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The Wonder of Little Things
A First Nations Elder shares his extraordinary story of finding kindness in the midst of prejudice, and joy in living life to the full
'A powerful tale that tells a different story of our country' Bruce Pascoe
'A great Australian book about a great Australian' Paul Kennedy
'Told with heart' Ali Cobby Eckermann
'Destined to become a classic' Phillip Adams
'Welcome to my story. It's a simple story of a simple person, who's lived a long life now with some struggles along the way. I didn't learn a lot in school, not in the classroom, anyway. But I learned a lot from life.'
Vince Copley was born on a government mission into poverty in 1936. By the time he was fifteen, five of his family had died. But at a home for Aboriginal boys, he befriended future leaders Charles Perkins, John Moriarty and Gordon Briscoe. They were friendships that would last a lifetime.
'Always remember you're as good as anybody else,' his mother, Kate, often told him. And he was, becoming a champion footballer and premiership-winning coach. But change was in the air, and Vince knew he had more to contribute. So he teamed up with Charlie Perkins, his 'brother' from the boys' home, to help make life better for his people. At every step, with his beloved wife, Brenda, Vince found light in the darkness, the friendly face in the crowd, the small moments and little things that make the world go round.
In The Wonder of Little Things, Vince tells his story with humour, humility and wisdom. Written with his friend Lea McInerney over many cups of tea, it is an Australian classic in the making, a plain-speaking account of hardship, courage and optimism told without self-pity or big-noting.
Vince's love of life will make you smile, his heartache will make you cry, and his determination to enjoy life in the face of adversity will inspire you to find the wonder in little things every day.
'A powerful tale that tells a different story of our country' Bruce Pascoe
'A great Australian book about a great Australian' Paul Kennedy
'Told with heart' Ali Cobby Eckermann
'Destined to become a classic' Phillip Adams
'Welcome to my story. It's a simple story of a simple person, who's lived a long life now with some struggles along the way. I didn't learn a lot in school, not in the classroom, anyway. But I learned a lot from life.'
Vince Copley was born on a government mission into poverty in 1936. By the time he was fifteen, five of his family had died. But at a home for Aboriginal boys, he befriended future leaders Charles Perkins, John Moriarty and Gordon Briscoe. They were friendships that would last a lifetime.
'Always remember you're as good as anybody else,' his mother, Kate, often told him. And he was, becoming a champion footballer and premiership-winning coach. But change was in the air, and Vince knew he had more to contribute. So he teamed up with Charlie Perkins, his 'brother' from the boys' home, to help make life better for his people. At every step, with his beloved wife, Brenda, Vince found light in the darkness, the friendly face in the crowd, the small moments and little things that make the world go round.
In The Wonder of Little Things, Vince tells his story with humour, humility and wisdom. Written with his friend Lea McInerney over many cups of tea, it is an Australian classic in the making, a plain-speaking account of hardship, courage and optimism told without self-pity or big-noting.
Vince's love of life will make you smile, his heartache will make you cry, and his determination to enjoy life in the face of adversity will inspire you to find the wonder in little things every day.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2022
53 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 2, 2023
Once again all my library Holds came in at once?!? This one was only a two week loan so I had to abandon others to read this and others!
This is such a good book almost like watching “This is your life” in words but such a humble beautifully written story. Vince Copley with Lea McInerney the person he asked to help him write his story. His daughter Kara and son Vincent were is reason for telling his story compiled over many years.
Vince was born on an Aboriginal mission in Adelaide South Australia in Point Pearce in 1936. His dad died when he was only 4 and his mum went away a lot to work. He was a resident at St Francis Boy’s Home which opened in 1946 and closed in 1959, and devoted his life to try to help his people gain the recognition they deserved. He gained an AM but was never a show off despite his sporting abilities in AFL and cricket although he was never a scholar. I learnt so much about The First Nation people of whom he became an Elder and a respected man. He loved his family and his long time friends he made at the mission. He had good times and tough times but seems to have been in a much better situation on the mission than many others in other places. He was often racially abused outside the mission but handled it all with grace.
This is a story many should read as he tells it as it is with no airs and graces. He did so much in his life even met Mohammed Ali and Nelson Mandela among others. If he wanted to do something he just up and went and managed somehow to get there. He met and stood beside PMs and other so called important people. At the end of the book he simply said “That’s my life”.
Lea writes it a bit at the end about the time he spent with Vince after the end of the book and there’s also a section on Further Reading for those interested. 5 stars for me as I learnt so much and kept wanting to read this to see what was happening as I felt I ‘knew’ the man by the end of this book and understood more about our indigenous people … the true blue decent ones. He did good and was a proud man.
Vince passed away January 2022 but he left this book as a legacy to all of those who may not be able to tell their story. It is dedicated to his two grown up children Kara and Vincent. By the time he died he’d finished this manuscript with Lea and it had been ongoing he since 2016. After reading about other people where she lived Lea wanted to learn more about the people on the land where she’d lived her first 18 years and that is when she met Vince and created this beautiful history of a humble man and his people.
This is such a good book almost like watching “This is your life” in words but such a humble beautifully written story. Vince Copley with Lea McInerney the person he asked to help him write his story. His daughter Kara and son Vincent were is reason for telling his story compiled over many years.
