Uncle Jack Charles

22 August 2019 #594

Cover Story: Uncle Jack Charles

Uncle Jack Charles has been through a lot – he was stolen from his mother, had a series of stints in jail, experienced homelessness and drug addiction…and is also a highly successful Australian actor.

To celebrate the release of his memoir Born-again Blakfella, we bring you his Letter to My Younger Self, in which Uncle Jack details how he went from a life of great disadvantage to becoming a venerated artist, writer, Aboriginal elder and 2016 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year.

Elsewhere in this edition:

• As a nod to Father's Day, three writers share their stories of fatherhood and the legacies of their dads: a new baby, a daily reflection, and a very special moment in a record shop.

• Photographer Craig Wetjen captures the glory of Australian men and their beloved sheds in Big Picture.

• A year after Aretha Franklin’s passing, a new documentary reveals never-before-released footage of her career-defining Amazing Grace performance in 1972.

• The grunge-pioneering Pixies are bringing back their 90s sound to our shores, and we speak to guitarist Joey Santiago ahead of their tour.

• We speak to US activist-cum-author DeRay Mckesson about his key role in the Black Lives Matter movement and why he’s coming to Australia.

• In Vendor Tour Guide, NSW vendor Trevor shows us the best places to eat and sight-see in the beautiful Blue Mountains.

• And Tastes Like Home serves up Punjabi Goat Curry, a family favourite from well-known Sydney restaurateur Manjit Gujral.