William Cooper was an Aboriginal Australian political activist and community leader; the first to lead a national movement recognised by the Australian Government.
William Cooper
Statue of Sir Douglas Nicholls, who was mentored by his uncle, William Cooper, and his wife Lady Gladys, in Parliament Gardens, Victoria
Cooper's goal to see Aboriginal affairs made a Commonwealth responsibility was not achieved until 1967, thanks in part to his protege, Douglas Nicholls (centre).
Douglas Nicholls
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Sir Douglas Ralph Nicholls was a prominent Aboriginal Australian from the Yorta Yorta people who served as the 28th governor of South Australia from 1976 to 1977. He was a professional athlete, pastor
William Cooper (Aboriginal Australian)
…together. Cooper had many prominent relatives in his wider family, including his protégé, the church planter and Governor of South Australia, Pastor Sir Doug Nicholls, and the educator Thomas Shadrach James. "[C]ruel persecution of the Jewish people by the Nazi government of Germany" was an issue for the Australian…
Douglas Nicholas, c.1975
Northcote Football Club's 1929 premiership side; Doug Nicholls second from right, front row
Nicholls in 1931
Tom Foster, Jack Kinchela (obscured), Nicholls, William Cooper and Jack Patten reading the resolution of the Aborigines Progressive Association at the All Australian Aboriginal Conference and Day of Mourning at Australian Hall, Sydney, on 26 January 1938