Albert Pompey Austin facts for kids
Albert Pompey Austin (born around 1846, died 1889) was an important Australian athlete. He was also known as Pompey Austin and Poorne Yarriworri. He was the first Indigenous person to play top-level Australian Rules football in Victoria. This happened when he played for the Geelong Football Club in 1872. Albert Austin was a Djab Wurrung man.
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Albert Pompey Austin: A Pioneer
Early Years and Background
Albert "Pompey" Austin was born in the mid-1840s. His birthplace was near Camperdown in Victoria, Australia. He was a member of the Djargurd wurrung people. His traditional name was Poorne Yarriworri. He lived at the Framlingham mission, which was near Warrnambool.
Sporting Achievements
Austin was very well known for his amazing athletic skills. In 1872, he won the Geelong Friendly Societies’ Gift. This was a notable sports competition. He played Australian Rules football for the Geelong Football Club. His first game was on May 25, 1872, against the Carlton Football Club.
An Explorer's Guide
Later in his life, Austin worked in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. He joined explorer William J. O'Donnell. Austin helped lead people looking for gold from Wyndham to the new goldfields at Halls Creek. People who went looking for gold often talked about how Austin, O'Donnell, and William Carr Boyd guided them through tough areas. A famous rocky landmark near Halls Creek is named after him. It is called Pompeys Pillar.
His Legacy
Austin married Rosanna Francis in 1867. He passed away in 1889. Albert Pompey Austin is remembered as a pioneering Indigenous Australian. He made significant contributions to sports and exploration.
