Southern Queensland's Uncle Charlie uses art to connect to country

Image: The Southern Queensland Correctional Centre in Gatton.

ABC News has run a feature on the work of “Uncle” Charlie Chambers, an Aboriginal elder who teaches art at the Serco-operated Southern Queensland Correctional Centre.

Charlie told the outlet that he had spent time in prison as a younger man but now wanted to help his people reconnect with their humanity. 

"What I try and get these guys to do is feel strong with themselves," he said. "I see a lot of guys who are brought up in the cities … they lose their identity, who they are, what they are, where they're from. A lot of these guys make mistakes, but then you paint your story and you feel proud to accomplish something you've never done." 

The story includes vision of Charlie teaching prisoners at the facility. View the story here.