Legendary songman and storyteller Uncle Archie Roach made his final journey through the streets of Collingwood, Fitzroy, and St Kilda as part of a walking service on Monday.
The Gunditjmara-Bundjalung Senior Elder passed away last month after a long battle with illness. He was 66.
Escorted by his children and the Southern Warriors Aboriginal Motorcycle Club, the cortege started at 9am from Collingwood, making stops along the way at significant places Uncle Archie had spent time while he was alive.
When the procession arrived at Charcoal Lane, also the title of Archie’s debut studio album, the hearse carrying Uncle’s body paused for a minute’s silence, before continuing the drive to his final resting place near Warrnambool.
His son, Amos Roach used social media to invite community members to his father’s public send-off down city streets and pay their respects, as he made his journey home to be reunited with his late wife Aunty Ruby Hunter.
A private funeral for close family and friends will be held on Tuesday on Gunditjmara country to honour the icon.
