Ted Lovett facts for kids

Ted Lovett was born on February 15, 1941. He is a former Australian rules football player. He played for the Fitzroy team in the Victorian Football League (VFL). Ted is an Indigenous Australian.

Football Career

Ted Lovett played two games for Fitzroy in the 1963 VFL season. He played these games on a special permit. After that, he went back to play for the North Ballarat team. While playing for North Ballarat, he won the Henderson Medal twice. He won it once in 1963 and again in 1965. In 1964, he played seven more games for Fitzroy.

Early Life and Challenges

Ted Lovett's father was Alf Egan. Alf was the first Indigenous player for the Carlton Football Club. Ted's mother, Gertie, was from the Gunditjmara tribe. Ted grew up in Fitzroy, Victoria.

When he was young, Ted faced many difficulties. He was made a ward of the state, which meant the government took care of him. This happened against his family's wishes. He went to school until Grade 5. In 1955, when he was 14, Ted and a friend went fruit picking. They were picked up by the police. Ted was sent to places for young people, like Turana Boys Home. He described his time there as very unfair. He often tried to escape but was always sent back.

Community Service and Recognition

In the 1970s, Ted Lovett started working for Aboriginal Affairs. This group helps Indigenous people. He played a very important part in starting the Ballarat and District Aboriginal Cooperative. This organization helps with Aboriginal health, welfare, and community projects. He also worked with a famous eye doctor named Fred Hollows.

In 2017, Ted Lovett received the Order of Australia Medal. This is a special award given to people who do great things for their community. He received it for all his hard work helping the Indigenous community in south-west Victoria.