By Joseph Ibic
First Nations leader Uncle Shane Charles has been inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll by the state government.
The honour roll celebrates the achievements of Aboriginal Victorians and their dedication to make Victoria a more inclusive, fair and united place.
Uncle Shane is a highly experienced First Nations leader. He has been the First Nations leader at Brimbank Council since September 2024.
“I feel blessed and honoured by this recognition,” Uncle Shane said.
“It’s been a privilege to work in my community for the years that I have.
“My journey is one of resilience. I have been taught by my Elders, both my cultures and across community business.”
Uncle Shane’s work at Brimbank involved leading council to strategically embed a whole of council and community approach to Reconciliation by overseeing the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-26.
Over the years, Uncle Shane has managed complex partnerships and has been successful in brokering solutions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal parties, both locally and internationally.
“I am passionate about finding opportunities for capacity building to develop the community and to build relationships with and for my peoples,” he said.
“I like to focus on brokering solutions and supporting the community in any way I can, building relationships with governments and services with community, and I remain committed to working to make our country more inclusive, fair and united.”
Brimbank council has welcomed his inclusion in the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll.
“This is a well-deserved honour. Uncle Shane is known for his tireless effort in working to advance Reconciliation, and his commitment inspires us all,” mayor Thuy Dang said.
“Over the years Uncle Shane has done extraordinary work in advancing Reconciliation in Brimbank as a cultural advisor, and as co-chair of our Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee.
“Today in his role as First Nations lead at Brimbank City Council, Uncle Shane is continuing to do incredible work in embedding a whole of council and community approach to Reconciliation in Brimbank.”
