Pastor David Unaipon

David Unaipon was born on the Point McLeay Mission in South Australia. His father, James, was Australia's first ever Aboriginal preacher. David began school on the Mission at the age of seven. He was quickly noticed by his teachers as being of high intelligence. One teacher commented:

"I only wish the majority of white boys were as bright, intelligent well-instructed and well-mannered, as the little fellow I am now taking charge of."

This speaks of David's Christian upbringing and his willingness to obey his parents.

After leaving school, David worked in a few different jobs in South Australia. It wasn't easy for him to find work because he was Aboriginal. He married in 1902 and was soon employed by the Aborigines Friends Association. This meant he travelled around preaching. David devoted much of his life to bringing attention to the problems of Aborigines and was accepted by them as their spokesperson.

David Unaipon was also an inventor, writer, lecturer and scientist. He invented a new kind of sheep shearing device, but couldn't afford to get it patented. His design was taken and used, but he received no money.

David Unaipon was first and foremost committed to faith in Jesus Christ. He believed his character and his whole life were because of this faith. He said it this way:

"Look at me and you will see what the Bible can do."