Creative Australia acknowledges the passing of acclaimed Bidjigal Elder and musician, Uncle Vic Simms.
Uncle Vic was a trailblazer in Australian music; he leaves behind an impressive body of work and a significant legacy as a community and cultural leader.
His 1973 debut album The Loner is considered a milestone in Australian music history, not only for its raw honesty but also for its status as one of the first Aboriginal protest albums. The Loner catapulted Uncle Vic into the spotlight and later earned a place in The 110 Best Australian Albums: The Ultimate List of Australia’s Best and Most Influential Music of All Time.
Uncle Vic’s contributions to music were recognised on multiple occasions, including receiving the prestigious Deadly Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Music in 2001. His legacy was cemented with his induction into the National Film and Sound Archive, and in 2024, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of New South Wales, where he had dedicated 15 years to cultural education.
Throughout his career, Uncle Vic Simms had a notable relationship with the Australia Council for the Arts, now Creative Australia, including receiving numerous grants in the 1970s, a 12-month fellowship in 1996, and various individual projects, such as a 2005 tour with Jimmy Little and the 2015 re-recording of The Loner with renowned Australian musicians, which earned critical acclaim.
Uncle Vic was a much-loved figure not just for his music but for his warmth, humour, and love for his people. His heart remained in his roots — in the Bidjigal land of New South Wales — where his family and community were central to everything he did.
Franchesca Cubillo, Executive Director First Nations Arts and Culture, Creative Australia said:
“Uncle Vic Simms’s life and work are marked by resilience and determination. As a pioneer of First Nations music in Australia, he broke barriers and inspired countless people with his songs and his story. His contribution to the cultural landscape of this country is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and community.”
Vale
Uncle Vic Simms
1946 – 2025