Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter Statues Unveiled In Melbourne
"Not every day a family gets a statue..."
Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter (Source: Supplied)
A permanent tribute to Australian music legends Uncle Archie Roach AC AM and Aunty Ruby Hunter has been unveiled with the pair receiving statues at the Atherton Gardens in Fitzroy on Saturday, 30 November.
Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter are remembered as musicians, storytellers, and Stolen Generation Survivors who shared their experiences through their art. Archie Roach passed away in July 2022 after a spell of long illness at Warrnambool Base Hospital, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Ruby Hunter passed away in 2010.
Yarra City Council confirmed the installation of the statues for the two music icons last September. Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby’s families chose the park at the Atherton Gardens Estate because it held significance for the couple.
For some time, they lived in the towers at the Atherton Gardens Estate with their sons, and Uncle Archie found his family in the park.
“Not every day a family gets a Statue,” the Archie Roach Foundation said in a post on Instagram about the statues’ unveiling last week (27 November).
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The post continued, “‘Welcome to All People.’ The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, Roach and Hunter families, and Yarra City Council warmly invite you to the launch of the new commemorative statues to honour Uncle Archie Roach AC AM Gunditjmara (Kirrae Whurrong/Djab Wurrung)/Bundjalung and Aunty Ruby Hunter Ngarrindjeri/Kokatha/Pitjantjatjara.”
The Archie Roach Foundation confirmed that the statues were created by artist Darien Pullen, while Jefa Greenaway designed the surrounding landscape architecture.
The statues were commissioned by Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation in partnership with Yarra City Council. The project was spearheaded by Roach and Hunter’s families and supported by the Archie Roach Foundation, the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, and the First Nations Directions Circle.
The launch of the statues commenced with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Colin Hunter Jnr, and performances by special guests Amos Roach, Shane Howard, Uncle Kutcha Edwards, David Bridie, and more.
“Fond and treasured memories of a bygone era for the ole parkies like myself,” said Aunty Myrtle Roach of the unveiling. “It’s only fitting my brother’s statue and dear Ruby find its permanent place there for all my people and the community to share.
“We as a family feel both a sense of sadness and excitement as we celebrate two legends and so much-loved members of the Roach and Hunter family.”
“I’m very proud of Ruby and our brother-in-law Archie for their beautiful music and sounds over the years,” added Uncle Jeffrey Hunter.
Yarra City Council Mayor Councillor Stephen Jolly also shared a comment, noting that Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby’s contribution have left an important legacy for all Australians.
“Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby are icons of songwriting and truth-telling,” said Jolly. “Their stories and remarkable humanity will endure, as will these statues that help us preserve and celebrate the rich history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here in Yarra.”
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