Actor, Activist, Author, Musician and Elder Uncle Jack Charles Has Passed Away

Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung, and Yorta Yorta man, Uncle Jack Charles, has passed away at aged 79.

Uncle Jack co-founded the first Indigenous-run theatre in Australia in the 1971.

For decades he advocated for incarcerated people, and shared his stories and experiences being a survivor of the Stolen Generations.

This year he became the first Indigenous Elder to speak at the Victorian Truth-telling Commission (the Yoorrook Commission).

His family released a statement in remembrance of the extraordinary storyteller.

"We are so proud of everything he has achieved in his remarkable life," the statement read, "Elder, actor, musician, potter, activist, mentor, a household name and voice loved by all - as is demonstrated by his numerous awards including this year’s NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year."⁠

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