In 1981, the inspiration of Uluru drove Shane Howard to write the song Solid Rock with his band Goanna. Released in 1982, it became an Aussie rock anthem for reconciliation.
Anangu are the traditional owners of Uluru and live in the local Mutitjulu community. The significance of Uluru, according to elder Sammy Wilson, is that, “It is the oldest library in the world, and the Anangu are the oldest librarians.”
Anangu are the custodians of the stories: stories that “cover all of life”. Anangu recently invited Shane Howard to return to the region to celebrate 30 years of Solid Rock at the Other Side of the Rock concert.
Shane, who has spent the last 30 years committed to reconciliation for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, has returned many times to Uluru – but this is the most significant.
“I feel I have come full circle,” Shane explains.
The first time he visited Mutitjulu in 1981 he slept under the stars and awoke “for the first time truly understanding that I live on other people’s land”.
The first lines of the song came easily. Shane's heart for Indigenous Australia has seen him partner with World Vision Australia as a Vision Artist supporting our Australia Program.
Australia Program is a partnership between World Vision and Indigenous communities, aimed at helping to eliminate Indigenous disadvantage and to support opportunities for a brighter future.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of Solid Rock, Shane has released his latest album Other Side of the Rock.
Part of the album’s sales will be donated to World Vision's work with Indigenous communities through Australia Program.