The Rainbow Beach Man : The Life and Times of Les Ridgeway, Worimi Elder

The Rainbow Beach Man is the fascinating story of Les Ridegeway, Worimi Elder, and his struggle against adversity and racial discrimination. The eldest of a family of eight, he grew up in straightened circumstances on Reserves, leaving the Aboriginal School at fourteen and becoming a farm labourer. In 1961 his life changed direction when he became Assistant Manager of the remote Murrin Bridge Aboriginal Station. From there he gained other positions as managers on stations and travelled by car and caravan all over New South Wales. His career highlight came when he was recruited by Charles Perkins as a significant part of the Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs. This is his fascinating life story of tragedies and triumphs.