Vince was born on an Aboriginal mission in Adelaide South Australia in Point Pearce in 1936. His dad died when he was only 4 and his mum went away a lot to work. He was a resident at St Francis Boy’s Home which opened in 1946 and closed in 1959, and devoted his life to try to help his people gain the recognition they deserved. He gained an AM but was never a show off despite his sporting abilities in AFL and cricket although he was never a scholar. I learnt so much about The First Nation people of whom he became an Elder and a respected man. He loved his family and his long time friends he made at the mission. He had good times and tough times but seems to have been in a much better situation on the mission than many others in other places. He was often racially abused outside the mission but handled it all with grace.
This is a story many should read as he tells it as it is with no airs and graces. He did so much in his life even met Mohammed Ali and Nelson Mandela among others. If he wanted to do something he just up and went and managed somehow to get there. He met and stood beside PMs and other so called important people. At the end of the book he simply said “That’s my life”.
Lea writes it a bit at the end about the time he spent with Vince after the end of the book and there’s also a section on Further Reading for those interested. 5 stars for me as I learnt so much and kept wanting to read this to see what was happening as I felt I ‘knew’ the man by the end of this book and understood more about our indigenous people … the true blue decent ones. He did good and was a proud man.
Vince passed away January 2022 but he left this book as a legacy to all of those who may not be able to tell their story. It is dedicated to his two grown up children Kara and Vincent. By the time he died he’d finished this manuscript with Lea and it had been ongoing he since 2016. After reading about other people where she lived Lea wanted to learn more about the people on the land where she’d lived her first 18 years and that is when she met Vince and created this beautiful history of a humble man and his people.
March 31, 2023
What a life Vince Copley lived, really pleased he shared it with us. Heartfelt audiobook narration by veteran actor, Gregory Fryer. Sounded just like one of my gentle uncles of the same generation. It was interesting hearing about Charles Perkins, I remember hearing him on the news from time to time, back in the day. Although, I never saw him around Canberra. My daughter now works in the building that bears his name. These were a generation that saw marked improvements for indigenous people, even if there still is some way to go, they form an important part of our history.
February 18, 2023
Beautiful summary of a remarkable life. I enjoyed the obvious care taken by Lea McInerney to write it as Vince Copley spoke, it was just like listening to my Grandad tell a story.
June 13, 2023
A humble, gentle man who left this country a legacy that too many don't know about, and quite a few don't deserve, Vince Copley was born in 1936, and spent the first years of his life in the Aboriginal mission system in South Australia.
After his father died when Vince was 4, and his mother was forced to work away a lot, he ended up as a resident of St Francis Boy's Home, run by a good man and his wife, luckily for him, giving him a chance for some education, and importantly for him, a sporting passion for both AFL and cricket. Both of which he played for many years, before turning his attention to the fight for recognition of his people, equal treatment and their proper place in their own land.
A lovely man, utterly lacking in airs and graces, this story was told by him to his fellow author, Lea McInerney, initially after encouragement from his beloved wife - a white Australian woman who deserves a book of her own, her strength was notable. The book was pulled into shape during interviews and discussions, with McInerney writing a follow on describing the process and providing some of her own personal insight into Vince and his family. There is also a Further Reading section which is well worth following up. Vince was quietly instrumental in, and present at, a time and actions that formed the basis of organised campaigns for better treatment and recognition of First Nations people. He was also subject to horrendous racism and behaviour that white Australians should be utterly ashamed of. I've not time at all for the deflective tactic of the past being another land and we shouldn't be held responsible. We absolutely must tell what happened and acknowlege it - history repeats when we are allowed to ignore the truth.
Vince sadly passed away in January 2022, so he will not live to see the next phase in the ongoing fight for the proper place, and proper recognition of First Nations people, which says a hell of a lot about the time it has taken for us to grow up. Having read this book for our local f2f bookclub it gave us all an opportunity to discuss both the current campaign for Constitutional Recognition of a Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and a future where Treaty and Truth are approached with the sense of urgency they deserve.
After his father died when Vince was 4, and his mother was forced to work away a lot, he ended up as a resident of St Francis Boy's Home, run by a good man and his wife, luckily for him, giving him a chance for some education, and importantly for him, a sporting passion for both AFL and cricket. Both of which he played for many years, before turning his attention to the fight for recognition of his people, equal treatment and their proper place in their own land.
A lovely man, utterly lacking in airs and graces, this story was told by him to his fellow author, Lea McInerney, initially after encouragement from his beloved wife - a white Australian woman who deserves a book of her own, her strength was notable. The book was pulled into shape during interviews and discussions, with McInerney writing a follow on describing the process and providing some of her own personal insight into Vince and his family. There is also a Further Reading section which is well worth following up. Vince was quietly instrumental in, and present at, a time and actions that formed the basis of organised campaigns for better treatment and recognition of First Nations people. He was also subject to horrendous racism and behaviour that white Australians should be utterly ashamed of. I've not time at all for the deflective tactic of the past being another land and we shouldn't be held responsible. We absolutely must tell what happened and acknowlege it - history repeats when we are allowed to ignore the truth.
Vince sadly passed away in January 2022, so he will not live to see the next phase in the ongoing fight for the proper place, and proper recognition of First Nations people, which says a hell of a lot about the time it has taken for us to grow up. Having read this book for our local f2f bookclub it gave us all an opportunity to discuss both the current campaign for Constitutional Recognition of a Indigenous Voice to Parliament, and a future where Treaty and Truth are approached with the sense of urgency they deserve.
October 7, 2023
A record of a gentle man’s life and the impact he had all through his life on the life of himself and his family and other Aboriginal peoples and each and every Australian person no matter we each may come from.
