Uncle Leonard Clarke is a proud Gunditjmara/Kirrae Whurrong elder who has advocated for Indigenous justice, rights and cultural education for over 50 years.
Leonard’s influence is both local and international as he engages with courts, police, education systems, governments and international tribunals. As a respected Koori Court elder for 25 years, Leonard strives to make justice systems more culturally responsive and humane for Indigenous communities. Through his position as deputy chair of the Victorian Native Title Services, Leonard played an instrumental role in drafting the Native Title Act in Victoria.
In his traditional country of southwest Victoria, Leonard actively advocates for community development, legal reform, the interests of young people, disability rights and land justice.
In 2021, Leonard founded the Shara Clarke Aboriginal Culture and Education Centre to commemorate his daughter, who suffered violence and injustice. The centre honours her struggle by providing opportunities for young Aboriginal people through education, employment, music and culture to help reduce the incarceration rate.