"I have no great skills in life but I'm a very good observer and I get my pleasure - and my income - from writing books and songs principally about exciting and interesting people..." Ted Egan, aged 90.
I must admit Ted Egan's song's didn't get into my top song's playlist for 2025 - but 'Drovers Boy' has always stirred up emotions - it's a classic; many of you may have been lucky enough to hear Ted play it on a beer carton (he called it the 'Fosterphone' - as he couldn't play any other instrument!)... Another of his favourites, 'Drinkers of the Territory', captures the humour, heart, and spirit of life in the Outback like few others.
Ted Egan, or 'Elvis of the Outback', died last week aged 93; and the more I dig into Ted's history, the more I can appreciate why The National Trust of Australia appointed him as a National Living Treasure!
He was born in Melbourne in 1932 but came to the NT with a mate when he was 16, they were working in Darwin to save money to head to Brazil - but he never quite made it there.
Early in his career, before music, he worked with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in remote communities - as a patrol officer, reserve superintendent, and bush-school teacher.
A good Aussie Rule's player, he also set up and captained the iconic football team, St Mary's in Darwin. The club began as a way to give Indigenous people from the Tiwi Islands a chance to play. "It was probably one of the most important things in my entire life..." he said in 2012.
The Ted Egan Outback Show was basically the only night time entertainment in Alice Springs for 30 years - 'coach tourism' was peaking and tourist's left Alice with 3 notable souvenirs - the NT Flag, A Ted Egan Cassette and a Darwin Stubby*.
He spoke proudly of the NT flag, and was given the first flag by it's designer Robert Ingpen of Geelong in 1978 - Ted said, "...the land is ochre, people are black and white (basically), the Southern Cross, and the Desert Rose is our flower..."
Amongst many of his achievements, Ted recorded 30 album and published 17 books; hosted This Land Australia and was one of the first interviewers for the TV show, The Great Outdoors. He was appointed Administrator of the Northern Territory in 2003 and was awarded Order of Australia (AO) for service to Indigenous people, history, and the arts in 2004.
Humpty Doo Digger (Cheers) Ted Egan.
Hooroo for now,
Simon
(RFTTEJOBS Newsletter Dec 12th 2025) - View the excellent interview below with Ted and Matt Stewart recorded when Ted was 90.