He strongly advocated for us all to work together and listen to each other to create a Australia that really is accepting and welcoming to all.
Oh if only we could all see the world with such gentleness and kindness.
I highly recommend it to all.
He strongly advocated for us all to work together and listen to each other to create a Australia that really is accepting and welcoming to all.
Oh if only we could all see the world with such gentleness and kindness.
I highly recommend it to all.
November 17, 2025
Interessant boek over het leven van een aboriginal -first nation- geboren in 1930 (tot 2023) en hoe hij heeft geleefd in deze tijd in Australië. Dit was natuurlijk niet makkelijk, in een tijd met vooroordelen en racisme. Je gaat mee in zijn leven, hoe hij zich erdoorheen worstelt en uiteindelijk tegen worstelt. Hij reisde veel rond: leefde soms genoodzaakt hier dan weer daar, heeft in een boys home ware broeders/ vrienden ontmoet, was heel goed in voetbal (footy) wat hem ver heeft gebracht en was aanwezig bij de belangrijkste momenten die verandering brachten in de rechten en behandeling van aboriginals. Heel interessant boek om te lezen. Heel gek hoe dat allemaal is gegaan. Zware geschiedenis verteld door een hele vrolijke en positieve man die zijn verhalen deelt over zijn wortels en wijsheden.
November 16, 2022
This book is a treasure and a gift.
Vince Copley is an Aboriginal man who was born in 1936. As such, he has lived through a pretty key period in Australian history, especially as it pertains to the treatment of our indigenous First Nations people. In this book he describes his life, from his childhood on a Mission and then in a boy's home, and into adulthood, so much of which was dedicated to furthering the rights and social standing of his people.
Both Vince and co-author Lea McInerney describe how this book was written by way of many chats over many cups of tea. McInerney has done a wonderful job of preserving Vince's very clear voice in the telling of his story. The simple, conversational prose truly makes you feel like you're sitting right there, having a chat with a wonderful, humble and interesting friend.
In McInerney's afterword is a passage that to me really encapsulated the person Vince comes across as in this book:
"Once he'd seen a few chapters, he had a sense of how it was shaping up. 'I'm the storyteller, you're the writer, and this is our book,' he said to me. From early on, he wanted to include my name on the book's cover because he saw it as work that neither of us could complete without the other. This for him was reconciliation in action - black and white working alongside each other on shared interests and projects."
Vince truly embodies the concept of "looking for the helpers". He lived through a time when Aboriginal people had their movements restricted by the government, who they were allowed to walk down the street with - they weren't even classed as human citizens in the census. And yet he pours so much of his focus on the helpers. On the people of all colours who welcomed him, gave him opportunities and friendship, became family. At the end of his incredible, eventful life, in which he'd undoubtedly experienced struggle and heartache and injustice, he looked back and mostly felt blessed and loved. He has a humbling, heartfelt perspective that deserves the wider audience of this book.
By the end of reading this, I almost felt like I'd lost a friend I'd only just made. Vince left us in January 2022, aged 85, and I'm so glad he was able to get his story told before he went.
I have to say though, his wife Brenda was a saint with some of the things she put up with, holding the fort at home. She was honestly my favourite "character" in this whole book. Even though she doesn't actually get a huge amount of page time, somehow I had the sense from the moment she entered the story, that she was somehow there between the lines the whole rest of the story. I think she was a strong lady.
I learnt a lot of things I didn't know about how Aboriginal people were treated in the 40s and 50s, and the ways that evolved. More importantly, I feel like I met a wonderful human being. Highly recommend this book to literally anyone.
Vince Copley is an Aboriginal man who was born in 1936. As such, he has lived through a pretty key period in Australian history, especially as it pertains to the treatment of our indigenous First Nations people. In this book he describes his life, from his childhood on a Mission and then in a boy's home, and into adulthood, so much of which was dedicated to furthering the rights and social standing of his people.
Both Vince and co-author Lea McInerney describe how this book was written by way of many chats over many cups of tea. McInerney has done a wonderful job of preserving Vince's very clear voice in the telling of his story. The simple, conversational prose truly makes you feel like you're sitting right there, having a chat with a wonderful, humble and interesting friend.
In McInerney's afterword is a passage that to me really encapsulated the person Vince comes across as in this book:
"Once he'd seen a few chapters, he had a sense of how it was shaping up. 'I'm the storyteller, you're the writer, and this is our book,' he said to me. From early on, he wanted to include my name on the book's cover because he saw it as work that neither of us could complete without the other. This for him was reconciliation in action - black and white working alongside each other on shared interests and projects."
Vince truly embodies the concept of "looking for the helpers". He lived through a time when Aboriginal people had their movements restricted by the government, who they were allowed to walk down the street with - they weren't even classed as human citizens in the census. And yet he pours so much of his focus on the helpers. On the people of all colours who welcomed him, gave him opportunities and friendship, became family. At the end of his incredible, eventful life, in which he'd undoubtedly experienced struggle and heartache and injustice, he looked back and mostly felt blessed and loved. He has a humbling, heartfelt perspective that deserves the wider audience of this book.
By the end of reading this, I almost felt like I'd lost a friend I'd only just made. Vince left us in January 2022, aged 85, and I'm so glad he was able to get his story told before he went.
I have to say though, his wife Brenda was a saint with some of the things she put up with, holding the fort at home. She was honestly my favourite "character" in this whole book. Even though she doesn't actually get a huge amount of page time, somehow I had the sense from the moment she entered the story, that she was somehow there between the lines the whole rest of the story. I think she was a strong lady.
