Professor Jack Beetson was born in Nyngan, New South Wales. His mother and father were from the Wongaibon and Ngemba peoples respectively. Beetson has lived on the Mid-North Coast of NSW at his property, "Linga Longa", outside of Port Macquarie, where he has conducted cultural workshops.
Since the mid 1980s, Beetson has been associated with Tranby Aboriginal College, firstly as a student, then teacher, and finally as Director of Studies. During this time, Beetson played a prominent part in achieving self-determination in education for Aboriginal people. He held the position of President of the Federation of Independent Aboriginal Education Providers from 1994-2000.
Beetson has served on many committees and delegations both within Australia and overseas; he has served as Chair of the Aboriginal First Aid Committee, the Rotary Club of Sydney CBD, and has been recognised with a certificate of acknowledgement for the Unsung Hero Award, 2001, by the United Nations in the Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations, being one of only 12 people throughout the world to receive such an award.
