Dan Andrews Apologises To Archie Roach At Memorial Service

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews apologised to Archie Roach and his family at the Gunditjmara and Bundjalung elder's memorial service.

Via the ABC live blog, Andrews took the stage and told the mourners that he was at the service "not to give a speech, but to make a profound apology.

"As Premier of Victoria, and along with the Victorian government, we acknowledge the immense pain, suffering and despair placed upon Archie due to past government policies and laws," he began.

"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, from your country, community, culture and language. And for depriving you of your birthright by actions perpetrated on you."

The Premier of Victoria concluded his apology by saying, "We apologise for the extreme, inhumane acts committed against you, the torture, the unspeakable hurt and the intergenerational trauma that you and your family continue to carry and experience due to your removal. 

"I am sorry. We are sorry."

Andrews's apology stems from the Victorian government's deep reflection on the mistreatment of the Stolen Generations; he said it's the government's responsibility to ensure all people are "aware of the truth" of the trauma people faced within the Stolen Generations. View his speech here.

Archie Roach passed away in July, following a spell of long illness at Warrnambool Base Hospital, surrounded by his family and loved ones. 

Roach's catalogue and activism took him to considerable heights, including being inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll in 2011. He was also honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list as a Member of the Order of Australia and was named 2020 Victorian Australian of the year.

This year, two pillar-shaped monuments were erected on the shores of Lake Bonney at Barmera to honour him and his wife, Ruby Hunter, who passed away in 2010.

Back in August, family, friends and fans paid tribute to the legend, gathering in the streets of Collingwood, Fitzroy and St Kilda as Archie Roach, escorted by the Southern Warriors Aboriginal Motorcycle Club, Amos and Eban Roach, made one final journey through the streets of Narrm/Melbourne on his way to Warrnambool, his final resting place.

Find the eleven Archie Roach musical moments we will never forget here.