I learnt a lot of things I didn't know about how Aboriginal people were treated in the 40s and 50s, and the ways that evolved. More importantly, I feel like I met a wonderful human being. Highly recommend this book to literally anyone.
June 25, 2023
This book was strong til about the halfway mark at which point the story really started to drag.
September 19, 2023
This is a marvelous read. I don't usually like autobiographies; however, this is charming. The voice of Vince Copley, footballer, Aboriginal activist, family man, and Elder shines through. Born in 1936, he lived through many changes and his story reflects the perspective of the indigenous part our shared history.
February 21, 2025
A book about a big full life because ultimately it is all about the little things. Loved that despite the racism, prejudice and the adverse socio-economic conditions faced by Vince and indigenous First Nations people in general, Vince's narrative is one with little anger or self-pity. I feel richer for having read this book, and grateful that Vince got his story out there before his return to the Dreamtime.
January 13, 2025
I was unfamiliar with Vince Copley’s story before reading this. It’s an interesting commentary on the treatment of First Nations people in South Australia throughout the twentieth century. Vince lost many close family members at a young age due to systemic discrimination: being turned away from hospitals during life and death emergencies. So much moving around chasing opportunities, for employment and sport. Vince was not a confrontational person, despite the constant adversity and instead sought to demonstrate that he was just as good as anyone else. He ended up working closely with Charlie Perkins, a lifelong friend, in Aboriginal advocacy, and encountered many other famous people along the way, including Nelson Mandela, Muhammad Ali and the Queen. It sounds like he was very hospitable and nurturing relationships was instrumental in contributing to much of his success.
November 5, 2022
Vince Copley has lived a big life and we are fortunate that he decided to share his story with us.
It reads exactly as if you were sitting opposite him with a cuppa, having a yarn. Very conversational in tone, occasionally a little meandering, always gentle.
Despite many adversities, frustrations and having to endure things that are just
f%$king ridiculous- there is very little hate or venom in any of these words.
There is something very ‘Forest Gump’ about the way Vince appeared to be present or on the periphery of so many key moments on the ongoing journey towards indigenous equality.
Friend on the freedom bus - check.
Friend designed the aboriginal flag - check.
Meeting with Mohammed Ali- check.
Sitting down for a meal with the Queen whilst your Aunty stuffs her false teeth in her bra - check.
Putting on a show in Edinburgh with Yothu Yindi- check
Meet and greet with Nelson Mandela - check.
Having a young David Gulpilil mystically announce your pregnancy - also check.
This book would be ideal to introduce into the high school reading curriculum.
The newly implemented ‘Uluṟu statement from the Heart’ invites truth telling about our shared history. This is a very approachable story for teenagers to learn about this shared history- indigenous history from an indigenous author.
Much more robust than whatever Australian history I was taught at school in the 1990s - with white settlers (invaders) exploring, climbing, crossing and naming all these wonderful landmarks that had been part of aboriginal history for tens of thousands of years.
It reads exactly as if you were sitting opposite him with a cuppa, having a yarn. Very conversational in tone, occasionally a little meandering, always gentle.
Despite many adversities, frustrations and having to endure things that are just
f%$king ridiculous- there is very little hate or venom in any of these words.
There is something very ‘Forest Gump’ about the way Vince appeared to be present or on the periphery of so many key moments on the ongoing journey towards indigenous equality.
Friend on the freedom bus - check.
Friend designed the aboriginal flag - check.
Meeting with Mohammed Ali- check.
Sitting down for a meal with the Queen whilst your Aunty stuffs her false teeth in her bra - check.
Putting on a show in Edinburgh with Yothu Yindi- check
Meet and greet with Nelson Mandela - check.
Having a young David Gulpilil mystically announce your pregnancy - also check.
This book would be ideal to introduce into the high school reading curriculum.
The newly implemented ‘Uluṟu statement from the Heart’ invites truth telling about our shared history. This is a very approachable story for teenagers to learn about this shared history- indigenous history from an indigenous author.
Much more robust than whatever Australian history I was taught at school in the 1990s - with white settlers (invaders) exploring, climbing, crossing and naming all these wonderful landmarks that had been part of aboriginal history for tens of thousands of years.
January 22, 2023
DNF. It was just too slow for me, sadly.
September 18, 2024
A fascinating insight into the life of a significant Australian as well as the ongoing battle for Aboriginal rights and reconciliation in our country. There is so much of this history that I vaguely knew existed but hearing it all laid out in such a straightforward, matter-of-fact way really showed how far things have come due to Copley and the like-minded members of his generation while never ignoring how much further we have to go in this area.
The side by side retelling of stories about farming, family life and meeting international dignitaries in a down to earth manner makes the reader/listener wish they could sit down for a cup of tea and a yarn with Copley (and by the sounds of it, he would have welcomed it). It also captures the title of the book - life is full of wonder and it can be found in the little things that all add up in the end.
I only hope I am still as optimistic, open and curious to learn about other people and ways of living when I hit my 80s as Copley was throughout his long and extraordinary life.
The side by side retelling of stories about farming, family life and meeting international dignitaries in a down to earth manner makes the reader/listener wish they could sit down for a cup of tea and a yarn with Copley (and by the sounds of it, he would have welcomed it). It also captures the title of the book - life is full of wonder and it can be found in the little things that all add up in the end.
I only hope I am still as optimistic, open and curious to learn about other people and ways of living when I hit my 80s as Copley was throughout his long and extraordinary life.
