The opening of Nugget Coombs: A Life Shared pulls you straight into the story of HC 'Nugget' Coombs – a towering figure in Australian public life and a champion for Indigenous rights. It begins with powerful scenes of his ashes being laid to rest in a traditional Aboriginal ceremony at Yirrkala, a year after a state memorial. Then comes Gough Whitlam, listing the seven prime ministers Coombs advised across decades of service. It’s a striking introduction that sets the stage for a deep dive into his legacy in policy, education and social reform – and how he earned such extraordinary respect.