said.

“He was incredibly loving and incredibly loved. To say he will be missed does not do him justice.

“A void is missing in the lives of all of those who met him and the lives he touched.”

They said he was a “devoted family man” despite an upbringing “fraught with trauma”, and quoted him, saying: “Aboriginal culture is for everyone if you call Australia home, no matter where you come from.”

Big Al on stage.

The Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative wrote online that Uncle Alan had been a “huge part of the Ballarat community for many, many years”.

“His passion for music, family, culture and the community was truly amazing,” it said.

“We send our deepest sympathy to our colleagues, the Harris family and all that knew him.”

A funeral will be held for Mr Harris on February 7 at the Doveton Park Funeral Centre.

A fundraiser has been set up to help cover the costs.