July 13, 2023
I loved this memoir.
For some reason, I did not realise it was non-fiction until I started reading it.
I don't feel like I can comment on this book in the same way that I do fiction, simply because this is the recount of someone's life. What I will say, is this was incredibly easy to read and follow. It felt like I was having a cup of tea with Vince Copley and he was just talking about his life.
I grew up and still live in a community that has placed a lot of importance on teaching children about Aboriginal Australia. This means that I already knew about all the events, organisations and timelines that Vince was talking about, which made me feel really comfortable while reading.
I think this is a really important read for anyone living in Australia.
For some reason, I did not realise it was non-fiction until I started reading it.
I don't feel like I can comment on this book in the same way that I do fiction, simply because this is the recount of someone's life. What I will say, is this was incredibly easy to read and follow. It felt like I was having a cup of tea with Vince Copley and he was just talking about his life.
I grew up and still live in a community that has placed a lot of importance on teaching children about Aboriginal Australia. This means that I already knew about all the events, organisations and timelines that Vince was talking about, which made me feel really comfortable while reading.
I think this is a really important read for anyone living in Australia.
July 23, 2023
I was looking forward to this book with interest. There are some wonderful anecdotes of a very inerteresting life. However, it could have been half as long, which would have made it much more readable. There was, IMHO, a lot of twaffle. Almost as if it was written as he had spoken it. Great insight in to part of the history of changing the way our first nations persons are being treated. I am reluctant to recommend anyone read, but if you can wade through the twaffle, you will enjoy the experience of moments of a life well lived.
August 29, 2024
This book was a wonderful read. I thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Vince Copley's life and particularly liked his positive attitude about everything, even though his life was extremely difficult at times.
March 30, 2023
This memoir is a set of yarns about this generous man’s life. It’s unassuming – reminded me of the tone of A Fortunate Life. Because there were a lot of things in Vince Copley’s life that weren’t great for him but he resists bitterness. You can hear his voice in this very strongly even though it was created by writer Lea McInerney on the basis of about 300 conversations with Vince.
He was a labourer at the beginning of his working life but became involved in the politics of Aboriginal identity and in the institutions that began to be set up to support Aboriginal people. Its interesting reading it as debate around The Voice resonates around Australia. You can see through this memoir how important it is for Aboriginal people to have input into decisions. And how recent these structures have been, starting mostly in the 1960s.
What I can see too is the responsibility ad weight that certain Aboriginal people carry in terms of taking on roles of representation. Copley’s own family probably suffered because he was away from home so much.
It’s a deceptively simple book – it gives a sense of the complex layers of things but these mostly sit under the simple narration of life events. His brother dying at the age of about 12 because the closest hospital does not accept Aboriginal people (this is in the 1940s). Vince suiting up and cutting a figure on the dance floor around Curramulka. His time in St Francis House, in Adelaide, a boys’ home where Aboriginal kids from remote areas could get an education. It was there that he made a lifelong friend in Charlie Perkins. Playing footy for Fitzroy (until he wished to escape a potential engagement). Meeting the Queen. Trying to buy some farm equipment in a rural town where people were so racist, they wouldn’t even give him directions to the business he needed to find. The fact that the “footy-mad towns of country South Australia found themselves in a dilemma only some of them could overcome: racist stereotyping couldn’t hold itself together if an Aboriginal person could live up close and be seen as fully human.” (https://theconversation.com/vince-cop...) The fact that his dad died young and his knowledge of that side of his family (and therefore parts of his identity) was limited. The regrets he felt about that.
What comes through? The power of a safe education and of love. The generosity that I have unfailingly found from Aboriginal people. The pressure on individuals who speak up for their people. He mostly focuses on the positives. At one stage in the book, he alludes to the fact that there are stories that he has consciously opted not to include – perhaps for this reason.
He was a labourer at the beginning of his working life but became involved in the politics of Aboriginal identity and in the institutions that began to be set up to support Aboriginal people. Its interesting reading it as debate around The Voice resonates around Australia. You can see through this memoir how important it is for Aboriginal people to have input into decisions. And how recent these structures have been, starting mostly in the 1960s.
What I can see too is the responsibility ad weight that certain Aboriginal people carry in terms of taking on roles of representation. Copley’s own family probably suffered because he was away from home so much.
It’s a deceptively simple book – it gives a sense of the complex layers of things but these mostly sit under the simple narration of life events. His brother dying at the age of about 12 because the closest hospital does not accept Aboriginal people (this is in the 1940s). Vince suiting up and cutting a figure on the dance floor around Curramulka. His time in St Francis House, in Adelaide, a boys’ home where Aboriginal kids from remote areas could get an education. It was there that he made a lifelong friend in Charlie Perkins. Playing footy for Fitzroy (until he wished to escape a potential engagement). Meeting the Queen. Trying to buy some farm equipment in a rural town where people were so racist, they wouldn’t even give him directions to the business he needed to find. The fact that the “footy-mad towns of country South Australia found themselves in a dilemma only some of them could overcome: racist stereotyping couldn’t hold itself together if an Aboriginal person could live up close and be seen as fully human.” (https://theconversation.com/vince-cop...) The fact that his dad died young and his knowledge of that side of his family (and therefore parts of his identity) was limited. The regrets he felt about that.
What comes through? The power of a safe education and of love. The generosity that I have unfailingly found from Aboriginal people. The pressure on individuals who speak up for their people. He mostly focuses on the positives. At one stage in the book, he alludes to the fact that there are stories that he has consciously opted not to include – perhaps for this reason.
