06/12/2025
𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐍
July 1932 – Dec 2025
As the sun rose in Alice Springs on the 4th of December 2025, it simultaneously set on a truly remarkable and fulfilled life of 93 years.
Born in Coburg in Melbourne’s inner north, Ted moved to the Northern Territory at the age of 16 seeking adventure and new challenges. He found all he’d hoped for. His early career was with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs as a patrol officer and reserve superintendent engaged in mustering, stockwork and crocodile hunting. Later he was a teacher at bush schools.
Ted Egan was honoured with the Member of the Order of Australia (AO) for services to the Aboriginal people, and for 'an ongoing contribution to the literary heritage of Australia through song and verse'. He was a member of the first National Reconciliation Council.
Writing and recording songs since 1969, he produced 30 albums and authored a dozen books. He bridged the gap between folk and country, appearing regularly at festivals throughout Australia and North America.
Ted Egan was the presenter of the highly acclaimed TV series This Land Australia, and later The Great Outdoors.
He earned a Master of Arts Degree (History) from ANU and an honorary Doctorate from Charles Darwin University.
He was an inaugural Life Member of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, a Life Member of the Country Music Association of Australia, the Workers Heritage Centre Barcaldine, the Waltzing Matilda Museum at Winton and the Drover's Camp, Camooweal. He was the Patron of the Drover's Camp and National Patron of VISE - Volunteers for Isolated Students Education.
Ted was listed as one of "Australia's National Living Treasures" by the National Trust of Australia.
Among his hundreds of compositions, perhaps the most famous was "Gurindji Blues" which he wrote in 1969 with Vincent Lingiari during the Wave Hill walk-off. He was moved to write it after hearing Peter Nixon, then Minister for the Interior, say in parliament that if the Gurindji wanted land, "they should save up and buy it, like any other Australian."
One of his proudest achievements was helping to establish the famous St Marys Football Club in 1952, to provide Tiwi Islanders with the opportunity to play AFL in the Darwin competition. No other team would accept full blood players. He captained the team to their first premiership.
Ted Egan is featured in the Hands of Fame in Tamworth, was inducted into the Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown and was the inaugural recipient of the Australian Folk Trust Award for Major Contribution to the Australian Tradition.
From 2003 - 2007 Ted served as the 16th Administrator of the Northern Territory, resident at Government House, Darwin.
That’s the shorthand version of an amazing life of creativity, commitment, generosity, passion and optimism and many, many laughs.
Everyone was proud to call him their friend.
I first met Ted when The Bushwackers did an Arts Council tour of the NT in the late 70s. It was a revelation to see this consummate performer and storyteller enthral an audience with nothing but powerful words and a beer carton.
Later, he recommended us to the wonderful June Smythe at the Longyard Hotel where we have performed for 40 years.
I’ll be raising his favourite tipple, a ‘piercingly cold VB’ in honour of a great mate.
He passed away peacefully at ‘Sinkatinny Downs’, his family homestead in Alice Springs.
Our thoughts are with his beloved partner Nerys, his sons Greg and Mark and daughters Margaret and Jackie.
Rest in peace dear friend – you’ve earned it.
𝐃𝐨𝐛𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐭𝐨𝐧 - Chairman
on behalf of the Board
𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑀𝑢𝑠𝑖𝑐 𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑜𝑓 𝐴𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑎 𝐼𝑛𝑐
Photo credit: Chris Tangey
