Over the last month, Monash Health and the broader Victorian community have suffered the loss of two beloved and revered Elders, Aunty Margaret Gardiner and Uncle Jack Charles.
In very different ways, both Uncle Jack and Aunty Margaret made significant impacts on the people of Monash Health. Both also played an integral role in the ongoing journey towards reconciliation.
Aunty Margaret Gardiner was a respected Wurundjeri Elder and Chair of the Dandenong and District Aboriginal Co-Operative Limited. She fought passionately alongside other Traditional Owners on multiple native title claims. Through her work with community-controlled organisations, she advocated for better access to healthcare and housing for Aboriginal people.
She passed away last month at the age of 63.
Aunty Margaret played a key role in the community consultation for the Monash Health Reconciliation Action Plan 2020-22. She was a major contributor to our work in that space, setting the standard for what meaningful action towards reconciliation looks like.
She connected personally with many of us through the Welcome to Country ceremonies she conducted across Monash Health sites.
Uncle Jack Charles was an actor and musician, an Elder and mentor, a storyteller and activist, and a survivor of the Stolen Generations. He was a respected Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Yorta Yorta Elder, and he was also the first witness to tell his story at the Yoorrook Indigenous truth-telling commission in April this year.
After suffering a stroke, Uncle Jack Charles passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 79.
“Before he passed away, his family were able to send him off on Country during a smoking ceremony at the Royal Melbourne Hospital,” a statement released on behalf of his family said.
Last year, we were fortunate enough to be joined by Uncle Jack Charles at Monash Medical Centre as part of our NAIDOC Week celebrations. Uncle Jack told us stories about his life, experiences and cultural background, but also gave us important advice on how our health services in Victoria can continue to support First Nations people.
Uncle Jack Charles also narrated a short film for Monash Health’s Aboriginal Health Team called ‘Urban Dreaming’. The statement from Uncle Jack’s family reminds us that Uncle Jack will live on in our hearts and memories, and through his numerous screen and stage roles.
Aunty Margaret and Uncle Jack have now moved into the Dreamtime. As we remember the lives, achievements and contributions of Uncle Jack Charles and Aunty Margaret Gardiner, we pass on our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones.
Approved by Martin Keogh