This article is part of a series by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living and working on Gadigal land. The series, a joint project of South Sydney Herald and the City of Sydney, is curated by Wiradjuri woman Aunty Norma Ingram.
Uncle Charles ‘Chicka’ Madden is a respected Elder, artist, and lifetime member of the Redfern All Blacks and a passionate ambassador and advocate for his culture and Country.
Hello everyone, I’m Charles (Chicka) Madden and people call me Uncle Chicka. My family are Gadigal people from the local Redfern area. My wife is Lily Gordon, a Bundjalung woman from Baryulgil near Grafton on the north coast. I’m one of 6 children, and Lily and I have 4 children and 11 grandchildren. We are very proud of all our grandchildren. Madeline and Miah Madden are both successful actors.
Lily and I met at the Palms milk bar on Regent Street in Redfern many years ago. It was where Aboriginal peoples in the area socialised. In those days, we were restricted from going to hotels and other places. There were lots of restrictions for our people back then.
I worked on the NSW railway for 36 years. There were lots of Aboriginal peoples working on the railway then. It was one of the only places where Aboriginal peoples could get employment at the time. I worked on the Gladesville Bridge and Qantas House in the city, among many other jobs. I worked as much and as long as I could to support my family.
I went to Redfern Public School, which is now the National Centre for Indigenous Excellence (NCIE). I’m a lifetime member of the local Aboriginal football club, the Redfern All Blacks, and I haven’t missed one Koori knockout since it started. I have been part of many boards over the years. I was on the board of the Aboriginal Medical Service for about 40 years and also on the board of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. I’m still very active in the community.
My wife Lily and I love to travel around Australia and overseas. When we were at the Aboriginal Medical Service, we were able to organise a fashion parade with the young people from the Redfern area. The gowns showcased Aboriginal designs in Paris.
I went to TAFE at Hawkesbury and then to TAFE NSW Eora College in Chippendale where I learned to make ceramic pots. They are very unique and in demand, it turns out. I incorporate a lot of Aboriginal art and native fauna and flora on them. I have gifted my pots to people such as members of the English royal family, the previous Governor-General and the Governor of NSW. I also sold some, but I prefer to give them to my family.
I’m very proud because this year I was nominated for the 2025 National NAIDOC Male Elder Award. NAIDOC is a national annual program that showcases our wonderful culture and people. The ceremony was held in Perth during NAIDOC Week in July.
Congratulations to all NAIDOC award recipients and nominees.
Published 1 August 2025
