David Unaipon: Australia's Leonardo da Vinci

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David Unaipon was an Aboriginal preacher, inventor, author and activist.

Profoundly gifted in several fields, his achievements emphatically disproved the prejudiced preconceptions that existed about Aboriginal people at the time.

He lectured publicly on science and theology and patented nine inventions, including a shear that turned circular motion into lateral motion.

He collected the myths and legends of Aboriginal people and was the first indigenous Australian to be published, although his book was not originally published under his own name.

By the 1920s, he was the most well-known Aboriginal person in Australia and was able to be a public voice on behalf of his people.

He can be seen on the Australian $50 note.

Further information:

Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines by David Unaipon, edited by Stephen Muecke and Adam Shoemaker, Melbourne, Melbourne University Press, 2001

My Life Story, by David Unaipon, Adelaide: Aborigines Friends Association, 1954

'Aboriginals: Their Traditions and Customs' by David Unaipon, Daily Telegraph, 2 August 1924.

Australian Dictionary of Biography

RBA - People on the Bank Notes – David Unaipon 1872 - 1967

The State Library of New South Wales: Significant Individuals : David Unaipon

The State Library of New South Wales – Stories – David Unaipon

Kids Britannica – David Unaipon

You can find Dr Paul Roe online at theoutbackhistorian.com.au and Katrina Roe at katrinaroe.com

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