Harold Blair (1924-1976)

Acknowledgement of Country

Ipswich City Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners, the Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul People of the Yugara/Yagara Language Group, as custodians of the land and waters we share. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, as the keepers of the traditions, customs, cultures and stories of proud peoples.

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Opera singer, teacher and activist

Harold Blair grew up at the Purga Mission where listening to the gramophone is attributed to his love of music and singing. His very fine tenor was becoming noticed and when in 1944 world famous soprano Marjorie Lawrence visited Brisbane, she gave Harold an audition. Harold Blair was only twenty years old. He went on to study at the Melbourne Conservatorium and this launched his global singing career. On returning to Australia, he became a teacher and started the Harold Blair Aboriginal Children’s Project with the aim of helping young people.

In 1949, Harold Blair made an historical speech regarding his Aboriginality and pride. He died at the age of 51 and his ashes are scattered at Deebing Creek with a memorial at the cemetery stating “Go, our beloved, be free in the land from whence you came.

”Harold Blair’s Speech in Ipswich 1949“ - I’m very proud of being the first Aboriginal to gain a music diploma. I am very proud of my race and I know that, by going on as a singer and becoming, as I hope, a world artist, I can in some small way help my race. They have never had a really fair deal, but this is one city that has given the Aboriginal a chance. The Aboriginal who has lived near Ipswich has always done well. It is my desire to influence the people of Australia to give the Aborigines a chance. He deserves it. He owns this country. We do not mind you coming here – the white man has brought new ideas into this country, but the Aboriginal who has always been friendly has never been taught how to apply these. It is not too late to do something for the Aboriginals. They must be given a chance for equality and higher education.”

Source: Ipswich 150: 1860-2010 Magazine