Jack Charles - Jack Charles: Born-again Blakfella

Jack Charles Acknowledgements

Without these people, this book would never have gotten started.

And so, I am eternally grateful for my management: the one-woman powerhouse Patrice Capogreco. From the time we met, we hit it off and were extremely comfortable in each others presence. Patrice, youve allowed me to open my heart to you and weve both gained from this extraordinary partnership over the last decade or so. Thank you.

My thanks also to the following people who I am proud have contributed in their inevitable fashion to the relevance of these stories. Each and every one of them were supportive, leading me to believe I could further the edification of white Australia regarding the Stolen Generations and myself. They include:

James Henry for your beautiful blak art. At every turn, your photos have captured the best of my good self.

Nick Harrison for your enthusiasm and wonderful eye.

Triple R FM staff especially Tim Thorpe for opening their doors throughout the duration of writing this book.

3CR for giving me a platform to expose and reveal myself metaphorically speaking, of course!

Elena Gomez and Sophie Ambrose from Penguin Random House. Thank you very much for sticking fast throughout this extraordinary process and helping us with getting my book over the line.

Rod McNicol, a lifetime friend and my personal photographer who has supported me and gotten me through my worst days of uncertainties. I look forward to our next cuppa, Rod. Meet you at Roses or Friends of the Earth, aka my unofficial office.

Ilbijerri Theatre mob were true believers from the time Bastardy premiered at MIFF, and convinced me to collaborate with the great Jon Romeril to write Jack Charles v The Crown .

Thanks also to Rachael Maza, who pushed me to contribute to a theatrical version of Bastardy the doco. I took up Rachaels offer because of her father, the legendary Uncle Bob Maza, who helped me kickstart the modern blak theatre movement here in Victoria, Australia.

I could never have done this book without mentioning my saviour, Amiel Courtin-Wilson. Thank you, brother. Im further inspired and honoured by the words written by Gary Foley and Paul Kelly. Their support and understanding strengthen my resolve to keep pushing myself to be the ridgey-didgy, walking, talking role model they expect of me. I could do no other. Foley protected me over the years by allowing me to hang around the Aboriginal Unit of Melbourne Uni. I sought sanctuary on the grounds of the uni when I was listed, often, as wanted by the police. Hiding in plain sight. Paul Kelly is still one of my heroes. I watched and listened from afar for such a long time. On those times when wed bump into each other, his quiet look, up close and personal, led me to have a thorough good look at myself. I wish to Bunjilaka that I had undertaken my journey out of my own heart of darkness earlier, would have had enough time to do the things I want to, as Im doing right now. He was my Bob Dylan. So succinct and exact, the songs he sings spattered with beautiful prose and rhythms. Got his book at home, and he leads me on merry chase on many a lonely night. Thank you both, my brothers in arms.

And of course, I want to thank my ghostwriter, Namila Benson, for all the laughs, tears and headaches throughout this process. Could not have done it without your good grace, understanding and love. To Manu and Solomon, thank you for allowing me to work with your mum. And thank you Elizabeth OBrien and Judith Harrison for your generous support so this book could be written.

Kimba Thompson, of Blak Dot Gallery. Thank you for your wonderful hub of creativity which is a sanctuary for blak arts.

Benji Mazzone, I was delighted and utterly enthralled with your contribution to our live shows A Night With Uncle Jack . Goldie Mazzone, what can I say about you? Pure gold, girl!

Close to the end of my last prison sentence, I spoke to Uncle Jimmy Berg and told him of my intentions to write a book about my life. I said I needed his Koorie Heritage Trust organisation to dig deep into their archives for my heritage, that of my great-greats and to help me uncover my connection to country, community and culture. Uncle Jimmy has definitely stamped my identity as a Melburnian Boon Wurrung man, through my mother, Blanchie Charles. I also thank Margaret and Jennifer Bates, in particular, for working to establish my true identity.

And high distinction to the Link-Up mob. I acknowledge their wonderful effort to support myself and my last surviving known sister, Zenip, aka Christine Charles, in connecting to our family story.

Above all, these people mentioned have shown themselves to be true believers.

I cannot complete my acknowledgements unless I mention You, the reader. Thank you for keeping a watch over me, as I traverse the rocky road from infamy to fame.

Namila Bensons Thank-yous:

Id like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners and continual custodians of the lands and waters this book was written on. I pay my respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. This always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.

To begin with, a massive thank you to an incredible woman who is an absolute dream to work with Patrice Capogreco. Working with you has taken my life to the next level in profound ways. Not least because you see what Im capable of way before I do! Thank you for always having my back. Im proud to call you a friend.

Manu and Solomon, youre everything to me. Each time I faltered on this journey, you set me back on track by getting me to focus on the importance of this book. You guys are a reminder of how necessary it is for your generation, and future generations, to have access to the true stories and histories of this lands First People.

Thank you to Nick, Judy, Liz and Julian. I couldnt have done this without your support behind the scenes, your delicious dinners and your encouragement. I appreciate you all very much.

As with Uncle, I thank 3CR, Kimba at Blak Dot Gallery and Triple R for generously opening your doors to let Uncle and me do our interview sessions for this book.

To the various friends and family whove shared my journey since starting this book, thank you for opening your hearts, homes and ears so I could talk a million miles an hour uninterrupted about Uncles incredible story. Your enthusiasm fuelled me during the process.

Special mention to Rachael Thompson for turning your bungalow into a writing studio for me to escape to in order to knock off huge chunks of writing in one go.

To Elena and Sophie from Penguin Random House, my deepest gratitude for your guidance and support with capturing Uncles powerful story. I felt so tentative initially with this entire process but your enthusiasm and constructive feedback filled me with the confidence to get this book done! From where I started out, to where weve ended up, I feel proud of our combined efforts.

Which leads me to the person I am most proud of Uncle Jack Charles. Youre often rightfully referred to as a national treasure, Uncle, and after seeing you in a theatre performance many years ago I understand why this title is so deserved. Its been a huge privilege to work alongside you. I learn so much from your strength, cultural pride and honesty. Learning your story has been a game-changer for me and I know it will be for many others. Im so glad that youre able to tell your story, in your words, Uncle. Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility to bring it to the masses. What an honour!

About the Book

Jack Charles has worn many hats throughout his life: actor, cat burglar, musician, heroin addict, activist, even Senior Victorian Australian of the Year. But the title hes most proud to claim is that hes an Aboriginal Elder.