During the late 80's,as a newly arrived immigrant I was working in a specialist Child, Adolescent  & Family Psychiatric service in Melbourne. I attended an outreach meeting with Aboriginal people in Richmond as a member of a group of professionals, part of a strategy to offer assistance in the reduction of youth suicide in their community. We were sat around a large circular table in some sort of boardroom. It was my first ever meeting with Aboriginal folk, & I was very aware that whilst there as 'experts' we really didn't have a clue about aboriginal culture, so the learning process was as much ours as theirs. It was a struggle.

Half-way through the meeting the chairperson announced unexpectedly "We gonna have a break now, we gotta fella who wants to sing us a song". This was far from the norm in meetings such as this, but we were happy to go with the flow. In walks this fella with a guitar, took a seat at the table & commences to play & sing. It was Archie Roach & the song was 'Took the Children away'. It was the first I ever heard of the stolen generation & it was very moving. One song said more than all the talking had done. It was a turning point both in the meeting & in my life,  & a significant influence upon the Australian I became. A year or so later Archie released his first album & the rest is history. Many years later I got to thank him in person for that day at the anniversary of the Nitmiluk handback, where he was a part of the the then touring Black Arm Band show. He has always been with me throughout my Australian journey & will remain so. 

Sadly I will not be able to attend his State Memorial Service in Melbourne on 15th December, but I will be there via the wonders of the internet. The memorial will be live streamed. 

Details at this link. https://www.vic.gov.au/state-memorial-service-uncle-archie-roach-am