Mourners at Archie Roach’s funeral hit with hefty fines
Mourners who were hit with traffic fines during the funeral procession for Indigenous singer Archie Roach won’t see penalties dropped, Victoria Police has confirmed.
Seven infringements were issued to people who were part of the funeral cortege and ran red lights during the procession from Melbourne to Gunditjmara country, where Roach was laid to rest in a private ceremony.
The driver of the hearse carrying Roach’s body was among those fined.
"Disobeying a red light signal is considered a serious traffic offence," a police spokeswoman said in a statement.
"It poses a significant safety risk both to the driver and other road users. Seven infringements were issued for disobeying a traffic control signal in relation to this matter."
After reviewing three of the fines, Victoria Police didn’t overturn them due to what they called the seriousness of the offence, per the ABC.
It’s understood that the fines were $462 each.
#ArchieRoach Community members gathered in the streets of Melbourne this morning as Uncle Archie Roach took a final journey through Collingwood, Fitzroy and St Kilda as part of a walking service 🖤💛❤️
The cortege continues to Warrnambool ahead of the funeral tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/iF7NoLrL5x
— Madre Swift Justice - Cave Dweller (@JayStill4) August 22, 2022
The Gunditjmara and Bundjalung musician was farewelled in August, two weeks after he died aged 66 from a long illness.
His hearse was flanked by members of Indigenous motorcycle club the Southern Warriors, with members of the public lining the streets of Fitzroy and Collingwood to pay their respects.
In a statement, Victoria Police said its offer to assist with the funeral cortege’s movement through Melbourne was declined by funeral organisers.
Image: Twitter