Yarra is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of prolific Aboriginal singer, songwriter and truth-teller, Archie Roach.

The Gunditjmara and Bundjalung elder was born in Mooroopna in Northern Victoria and was a revered voice for the Stolen Generations. Archie shared his experiences through music and song writing and was the first ever singer/songwriter to win a Human Rights Achievement Award for his song, Took the Children Away.

Archie had a strong connection to Yarra and contributed greatly to the local community. His iconic debut album Charcoal Lane was named after a lane in Collingwood, and Archie was a regular performer at local events and music festivals over the years, such as Yarra’s Smith Street Dreaming. Just two weeks ago, as part of Yarra’s Leaps and Bounds festival, Wash my Soul in the Rivers Flow the new documentary about Archie Roach and his late partner Ruby Hunter was shown at Collingwood Town Hall. After the film, Archie’s son Amos spoke about his parents, their life together and growing up in a family where music was a constant. 

Archie’s passing is a significant loss for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and all Australians. Yarra extends its deepest condolences to Archie’s family, friends and the Aboriginal community during this difficult time.

The City of Yarra will be flying its flags at half mast across all our Town Halls.

“I found my family on the streets of Fitzroy. It is also where I found my voice and was the backdrop to so much of my music and my story” – Archie Roach AM.