Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Uncle Alan Harris

Michaela SETTLE (Eureka) (13:38): I rise today to acknowledge the recent passing of an incredibly important man in my community, Noongar man Uncle Alan Harris, or ‘Big Al’, as he was often called. He was a much-loved and respected elder in many communities across Australia but particularly in my community of Ballarat.

Uncle Al was a stolen generations survivor. He achieved great success through his innate strength and courage and, after reconnecting with his elders, never forgetting their lessons. He used the power of education and conversation to share his knowledge of First Nations culture with others. Always generous with his time, he was a talented musician and singer, often seen busking on the streets of Ballarat with his sons. It surprised many to know that when he was not doing this he was travelling the world sharing knowledge of Aboriginal culture through dance and music. He was a cultural educator in schools, teaching children from the west coast to the east, his brilliant storytelling engaging every listener.

He was a powerful advocate for improving the lives of First Australians and a great contributor to the discourse on these matters. His death is a significant loss for the community of Ballarat, his family and all who knew him.