Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero by Thomas Higgs with Colin Hall, illustrated by Wally Wilfred

Title: Ayaiga: Neighbour and Hero

Author: Thomas Higgs with Colin Hall, illustrated by Wally Wilfred

Genre: Non-Fiction

Publisher: NLA Publishing

Published: 15^th February 2026

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 48

Price: $24.99

Synopsis: 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.

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For many years, stories and histories about First Nations people in Australia were either not widely known or taught, or taught in generic terms. This was my experience at school, and I have only just started to find and hear more about these people, histories, and stories in depth in recent years. Many of these books look at one person, place or themes that vary from book to book.

One of these books have come from the fabulous National Library of Australia publishing arm, who publish thought-provoking books about a wide range of Australians and Australiana, topics about culture, language and people that for whatever reason, aren’t as well known that they should be. Like Ayaiga, an Alawa man from what is now known as the Northern Territory. His story begins with being arrested for stealing from a cattle station in the area.

But the journey back to Leichhardt Bar Police Station with Constable William Francis Johns was fraught with danger. When they tried to head across a flooded creek, the constable was knocked out, and it was left to Ayaiga to help.

This heroic act and Ayaiga staying with Johns earned him the Albert Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life. And, he is the only Aboriginal recipient. It was awarded between 1866 and 1971 for bravery. There were only eight recipients, so Ayaiga was the only Aboriginal recipient. This makes this a unique story, because it captures a story of cooperation and connection, where at first, things are run as the colonial society at the time deems it should be.

Yet I think this book shows how people can overcome preconceptions of each other and how they come to depend on each other, and how relationships can develop during times like this. It’s a great look at how we can set aside judgement and differences, learn about each other and help each other through tough times.

Another great thing about this book was the integration of Alawa and Kriol language throughout, and the translations in text and in a glossary that give a deeper context and way of understanding to the book. It’s a book that can help us learn more about Indigenous people, their place in Australian history and culture, and the languages they speak. This makes it a great educational tool for kids aged eight and over, and well into adult readers. We do need to know more, and I think it’s books that teach about people like Ayaiga, places and that incorporate language seamlessly that will benefit everyone.