Ali Drummond

Ali Drummond is a much-loved and respected elder in the Torres Strait region and Brisbane. His story is told in the book Life Blong Ali Drummond: A Life in the Torres Strait, published in 2007.

His mother is from the Yadhaigana and Wuthuthi peoples, Cape York Peninsula, Australia and his father from Sarawak, Malaysia.

In World War Two, Ali served in the Civilian Construction Corporation in the Torres Strait, earning a Civilian Service Medal for his contribution.

As a pearl diver, he gained an intimate knowledge of the Torres Strait marine environment, and his advice is often sought by the CSIRO.

In 1998 he was named the National NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year for his contribution to lawn bowls, and a year later he became Senior Australian Achiever of the Year.

At 92, Ali Drummond is an outstanding role model for healthy ageing and lifetime community service.