Crow Richard Tambling profiles one of the AFL’s key promoters in the APY Lands …
Alec Henry, the AFL game development coordinator in the APY Lands, came to Australia in 1978 to join his brother in his line of work travelling from New Zealand to Sydney then to South Australia. His brother had spent some time working in and around the APY Lands. Alec was an open-minded, spirited young man who didn’t have a clear direction in life.
Alec had never met an indigenous Australian and his brother mentioned that there was some work in “Piplinjara” and that he wanted his to meet an old couple there. So Alec took up the offer and headed to ‘Pip’ not knowing anyone or what he was in for. When he arrived he met the old couple and formed an instant bond.
It was a strong father/son type bond. The old man taught Alec how to hunt for bush tucker, how to speak their language, the culture of the people and their stories. Song and dances that belongs on that land. He taught him about country and its meanings.
The lifestyle changes that occurred because of this relationship had been enormous. His felt his life had now become full of purpose and meaning. After a number of years the old man had passed away and Alec formed other relationships and bonds with other people around APY. So he stayed and looks after the people that showed a complete stranger the way of the indigenous people. Out of respect for the old man, he still stays today trying to look after not only his wife and kids but also the community. Alec says on any given day he has several kids at his house in Indulkana - looking after them, feeding, clothing and welcoming them like they were his own children.
I asked why he never left the APY Lands and return home to New Zealand and he simply said: “I love this place, I love the people, I love the culture, I’m here and doing what I do for these special people because of what that old man did for me.” In a way, Alec is trying to pay back the love and respect the old couple had for him.
I spent the whole trip listening to the stories he had to share, some happy and some sad. Travelling hundreds of kilometers m around the dirt tracks to each community I came to appreciate what Alec and the people of APY Lands, both indigenous and none indigenous people, have achieved out there through school programs such as reading/writing to sports and medical programs.
The APY Lands isn’t a place for a lot of people but having an understanding and having had a little involvement in the community you learn to appreciate how tough and resilient the people are who live in remote communities.
I loved everything about the trip with the Adelaide Football Club and saw first hand what programs like this can do for all people of remote communities. AFL is a great way to spread positive messages throughout Australia and with the right messages it can make our country a better place.
- - Richard Tambling
