Mr Ted Egan AO

Edward (Ted) Joseph Egan is a long-term Territorian and has spent many years living in Alice Springs. During his earlier career with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs he was mainly in the bush, employed as a Patrol Officer, Reserve Superintendent, Teacher and District Officer.

He worked with Aboriginal people in places such as Borroloola, Groote Eylandt, Maningrida and Yuendumu.

Mr Egan was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 1993 Australia Day Honours List “For Services to the Aboriginal people and for the interpretation of Australian cultural heritage through song and verse”.

An author and songwriter, he has been writing and recording songs since 1969 and has produced 28 albums. He is a Master of Arts (History). His earlier Bachelor of Arts Degree was achieved the hard way – studying in the bush. In 2002 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the Northern Territory University for outstanding community service and notable achievement in the fields of Aboriginal affairs, historical studies and preservation and promotion of Australia’s cultural heritage, particularly song, verse and folklore. He was the 2003 Northern Territory recipient of the Australian of the Year Award.

Mr Egan has four adult children. His partner is Ms Nerys Evans, who was born in Wales and emigrated to Australia in 1964. Ms Evans was a primary and secondary school teacher for 22 years.

His Excellency the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC appointed Mr Egan as the eighteenth Administrator of the Northern Territory with effect from 31 October 2003. He was sworn in by the Governor-General on 18 November 2003.

On 25 February 2004, His Honour Mr Egan was appointed an Officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AO). Mr Egan is also the National Patron of the Year of the Outback 2006.