November 1, 2022
Uncle Vince Copely was a Ngadjuri elder who was born in 1936 on Nharangga land in Point Pearce, South Australia. He died in January 2022, mere months before this memoir was published.
In this memoir he revisits different times in his life; his personal history is at times interlinked with the 20th century aboriginal rights struggle.
His early years were spent in a mission in Point Pearce, St Francis House Boys. A cross between an orphanage and a refugee camp. His account of his childhood during the war years was captivating.
You could not win as a young blakfella in the sixties. If you wanted to live on the mish you had to live a segregated life in a state of induced poverty. If you wanted to live in the city and follow some career dream you had to sign some documents to become an 'honorary white person' without which you wouldn't be allowed to rent in the city. To become an honorary white person they were pressured to sign waivers that they can't go back to the mission to visit their communities except for short day visits. A strategy Australia called 'assimilation' designed to violently detach the blak community from their cultural links.
Not to mention that life in most cities wasn't particularly hospitable to aboriginal people. Every form of racism was commonly practice; from designated windows outside pubs for them to order drinks without entering, to laws preventing them from being seen with white people in the street without good cause, to restaurants refusing service. Not t0 mention that winning at the white game of assimilation meant that fellow aboriginals might label you an uncle tom or acting the white. Vince Copley recounts with ambivalence all these realities of the time. an ambivalence reflected in his stiff upper lip attitude that was essential to survive and prosper.
Football was Vincent's way to get stability and housing in the white suburban communities. From there he went on to have an extraordinary life as an activist, a sports player and a community organiser.
Days before he died he set about to write his own eulogy. What a wonderful world I've been able to live in," he began, "filled with many happy little things."
In this memoir he revisits different times in his life; his personal history is at times interlinked with the 20th century aboriginal rights struggle.
His early years were spent in a mission in Point Pearce, St Francis House Boys. A cross between an orphanage and a refugee camp. His account of his childhood during the war years was captivating.
You could not win as a young blakfella in the sixties. If you wanted to live on the mish you had to live a segregated life in a state of induced poverty. If you wanted to live in the city and follow some career dream you had to sign some documents to become an 'honorary white person' without which you wouldn't be allowed to rent in the city. To become an honorary white person they were pressured to sign waivers that they can't go back to the mission to visit their communities except for short day visits. A strategy Australia called 'assimilation' designed to violently detach the blak community from their cultural links.
Not to mention that life in most cities wasn't particularly hospitable to aboriginal people. Every form of racism was commonly practice; from designated windows outside pubs for them to order drinks without entering, to laws preventing them from being seen with white people in the street without good cause, to restaurants refusing service. Not t0 mention that winning at the white game of assimilation meant that fellow aboriginals might label you an uncle tom or acting the white. Vince Copley recounts with ambivalence all these realities of the time. an ambivalence reflected in his stiff upper lip attitude that was essential to survive and prosper.
Football was Vincent's way to get stability and housing in the white suburban communities. From there he went on to have an extraordinary life as an activist, a sports player and a community organiser.
Days before he died he set about to write his own eulogy. What a wonderful world I've been able to live in," he began, "filled with many happy little things."
March 3, 2024
4.5 stars
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review!
Vince Copley was born on a government mission into poverty in 1936. By the time he was fifteen, five members of his immediate family had died prematurely. But at a home/school for Aboriginal boys (note: not for stolen boys), he befriended future leaders Charles Perkins, John Moriarty and Gordon Briscoe and these “boys” remained important friends throughout his lifetime.
Vince became a football (AFL) star, playing in various teams in South Australia and even for a short while for the Fitzroy Football Club. However Vince knew that he had more to offer than just football and went on to be an important and influential activist for Indigenous people right up until the end of his life in early 2022.
What an absolute ray of sunshine this gentleman was and what a beautiful book this is. Lea McInerney was tasked with capturing the stories of a true storyteller and she has absolutely nailed it. Reading this book feels like you are having a yarn with someone who is telling you wonderful stories about their life. The voice feels authentic and certainly sounds true to Vince’s generation. Some of the language used reminded me of the way my paternal grandparents would sometimes speak - who were also country people.
Vince lived a rich life and although there were plenty of unpleasant moments, he carried himself with dignity and general respect for others and in return found friends that became family and a town in rural SA that also became family.
Vince’s greatest wish was to see reconciliation between black and white Australia and believed that this book was reconciliation in action - black and white working alongside each other on shared interests and projects. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of this book to review!
Vince Copley was born on a government mission into poverty in 1936. By the time he was fifteen, five members of his immediate family had died prematurely. But at a home/school for Aboriginal boys (note: not for stolen boys), he befriended future leaders Charles Perkins, John Moriarty and Gordon Briscoe and these “boys” remained important friends throughout his lifetime.
Vince became a football (AFL) star, playing in various teams in South Australia and even for a short while for the Fitzroy Football Club. However Vince knew that he had more to offer than just football and went on to be an important and influential activist for Indigenous people right up until the end of his life in early 2022.
What an absolute ray of sunshine this gentleman was and what a beautiful book this is. Lea McInerney was tasked with capturing the stories of a true storyteller and she has absolutely nailed it. Reading this book feels like you are having a yarn with someone who is telling you wonderful stories about their life. The voice feels authentic and certainly sounds true to Vince’s generation. Some of the language used reminded me of the way my paternal grandparents would sometimes speak - who were also country people.
