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Wonder of Little Things

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Wonder of Little Things

By: Vince Copley, Lea McInerney
Narrated by: Gregory Fryer
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About this listen

Vince Copley was born on a government mission into poverty in 1936. By the time he was 15, five of his family had died. But at a home for Aboriginal boys, he befriended future leaders Charlie 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, a champion footballer and premiership-winning coach. But change was in the air, and Copley 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, Copley 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, Copley 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.

2025, DANZ Children’s Book Award Non-Fiction, Long-listed

©2022 Vincent Copley and Leanne McInerney. Vincent Copley and Leanne McInerney assert their moral right to be identified as the authors of this Work. First published in English by HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited in (P)2022 Bolinda Publishing. This audio version produced by arrangement with HarperCollins Publishers Australia Pty Limited Activists Cultural & Regional Educators Indigenous Studies Politics & Activism Professionals & Academics Social Sciences Specific Demographics Thought-Provoking
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There is a chance of a brighter more inclusive future and it won’t begin in ignorance. I give thanks to this writing in the hope it’s a catalyst of repair to a torn and misplaced culture of the oldest on the great southern land if not the planet. we all deserve a better future than where the current vibe is heading.

Hope is where your heart is.

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Amazing story. Must read. Highly recommend. Thank you Vince Copley & Lea McInerney. Impressed with your attention to details.
I have new understanding of & for First Nation people.

Brilliant

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This wonderful memoir reminds me again of how limited our history is if we ignore the stories of our First Nations.

Our History is Stunted

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You most likely know the name Charlie Perkins, but what about Vince Copley? Well Vince Copley is the remarkable man about whom, and by whom, this book is written. His collaboration with Lea McInerney in getting his stories onto the page has been a monumental success, such that by the end of the book you feel you’ve known Vince all your life. You come to know him to be a warm, huge-hearted, intelligent, wise and deeply thinking man, with a wonderful sense of humour and a depth of insight into human nature that is awe-inspiring. His message for all Australians needs to be heard by all Australians.

Greg Fryer’s narration of this book is second to none. His style is so natural and uninhibited that you forget it’s not being narrated by Vince himself. One of the best book readings I have ever heard.

Read this book. You will learn many things - about growing up in 1930s to 1950s Australia; about growing up Aboriginal; about Australian culture, beliefs and coexistence of blacks and whites during the 20th Century and into the 21st; and you will learn about yourself. Because this book encourages you not only to look outwards and examine the existential context of South Australian Aborigines within a white cultural context, but also to look inwards snd examine your own beliefs, understandings and attitudes towards not just First Nations peoples but every person or group of people you meet.

Gregory Fryer - a huge thank you for bringing Vince Copley’s words to life so sensitively and realistically; and a huge thank you to Lea McInerney for transcribing Vince’s narratives and putting them in paper so brilliantly.

I will never forget this book.

A book you will never forget

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A lovely window into a life and the impacts individuals have on each other and the communities around them; the ripple effects and their impacts of generations still to come.

A window into life

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what an inspirational kind and generous man, absolutely outstanding memory and such a positive person

warm and brilliant account of history

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Such an amazing insight into the journey of our First Nations people… highly recommend this to all Australian people

Every Australian Should Tead

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An enjoyable and educational book. Beautifully written and narrated with humour and sensitivity. A must listen. This book had me in from the first chapter, loved it.

Beautifully written and narrated.

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What a wonderful yarn a truely intricately woven life story - so lucky to have the opportunity to read - thank you

a personal understated and humble story beautifully narrated and put together - thank you Uncle Vince

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What a brilliant audiobook ! Fascinating from start to finish with so much through provoking POV’s and information - highly recommend

Fascinating story

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.