Aliceinthealice (talk | contribs) new page Tag: Visual edit |
(No difference)
|
Revision as of 12:29, 28 October 2019
Edith Espie (1903-1983) was an Arrernte woman born at Jay Creek, near Alice Springs and she is best remembered for her services to the community; particularly in relation to her care and guidance to youth without homes, fostering many children, and devoting her life to caring for people[1][2].
Early life
Espie was a very caring child who often helped Ida Standley care for children at The Bungalow. [1]
She was also a keen horsewoman and she become a sought after jockey in her teen years where she rode, in colours, at the local races. [1]This was during the height of Central Australia's gold fever and ruby rushes, when horse racing was a big industry and entertainment, in and around Alice Springs and when a female jockey, especially an Aboriginal woman, was very unusual. [3]
In addition to her work as a jockey Espie also made pies and pasties for Snow Kenna's Walk-in Picture Show, was the barmaid at the Stuart Arms Hotel and did ironing for single men. [1]
As she grew up Espie became known for her great generosity and following her marriage to Victor Cook, labourer, and despite having seven of her old children she always had a meal and a place to stay for children in need. She fostered many children who needed care and had a high moral code; stressing the importance of modesty. [1]
Later
Espie battled cancer for many years and died at Hetty Perkins Home on the 8th of March 1983 and was buried at the Garden Cemetery in Alice Springs.
Legacy
Espie Street in Alice Springs is named for her. [2][1]
Espie is the mother of William "Bill" Espie who is became the "highest-ranking police officer of Aboriginal descent in all the Australian police forces" and received high commendations throughout his career; including a Queen's Medal for bravery for saving a truck driver from a burning truck.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Petrick, Jose. (1989). The history of Alice Springs through street names. Petrick, Jose. Alice Springs, N.T.: J. Petrick. ISBN 0731644379. OCLC 27577058.
- ^ a b "Place Names Register". www.ntlis.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
- ^ Dale, Lorraine. (1981). Bulldust & bough shades : over 100 years of history and horse racing in "The Alice". Alice Springs: Aldette Publishers & Distributors. ISBN 0949846023. OCLC 217274846.
- ^ "Biography - William Leonard (Bill) Espie - Indigenous Australia". ia.anu.edu.au. Retrieved 2019-10-28.