Mooroopna
Archie Roach, OAM, removed from Mooroopna to Liam Booth Orphanage as a young child, then lived in a series of foster homes.
As one of the Stolen Generations removed under these government policies, Archie grew up in foster homes and met his partner, Ruby Hunter, while living on the streets. The pair, who shared a deep love of music, formed a lifelong bond. The couple had two sons, turned their lives around and went on to foster and raise an extended family of homeless children, while their musical partnership took them onto stages across Australia and around the world.
Archie has won numerous awards, both for his music and for his social justice work. He was awarded the Lifetime Contribution Award for Healing the Stolen Generations at the 2013 Deadly Awards. The opening tribute acknowledged Archie's incredible work:
His work focused an international spotlight on the Stolen Generations and did much to mobilise Australia into action. Through his music, and as a role model, Archie triumphed against the odds, going on to achieve national and international status as a talented story-teller and musician. He tells the stories that motivate a nation, and did so at a time when no-one was listening.
His 1987 hit 'Took the Children Away' helped build the story of our Stolen Generations and create momentum for public acknowledgement of a terrible travesty in Australia's history. Archie won a Human Rights Award for the song that became an anthem both here and overseas; the first time a Human Rights Award has been awarded to a songwriter.
He has always dealt with injustice through a peaceable approach; songwriting and music that reaches people's hearts and souls - a uniquely gifted human being, storyteller and advocate for his people.
Archie Roach, Took the Children Away (1990)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aywDT6yHMmo