Alec Ross (tour guide) facts for kids

Alec Donald Ross OAM (born April 6, 1936 – died March 30, 2017) was an important Australian tour guide. He was a member of the Stolen Generations, a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families by Australian governments and missions. Alec Ross also helped share the history of the Alice Springs Telegraph Station in the Northern Territory of Australia. The "OAM" after his name means he received the Medal of the Order of Australia, a special award for his contributions.

Early Life and Challenges

Alec Ross was born on April 6, 1936, near a place called Mosquito Creek, close to Barrow Creek. His father was a Scottish owner of a cattle station. Alec was the great-grandson of a famous explorer named John Ross. John Ross helped survey the land for the Australian Overland Telegraph Line, which was a very important communication line. It's interesting that Alec later worked at one of the most famous stations along this line, the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

When Alec was only three years old, he became very sick. Because of this, he was taken away from his mother. He was moved to The Bungalow, a special home for part-Aboriginal children near the telegraph station in Alice Springs. He lived there for most of his childhood and went to school.

In 1941, Alec was moved again, this time to Croker Island. During World War II, in 1942, Japanese forces started bombing northern Australia. To keep the children safe, Alec and others had to walk a long way through the bush from Barklay Bay to Pine Creek. From there, he traveled by train to Adelaide and then to Sydney. After the war ended, he returned to Croker Island. When he was older, he moved back to Sydney. Alec was reunited with his mother only two years before she passed away. He later said that he felt sad for his mother because they didn't have a close connection since they hadn't known each other.

Working Life

Alec Ross spent many years working as a tour guide at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. He loved sharing its history with visitors. He retired from this job in 2004. However, he often came back for special events because he was so passionate about the place. After retiring, he also worked as a house parent at the Wangkana Kari Aboriginal Hostel in Tennant Creek, helping young people.

Legacy and Recognition

Alec Ross was recognized for his important work and his life story. In 2013, he received the Order of Australia Medal (OAM). This award honored his contributions to the community and his role in sharing the history of the Stolen Generations and the Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

His life story is also told in a book called Alec, A Living History of the Alice Springs Telegraph Station. The book was written by Shirley Brown.

Alec Ross passed away on March 30, 2017. He was buried at the Alice Springs Garden Cemetery.