Ted Egan - folklorist, raconteur, songwriter and performer - has lived in Australia's Northern Territory since 1949. After a 25-year career in the Public Service - he worked for the Dept of Aboriginal Affairs and as a teacher in bush schools - he released his first album of songs in 1969. In the years since he has released 25 further albums and performed regularly at folk and country festivals across Australia. His songs include the award-winning "The Drover's Boy", which Ted is presently developing it into a feature film. He has also published numerous books, including A Drop of Rough Ted and Would I Lie to You? He is an inaugural Life Member of the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, and in 1991 was awarded an Order of Australia for his services to music and the Aboriginal people. In November 2003 Ted Egan became the 18th Administrator of the Northern Territory - the Territory's equivalent of a State Governor.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005
© John Elliott
John Elliott (19 portraits)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
John Elliott talks about his photographic portrait practice, including his iconic image of Slim Dusty arm-in-arm with Dame Edna Everage.
Thousand mile stare provides a unique portrait of people of rural Australia
