by SIMON GARNER
JACK Charles’ story is tragic, tumultuous, uplifting and inspirational.
The Victorian Senior Australian of the Year is a member of the Stolen Generation.
He grew up in the Salvation Army boys’ home in Box Hill and was the only Indigenous child.
Since the age of 15 he’s known two sisters and a brother but is still looking for six more siblings.
Now an internationally known actor, he was involved in establishing Indigenous theatre in Australia more than 40 years ago.
The 72-year-old has been a heroin addict, spent time in jail and became an advocate for the homeless and victims of child sexual abuse.
“How did I feel about the award? I was shocked – I didn’t expect to win it,” he said.
“Australia-wide and overseas, people have watched my transition from being a criminal to now – it’s a great Dreaming to be honoured by the state.”
The award recognises a remarkable life, and one that continues to amaze as the respected elder of the Collingwood and Fitzroy Indigenous communities tirelessly works to put right what is wrong.
“You’re never too old to make your mark, to point the bone and stamp your foot,” he said. “Having this award gives me room to move – I can be seen as a serious contender.”
The ultimate award for Jack would be to have his criminal record expunged. “I want to go back into prisons and I can’t with a criminal record. “I want to visit Aboriginal prisoners and relight the burning embers. I want them to come out clean.” It’s one of many missions.
Much media attention was given to his experience with a taxi driver as he left the Hilton Hotel after the Victorian Australian of the Year award ceremony. He was asked by the driver to pre-pay his fare and when Jack questioned him, the driver said his employer permitted him to make that request of Indigenous people.
“I can understand anyone being asked to pre-pay at certain times, but why can it be demanded of someone just because they are Aboriginal?” he said.
Jack had a similar experience a couple of nights later. He doesn’t want to talk much about it right now, but says there’s work to be done.
“We must erase racial vilification in the taxi industry – once and for all.”
The overall Australian of the Year awards will be announced in Canberra on January 25. Jack, unfortunately, won’t be able to attend as he will be touring Canada with his one-man show, Jack Charles v The Crown.
The performance tells the story of his life: a tale of transformation from a life of addiction, crime and doing time, into a kind of vagabond’s progress – from the traps of dispossession to reaching senior years and the age of grey-haired wisdom.
