This is a mengi mengi nanggaya (longtime olden time story)…

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. The heavyweight boxing champion of the Australian Police, 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 when his panicked horse kicked him in the head. Ayaiga, burdened by his heavy chain, heroically saved Johns from drowning and remained by the constable’s side as he recovered. 

Ayaiga became one of only 8 Australian recipients—and the only Indigenous recipient—of the Albert Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life. The medal is now held in the collections of the National Library of Australia.

With themes of courage, heroism and selflessness, the book will inspire classroom discussions about the story’s place in Australia’s history, and the ongoing work of reconciliation. 

This book is beautifully illustrated by Wägilak man and Ngukurr Arts artist Wally Wilfred, and is complemented by historical photographs to help fully explore the story’s complexity. Also included are thoughtful reflections from First Nations descendants of both Ayaiga and his captor, William Francis Johns.

Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero is aimed at children 10-14 years of age and will be released on 15 February 2025. 

About the authors and illustrator

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 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.

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. 

Additional information

Images for media use are available for download via Dropbox.

Media enquiries

Lauren Conron, Media Liaison

Phone: 0401 226 697

Email: media@nla.gov.au