John Baxter is a Latji Latji/Narungga man who believes change occurs when people take action. His philosophy has inspired him to advocate for reconciliation, for the rights of Aboriginal people living with disabilities and for a greater understanding of the past to improve outcomes for the future. He was Born in Robinvale in north-west Victoria in 1960, John was diagnosed with Spina bifida and transferred to Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital when 2 weeks old, where he remained in the hospital for 2 years.
He was one of the first Victorian representatives on the national peak body First Peoples Disability Network Australia (FPDNA) and later became its Director. As a disability support community consultant for FPDNA, John came face to face with the problems of those living with disabilities in remote or isolated communities. Uncle John yarns up with Hayley McAdam about his experience during lockdown.