Separated from his community and culture, this Port Lincoln elder became a hero when he saved his friend from drowning.
Stolen Generations survivor Hayden Davey rescued 10-year-old Lloyd Larking from drowning at the Port Lincoln jetty in 1963.Mr Larking says there should be more recognition of Indigenous culture around Port Lincoln.
Now, a piece of local First Nations history has joined the collection in the form of a bench commemorating an act of bravery more than 61 years ago.It was a warm summer day in December 1963 when 14-year-old Hayden Davey rescued Lloyd Larking, 10, from drowning in deep water off the town jetty. The Kokatha man said he and his relatives learnt to swim as kids with little in the way of instruction or lesson."I guess it was instinct, and it happened, and I'm grateful. You get a chance, and it happened."Mr Larking, who is also a First Nations man, has been campaigning for the past five years for his hero mate to be commemorated.
Mr Davey's family roots are in the desert region of South Australia's far west coast — the traditional lands of the Kokatha people. "I caught the train in, walked into government house, shook hands, did the ceremony and all of it. Then after about two hours, I walked out and, on the train, back home. And that was it," he said.Until now, this story was a footnote in Port Lincoln's history books.But with the installation of the bench this NAIDOC week, a new generation of jetty-goers will be reminded of the brave rescue.
Port Lincoln Bench Hayden Davey Port Lincoln Foreshore Port Lincoln NAIDOC Llloyd Larking Commemorative Bench Bravery Award Historic Bravery Award
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Death in custody of 23yo Aboriginal man in Port Lincoln Prison 'preventable'The lawyer who represented the family of the last Aboriginal death at Port Lincoln Prison 21 years ago says he is concerned SA jail cells have not been made safe despite multiple recommendations in the past.
Read more »
Death of 23-year-old man at Port Lincoln Prison on South Australia's Eyre PeninsulaPolice have confirmed a 23-year-old man died in Port Lincoln Prison on June 4.
Read more »
Looming water crisis for the people of Port LincolnSarah Ferguson presents Australia's premier daily current affairs program, delivering agenda-setting public affairs journalism and interviews that hold the powerful to account. Plus political analysis from Laura Tingle.
Read more »
Port Lincoln's fight for water security might threaten one of the region's key industriesIn two years time this region of Australia could run out of drinking water but the solution is not in line with the wishes of one peak industry.
Read more »
Ed Davey hails Lib Dem support after exit poll suggests near-record seat countLiberal Democrat leader says he is ‘humbled’ after party projected to win 61 seats, one shy of its best
Read more »
Ed for heights: Lib Dem leader Davey’s campaign stuntsThe Liberal Democrat leader’s attention-grabbing campaign appears to be getting more challenging as election day nears
Read more »