Vince lived a rich life and although there were plenty of unpleasant moments, he carried himself with dignity and general respect for others and in return found friends that became family and a town in rural SA that also became family.
Vince’s greatest wish was to see reconciliation between black and white Australia and believed that this book was reconciliation in action - black and white working alongside each other on shared interests and projects. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
September 23, 2022
(3.5) I didn’t know much about Indigenous elder Vince Copley before reading his humble memoir. After reading it, however, I feel as if I know this simple man well through his telling of his life of hardship, friendship, sporting achievements, and activism. Surprisingly, there was no anger, no resentment in Copley’s stories; rather, he projected a love of life and of people that guided his thoughts and optimism in achieving equality for his people. Particularly, Copley stressed the importance of kindness and friendship as the keys to a successful reconciliation between communities in Australia, repeatedly returning to what he had learned from his mother: “Always remember you’re as good as anybody else.”
This was not a literary piece of writing, his memories of an impoverished childhood through to an adult life of affiliation and leadership within the Aboriginal organisations shared with writer and friend, Lea McInerney over many cups of tea. I often felt as if I were overhearing Copley's conversations rather than reading from a distance. This was both a strength and weakness of the narrative, as there could have been much more stringent editing in compiling this “plain-speaking account”.
Of great interest to me was the strong and life-long friendship between Copley and activist Charlie Perkins, whom he had lived with in the boys’ home. Their shared experience with others in the Home built the foundation for them and for the other boys to strive towards contributing to the betterment of the Indigenous in Australia.
This was not a literary piece of writing, his memories of an impoverished childhood through to an adult life of affiliation and leadership within the Aboriginal organisations shared with writer and friend, Lea McInerney over many cups of tea. I often felt as if I were overhearing Copley's conversations rather than reading from a distance. This was both a strength and weakness of the narrative, as there could have been much more stringent editing in compiling this “plain-speaking account”.
Of great interest to me was the strong and life-long friendship between Copley and activist Charlie Perkins, whom he had lived with in the boys’ home. Their shared experience with others in the Home built the foundation for them and for the other boys to strive towards contributing to the betterment of the Indigenous in Australia.
January 1, 2024
A suggestion from a church friend, it turned out we already had it an e-book in the library, so it was a good one to read in the run-up to the Australian Voice referendum. Vince Copley has lived a remarkable life, his career period largely devoted to supporting services to indigenous Australians and meeting some significant people along the way – the queen, Mohamed Ali, Nelson Mandela and so on. He has a lovely manner in his writing – gently pointing out negative issues which came up during his time, but largely writing without anger/rage and emphasising the positive things he was able to experience in his life and celebrating the achievements of his friends. He was with a special cohort of students at his boarding school, it seems. I wonder if this story will be controversial for some of the activist population in Australia? I suspect he might be accused of shying away from issues, and not speaking up enough in support of his people’s interests. But of course, he should be given the respect to speak as he chooses. And I am sure the gentle approach will be beneficial for Australians whose ear to hear indigenous voices is closed to louder volumes. It would have been lovely to have a cup of tea with Vince: we were living in the suburb next door when we were living in Adelaide but missed that chance when there!
September 14, 2025
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: non-fiction - memoir
Does the blurb reflect the plot: it’s a great overview of what’s to come
Sum it up: coming from the most basic of beginnings, Vince Copley would stare almost every form of adversity and discrimination square in the eye from the age of two when his father died, as he grew up to see his mother die when he was a teen before he grew up to become a AFL footballer, activist alongside school friend Charlie Perkins, a chair and organiser on a variety of Aboriginal and Government boards and committees and ultimately, an Aboriginal Elder who was awarded an OAM. Yet for all of these achievements, his family and friends were his everything and as you read The Wonder of Little Things this is abundantly obvious. Written in a conversational tone as Copley relays his life story to McInerney over several cups of tea and biscuits; it’s an engaging read about a humble and courageous man who truly made a difference and brought a lot of positive change to the lives of many.
Who should read it: a must read for anyone who enjoys memoirs, it will be particularly enjoyed by those with an interest in Aboriginal affairs, history, politics, sports and change makers.
The Wonder of Little Things is my twentieth read in #ktbookbingo. Category ‘Book is co-authored’. To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.
Genre: non-fiction - memoir
Does the blurb reflect the plot: it’s a great overview of what’s to come
Sum it up: coming from the most basic of beginnings, Vince Copley would stare almost every form of adversity and discrimination square in the eye from the age of two when his father died, as he grew up to see his mother die when he was a teen before he grew up to become a AFL footballer, activist alongside school friend Charlie Perkins, a chair and organiser on a variety of Aboriginal and Government boards and committees and ultimately, an Aboriginal Elder who was awarded an OAM. Yet for all of these achievements, his family and friends were his everything and as you read The Wonder of Little Things this is abundantly obvious. Written in a conversational tone as Copley relays his life story to McInerney over several cups of tea and biscuits; it’s an engaging read about a humble and courageous man who truly made a difference and brought a lot of positive change to the lives of many.
Who should read it: a must read for anyone who enjoys memoirs, it will be particularly enjoyed by those with an interest in Aboriginal affairs, history, politics, sports and change makers.
The Wonder of Little Things is my twentieth read in #ktbookbingo. Category ‘Book is co-authored’. To play along with my book bingo and to see what else I’m reading, go to #ktbookbingo or @peggyanne_readsandruns on Instagram.
