Ted Egan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Ted Egan AO
At the Woodford Folk Festival 2010–11
18th Administrator of the Northern Territory
In office 31 October 2003 – 30 October 2007
Governor-General	Michael Jeffery
Preceded by	John Anictomatis
Succeeded by	Tom Pauling
Personal details
Born	Edward Joseph Egan (1932-07-06) 6 July 1932 (age 92) Coburg, Victoria, Australia
Domestic partner	Nerys Evans
Occupation	Musician

Edward Joseph Egan, born on 6 July 1932, is an amazing Australian folk musician. He's also a former public servant, which means he worked for the government. From 2003 to 2007, he held an important job as the Administrator of the Northern Territory. This role is like being the main representative for the Australian government in that part of the country.

Ted Egan's Early Life and Adventures

Ted Egan was born in a place called Coburg, Victoria. He went to school at Parade College. When he was just 16 years old, in 1949, he moved to the Northern Territory. He was looking for work and exciting adventures!

In his first jobs, Ted worked for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. He spent a lot of time out in the bush. He did jobs like working with cattle (stockwork) and even hunting crocodiles. He was a patrol officer and a reserve superintendent, which meant he helped manage areas for Aboriginal people. Later, he became a teacher in schools out in the bush. He also helped create the first National Reconciliation Council, which worked to bring Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians closer together.

In 1965, Ted was the only teacher at Newcastle Waters Station. A big flood happened, and he was stuck there for six weeks! No supplies could get through, so Ted had to hunt animals like bush turkey for food. He went back to the station in 2012 for a book launch about life in that area.

Ted Egan's Music Career

Ted Egan started recording music in 1969. His first song was "Drinkers of the Northern Territory." He has released over 30 albums! Most of his songs are about life in the Australian outback, Australian history, and Aboriginal people.

In 1969, Ted wrote a famous song called "Gurindji Blues" with Vincent Lingiari. This was during the Wave Hill walk-off, a very important event where Aboriginal people stood up for their land rights. Ted was inspired to write the song when he heard a government minister say that if the Gurindji people wanted land, they should buy it like anyone else. Ted's song helped tell their story.

Ted Egan's Albums

Ted Egan has released many albums over the years. Here are some of them:

Books by Ted Egan

Besides music, Ted Egan has also written many books. These books often share stories about the Australian outback and its history.

• 1978 Outback Holiday
• 1979 A Drop of Rough Ted
• 1984 The Overlanders Songbook
• 1987 The Aboriginals Songbook
• 1989 Shearers Songbook
• 1991 Would I Lie to You? The Goanna Driver and Other Very True Stories
• 1993 The Paperboys War Ted Egan An Autobiography
• 1996 Justice All Their Own
• 1997 Sitdown Up North Ted Egan An Autobiography
• 1997 The Drover's Boy
• 2003 The Land Downunder
• 2008 Due Inheritance
• 2011 Kutju Australia: An Australian Translation of Advance Australia Fair
• 2014 The ANZACS 100 Years On: in Story and Song
• 2019 Outback Songman: My Life

Videos and TV Shows

Ted Egan has also worked on videos and TV shows. He was the presenter and narrator for the This Land Australia series. This series explored famous Australian people and places. He also wrote the theme song for the show. Ted has also been a co-host on the lifestyle show The Great Outdoors. You can find some of his videos online.

Ted Egan as Administrator of the Northern Territory

On 31 October 2003, Ted Egan was chosen to be the Administrator of the Northern Territory. This is a very important role! He was sworn in (officially started the job) on 18 November. The Governor-General Michael Jeffery appointed him.

His term was first extended for one year in 2005. Then, it was extended again for another year. He served in this important role until 30 October 2007.

Awards and Honours for Ted Egan

Ted Egan has received many awards for his contributions to Australia.

In 1993, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This was for his work helping Aboriginal people and for his songs and poems that tell Australian stories.

In 2004, he was promoted to an Officer of the Order (AO). This was to recognise his continued contributions to the community, especially after becoming the Administrator of the Northern Territory.

The National Trust of Australia lists Ted Egan as one of "Australia's National Living Treasures." This means he is considered a very important and respected person in Australia.

In April 2015, Ted received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. He performed four songs at the event, including one about pioneering women in Australia.

Music Awards

Ted Egan has won several awards for his music.

• The ARIA Music Awards are big awards for Australian music.

• The Australian Roll of Renown honours musicians who have made a big impact on Country Music in Australia and New Zealand.

• The Country Music Awards of Australia (also known as the Golden Guitar Awards) celebrate the best in Australian country music.

• The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) gives awards for original country songs.