Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero

This is a mengi mengi nanggaya (longtime olden time story). Of Alawa life, interrupted by the arrival of yinangarrwuna (ghostly) strangers and their hooved companions. Of one man’s bravery and grace in crocodile-infested marraman (flood-water). Of a bronze medal with a red and white silk ribbon. This is the story of Ayaiga.

Author Thomas Higgs with Colin Hall and illustrated by Wally Wilfred

Publication Date 15 Feb 2026

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Cover of children's book 'Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero'

In the remote Roper River region of the Northern Territory more than 120 years ago, an Alawa man committed an act of such exceptional bravery that a King took notice.

Ayaiga had been arrested for stealing from one of the vast cattle stations established on traditional Alawa Country. Constable William Francis Johns was bringing him into Leichhardt’s Bar Police Station—the constable on horseback, with Ayaiga, manacled by the neck, attempting to keep up on foot. Johns foolishly attempted to cross a flooded creek and was knocked unconscious by his panicked horse. Ayaiga, still burdened by his heavy chain, heroically saved Johns from drowning and remained by the constable’s side as he recovered.

For this act of bravery and kindness, Ayaiga became one of only eight Australian recipients—and the only Indigenous recipient—of the Albert Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life.

This book tells the story of Ayaiga, or Neighbour as he came to be known. It includes images of the bravery medal awarded to Ayaiga from the Library’s own collection as well as many intriguing reference images. Written in collaboration with the Ngukurr Language Centre, it includes Alawa and Kriol translations for key words. Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero is an exciting true story for children aged 8+, perfect for the classroom or school library.

In the collection

A photograph of an Indigenous man standing on the porch of a large house. Directly behind him is a large palm plant. He is staring at the camera and is standing slightly uncomfortably. He is wearing a military style tunic. Pinned to his left breast above the pocket is a medal. The ribbon is vertically striped.

(1912). [Portrait of Aya-I-Ga, also known as Neighbour and Nipper was awarded the Albert medal, 1912 by His Majesty King George V], nla.gov.au/nla.obj-145920152

An oval shaped bronze medal. The oval is made of a belt buckled at the bottom. At the top is a stylised royal crown. In the centre of the oval is a monogram made up of an intertwined "V.A." Behind the monogram is pattered red glass. Around the oval in raised letters are the words 'For gallantry in saving life on land'. The medal is held by a ribbon of red and white vertical stripes

Albert Medal presented to Aya-I-Ga, also known as Neighbour, for gallantry, 1911 [realia], nla.gov.au/nla.obj-139608611

The reverse of an oval shaped bronze medal held by a red and white striped ribbon. On the back of the medal are the words 'Presented in the name of His Majesty to Neighbour, an Aboriginal native of the Roper River for gallantry in saving life on the 1st Feb 1911'

Albert Medal presented to Aya-I-Ga, also known as Neighbour, for gallantry, 1911 [realia], nla.gov.au/nla.obj-139608611

Long sepia-toned photograph with a fold line down the middle of a beach in the Northern territory with small boats in the water

JP Campbell, Darwin from Stokes Hill, 1912, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-146751366

Watercolour artwork of Nymphaea violacea, also known as blue lily, flowers among lily pads floating on water

Ellis Rowan, Nymphaea violacea Lehm., family Nymphaeaceae, 1911?, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-138783516

Bullock paddock, Lanyon, 1910, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147800439

Old, yellowed map of the Northern Territory showing pastoral stations in different colours, many located along or near rivers

H.E.C. Robinson Ltd, Map of Northern Territory showing pastoral stations, 1945, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-410786254

About the authors

Thomas Higgs

Thomas Higgs is a teacher and award-winning portrait artist living in Darwin. He enjoys painting, gardening and visiting friends in remote communities across the Northern Territory. He would like to see all Australians learning about our rich First Nations history and culture and regards collaboration like this book as an act of reconciliation.

Colin Hall

Colin Hall is an Alawa man from the Roper River region. He works at the Ngukurr Language Centre supporting the delivery of Kriol language courses and is also working to revive the endangered Alawa language of his ancestors. He assisted Higgs in the writing of Ayaiga’s story through the inclusion of many Alawa and Kriol words.

About the illustrator

Wally Wilfred is a Wägilak man and artist living and working in the Roper River region, who works with the Ngukurr Art Centre. Wally brings together traditional techniques with bold and contemporary use of colour. Wally’s work explores traditional and present-day culture with history and storytelling.