Minister for Indigenous Australians
It was with great sadness I learned today of the passing of Uncle Jack Charles in Melbourne and I offer my deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones.
A Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta Elder, and a member of the Stolen Generations, Uncle Jack Charles is widely considered to be the ‘grandfather of Indigenous Theatre’, co-founding Australia’s first Indigenous theatre group, Nindethana in 1971.
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.
Uncle Jack was recognised as the Male Elder of the Year at this year’s NAIDOC awards, where he stole the show with his deeply personal story that has touched so many Australians.
As the first Indigenous Elder to speak at the Yoorook Justice Commission in Victoria, Uncle Jack Charles was a remarkable truth-teller.
We have lost a legend of Australian theatre, film and creative arts.
Vale Uncle Jack.