January 26, 2023
Vince Copley lived quite a life. This book was heartbreaking in parts and heartwarming in others. I learned a lot about the horrendous treatment of Aboriginal Australians from the 1930s onwards. There were a lot of things that I felt I should have known, but it was never taught when I went through school in the 00s-10s.
This book details a lot of hardship that Vince faced, but it's also a love note to a lot of things: Curramunka, St Francis House, his wife Brenda, sports, and his many wonderful friends and family members. You could feel how much love he had for the places and people who had been good to him.
Aside from being an important story, it also was the sort of book I think we'd all love our grandparents to leave us - one that compiles all the stories that they perhaps hadn't told before. I felt like I made a new friend while reading Vince's stories. I loved that the writing style was as if we were simply sharing a cuppa and trading tales.
This book is a treasure, and I'm glad that Vince shared it with us.
This book details a lot of hardship that Vince faced, but it's also a love note to a lot of things: Curramunka, St Francis House, his wife Brenda, sports, and his many wonderful friends and family members. You could feel how much love he had for the places and people who had been good to him.
Aside from being an important story, it also was the sort of book I think we'd all love our grandparents to leave us - one that compiles all the stories that they perhaps hadn't told before. I felt like I made a new friend while reading Vince's stories. I loved that the writing style was as if we were simply sharing a cuppa and trading tales.
This book is a treasure, and I'm glad that Vince shared it with us.
May 18, 2023
Although bit slow to get into initially I’m so glad I pushed through. I knew in my heart it was an important story & indeed it is. It’s such an honour to be invited so beautifully into Vince’s life & the life of so many of his mates. As is always a strong theme when learning of First Nations cultures it’s never individualistic but a story of many people. A collective of past, present & future people’s. This always moves me. I’m challenged by our countries past & encouraged to learn more to help inform our countries future. Thank you Vince & Lea & all those that worked so hard to put this book together.
Don’t forget to read the timeline at the back of the book. Gives much context to all the stories & I loved the addition of “more remarkable people”
I suggest listening to this book in audio form as I suspect Vince’s stories would hold even more depth when shared as it was in its conception. Through story telling.
Don’t forget to read the timeline at the back of the book. Gives much context to all the stories & I loved the addition of “more remarkable people”
I suggest listening to this book in audio form as I suspect Vince’s stories would hold even more depth when shared as it was in its conception. Through story telling.
October 11, 2024
What a life Vince Copley lived, really pleased he shared his life with us. Heartfelt audiobook narration by veteran actor, Gregory Fryer. Sounded just like one of my gentle uncles of his generation.
Vince Copley was born in 1936, and spent the first years of his life in the Aboriginal mission system in South Australia.
After his father died when Vince was 4, and his mother was forced to work away a lot, he ended up as a resident of St Francis Boy's Home, run by a good man and his wife, luckily for him, giving him a chance for some education, and importantly for him, a sporting passion for both AFL and cricket. Both of which he played for many years, before turning his attention to the fight for recognition of his people, equal treatment and their proper place in their own land.
Vince sadly passed away in January 2022, so he will not live to see the next phase in the ongoing fight for the proper place, and proper recognition of First Nations people.
A wonderful audible book..
Vince Copley was born in 1936, and spent the first years of his life in the Aboriginal mission system in South Australia.
After his father died when Vince was 4, and his mother was forced to work away a lot, he ended up as a resident of St Francis Boy's Home, run by a good man and his wife, luckily for him, giving him a chance for some education, and importantly for him, a sporting passion for both AFL and cricket. Both of which he played for many years, before turning his attention to the fight for recognition of his people, equal treatment and their proper place in their own land.
Vince sadly passed away in January 2022, so he will not live to see the next phase in the ongoing fight for the proper place, and proper recognition of First Nations people.
A wonderful audible book..
November 18, 2022
Family love, a welcoming school, intelligence, drive, and his own good nature kept Vince Copley from sinking into despair. The anti-indigenous racism was still there. So were the road blocks to personal and professional advancement. But he had the building blocks of a solid foundation. On that he created a life that inspired a nation. The Ngadjuri elder and activist died in January 2022. This book is testament to a man whose life and insights are important signposts on the rocky path to reconciliation.
November 23, 2022
This is a rather wonderful read. Vince Copley's life was full of little things as well as some very big things. He was a part of history through his work on Aboriginal rights. He was a thinker and a listener and always happy to chat over a cup of tea, always looking for the positive side.
There is a suggested list for further reading at the back as well as a superb timeline that starts BEFORE 1770 and finishes in 2022, putting Vince's life into some perspective of what was happening in the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There is a suggested list for further reading at the back as well as a superb timeline that starts BEFORE 1770 and finishes in 2022, putting Vince's life into some perspective of what was happening in the world.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 9, 2023
I finished reading this book the day before the first anniversary of Vince’s death. I felt like I was in conversation with him during the whole time. Thank you Lea for the way you’ve retold your chats with Vince and all the research and cross checking. Two comments he made stand out. His mother always told him, “Always remember you’re as good as anyone else.” Another statement concerned not getting angry as nothing can be solved by being angry. I can’t find the exact quote. It was such an interesting read.
July 15, 2023
This story taught me more than I’d ever imagined learning about football in Australia. I also learned a lot about how cruel and oppressive the laws were to the aboriginal people. Those points have been made far more clearly by various movies I’ve seen. So finally it’s a personal memoir by a man who did better than expected at navigating the world he faced. As such it’s a love story to the school he attended which created for him a strong supportive extended family which provided a social safety net he both used and provided over and over.
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