REVERED ELDER AND ACTOR UNCLE JACK CHARLES DIES AT 79

Uncle Jack Charles. Credit: Supplied.

Uncle Jack Charles, a Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta elder and celebrated actor, has died at the age of 79.

After suffering from a stroke, Mr Charles passed peacefully surrounded by family.

Mr Charles was a survivor of the stolen generations who became a beloved elder, actor, musician and activist.

In 2019, he told ABC News Breakfast part of his role as an entertainer was to educate.

“Indigenous education is not really on the radar of governments, so it’s up to us, the entertainers, who have been doing it all the time,” Mr Charles said.

“We’re the ones that have been educating the masses with our performances.”

This morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Mr Charles.

“He lived a very hard life, but leaves a joyous legacy,” Mr Albanese said.

“He endured cruelty; he endured pain. He uplifted our nation with his heart, his genius, his creativity and his passion, and I pay tribute to him today.”

Mr Charles’s family have given their permission to use his name and image.