Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised this vale contains the name and photographs of a person who has died. 

Creative Australia honours the life and legacy of Uncle Noel Tovey AM, artist, activist and Elder whose extraordinary career spanned more than six decades and whose impact across the arts and beyond is immeasurable. 

Noel overcame hardship early in life to become Australia’s first Aboriginal male ballet dancer. He performed as principal dancer with Sadler’s Wells Opera Ballet in London and went on to direct and choreograph productions across the UK, Europe and Australia. His notable work included directing The Aboriginal Protestors and A Midsummer Night’s Dream with all-First Nations casts, presented at the Sydney Olympic Arts Festival in 2000. 

Noel was a passionate educator and mentor. He established a performing arts course at the Eora Centre for Aboriginal Studies and maintained a long-standing connection with the Flying Fruit Fly Circus, where he set up the Noel Tovey Scholarship Fund, dedicated to reducing financial barriers to circus for young people. He was also a fierce advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, helping lead the campaign to expunge historical convictions for consensual homosexual activity. 

In my world of dance there were no drunks, no drugs, no abuse and no racism, it was just me and the music

Noel’s story was powerfully told in his memoir Little Black Bastard, and later in his one-man stage production of the same name, which toured nationally and internationally. His second memoir, And Then I Found Me, chronicled his years in London and his accidental presence at the Stonewall Riots in New York in 1969. 

Noel had a long association with Creative Australia (formerly the Australia Council for the Arts), serving as a peer and committee member from the late 1990s. He received multiple grants and fellowships supporting his creative work, including the acclaimed autobiographical stage production Little Black Bastard. Respected by many, his name appeared in countless applications from other artists, cited as a mentor, collaborator and inspiration. Creative Australia proudly supported his nomination for the Order of Australia, which he received in 2015. 

Franchesca Cubillo, Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture shares: 
"Uncle Noel Tovey’s life was a testament to resilience, creativity and courage. He broke barriers, told truths and opened doors for others. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and advocates." 

Creative Australia extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and communities. We honour his extraordinary life and the enduring impact of his work. 

Vale Uncle Noel Tovey AM 
25.12.1934 – 11.08.2025