Uncle Jack Charles wins Mark Farmer Memorial Award 2019

Hepatitis Victoria
is delighted to announce that Aboriginal elder, actor, musician, potter and
activist Uncle Jack Charles has been awarded the 2019 Mark Farmer Memorial Award, for advocacy and awareness raising
in the community about viral hepatitis.

The Mark Farmer Memorial Award celebrates Hepatitis Victoria
former Board member Mark Farmer’s significant role in advocacy and awareness
raising around viral hepatitis.

“Uncle Jack is a strong advocate for people living with
hepatitis C, he is passionate and encourages people to be tested and seek
treatment,” said Hepatitis Victoria Chief Executive Officer Melanie Eagle.”

“He works with Hepatitis Victoria and other organisations in
the sector such as VACCHO, appearing in health promotion videos, explaining his journey to hepatitis C treatment, and I am delighted he is here with us today
to accept this award,” she said.

Earlier in the year Uncle Jack spoke at a LIVERability lunch
event at the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service. He is candid about his
journey with hepatitis C and a very positive role model for the community.

“You’ve got to be
open and admit it to yourself,” Uncle Jack said in a Hepatitis Victoria video.

“There’s nothing to be frightened, shy and embarrassed about
hep C. You need to get over that in order to move on.

“Don’t care what the rest of the world thinks, because once
they see your journey, it will impact on your family’s journey, too…and they
will pay more respect to you.”