Remembering Uncle Jack Charles and his commitment to community

The Aboriginal Elder, author, artist and activist made significant contributions to the social sector, partnering with not for profits to advance the progress of First Nations peoples.

Please note, this story uses the name and image of Uncle Jack Charles with permission from his family.

Heartfelt tributes are commemorating the life and legacy of Aboriginal Elder Uncle Jack Charles, a household name in our screen, theatre, music and creative arts industries, who passed away yesterday morning after suffering a stroke.

79-year-old Charles, a Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta man, will also be remembered for his significant contributions out of the spotlight, advocating strongly for the rights and progress of Indigenous Australians throughout his life.

First Nations peoples

Charles was the first witness to share his experiences surviving the Stolen Generations, and the abuse, homelessness and drug addiction in his life that followed, in Victoria’s Yoorrook Justice Commission. He also used his creative platforms to call for an overhaul of the state’s education system to better reflect the horrors of colonialism.

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney released a statement on Twitter sharing her sadness for the passing of the “remarkable truth-teller”.

“He was a ground-breaking storyteller and activist who brought people in with his warmth and grace, never shying away from his past and who he was. Uncle Jack offered a window for many Australians to see the enduring pain of survivors of the Stolen Generations and inspired people with his strength of character and resilience,” said Burney.

Charles served on the Archie Roach Foundation’s Council of Elders, where he used his personal experiences being incarcerated to mentor and support young First Nations people caught up in the prison system.

In 2020, he worked alongside Roach to support the Raise the Age campaign to address the disproportionate impact of Australia’s low age of minimum criminal responsibility on young Indigenous Australians.

Writing for The Conversation, Professor of Indigenous Research and Convenor of Aboriginal Studies at La Trobe University, Julie Andrews emphasised the unwavering dedication that Charles held for the Aboriginal community.

“His commitment to advocating on behalf of incarcerated Aboriginal people knew no bounds. Despite the hardships he faced of abuse as a child and incarceration as a young adult, his life made a difference to many others to hold their head up and not be ashamed. We are not invisible, and for this we thank you Uncle Jack,” says Andrews.

The arts

Charles’ advocacy in the arts sector was just as prominent. Charles was an ambassador for the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), where he also screened his personal documentary, Bastardy in 2008.

Speaking exclusively to Pro Bono Australia, MIFF Chair Teresa Zolnierkiewicz expressed her gratitude to Charles, whose work with the not-for-profit organisation spanned decades. 

“Uncle Jack Charles was a cherished friend of the Melbourne International Film Festival, and we are so grateful for Jack’s generosity both on and off the screen,” says Zolnierkiewicz.

“He was a keen promoter of the First Nations led films and filmmakers in the MIFF program annually. At MIFF’s 70th anniversary opening night, just seven weeks ago, the audience was jumping out of their seats with delight when Uncle Jack arrived on stage to welcome us to country. He was irreverent and inspiring. We will truly miss him,” continues Zolnierkiewicz.

Last year, Charles was named a patron for the Green Room Awards Association, the organisation behind the nation’s premier performing arts industry awards, which is run entirely through volunteers. In 2014, Charles was the first Indigenous recipient of a Green Room award for lifetime achievement.

Co-President of the Green Room Awards Association Eugyeene Teh shared his sadness with Pro Bono Australia.

“As our treasured patron, we are so touched to have been graced by his charms, generosity and good humour. Through our connection with him, we were able to share the values of the association which are aligned with his own – a spirit of tenacity and subversion along with a dedication to storytelling and the arts,” said Teh.

“We have always known him to be thoroughly loved and respected by the whole industry, and though he will be sorely missed, his legacy will remain in our hearts forever.”

Health and wellbeing

Cancer Council Victoria acknowledged Charles’ role in advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes, posting to Facebook that “we will not only remember Uncle Jack for his remarkable place in the Aboriginal cultural fabric of our nation, but also for his tireless involvement in advocacy and awareness to advance the health outcomes of the community, and we thank him for his contribution to our cancer screening campaigns in particular”.

Charles partnered with the not-for-profit organisation to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to participate in cancer screening tests which can lead to early detection and treatment.

In addition, the Victorian Aboriginal Cancer Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) shared that their “hearts were broken” and regarded Charles as a “true Elder and leader”, wishing him to “journey well to the dreaming” on Twitter.

The Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) also shared a personal tribute to Charles, who was a regular client, stating “our staff and community will miss seeing Uncle Jack with his smile, laughs, stories and his little scooter parked out the front when he visit[ed]”.