Moved by
Councillor Weldon, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) -
It is resolved
that:
(A)
Council
note:
(i)
the
recent passing of Bidjigal Elder Vic Simms, known to many as Uncle Vic or by
his nickname Bunno;
(ii)
born on
the La Perouse Mission in 1946, Vic rose to prominence as a child prodigy who
began singing professionally aged just 11;
(iii)
he
toured the country and became a household name with the release of his debut
single “Yo-Yo Heart” and appearances on music television programs like
Bandstand and Six O'Clock Rock;
(iv)
as his
career stalled, Vic turned to alcohol and in 1968 was arrested for his part in
a robbery and sentenced to 7 years imprisonment;
(v)
whilst
serving his time, Vic learnt to play guitar and turned to songwriting to
survive the tough conditions in Bathurst Goal. After capturing the interest of
a group of visiting social workers, he was allowed to record a 10-song album,
which was released as The Loner;
(vi)
composed
and recorded behind bars, The Loner is now recognised as a timeless Aboriginal
protest album and has been named in the 110 Best Australian Albums;
(vii)
after
his release from prison, Vic started performing and touring again. In 2001, he
was recognised at the Deadly Award for his Outstanding Contribution to
Aboriginal Music;
(viii)
Vic
dedicated much of his later years to community work. He was an active member of
the La Perouse Local Aboriginal Land Council and he collaborated with the
University of New South Wales to deliver cultural education sessions;
(ix)
in
2024, he was awarded the university’s highest honour, an honorary doctorate in
recognition of his service to education and his community;
(x)
he will
be remembered as a musical icon, a great storyteller and a beloved man with a
generous spirit who was immersed in his community and culture; and
(xi)
Uncle
Vic is survived by his wife Joan, 4 children, 15 grandchildren, and 6
great-grandchildren;
(B)
the
Lord Mayor be requested to write to Vic’s family expressing Council’s
condolences; and
(C)
all
persons attending this meeting of Council observe one minute’s silence to
commemorate Vic’s life.
Carried
unanimously.
X113759
Note
– All Councillors, staff and members of the public present stood in silence for
one minute as a mark of respect to Vic Simms.