Ambrose, also known as Ambi McDonald, was born and grew up in northern Tasmania. His writing career began when he participated in a writing programme, designed to promote literacy, in Risdon Prison, Hobart. Exhibiting an unusual talent for writing, the co-ordinator of the programme was convinced that Ambi's writing should be shared with the public at large. And, in 1983, the Kingborough Jaycees decided to adopt the publication of a collection of Ambi's work as a special project.
In 2008, Ambrose was inducted into the Tasmanian Aboriginal Sports Hall of Fame for his contribution to football. His first game at the age of 19, was during a stint in prison in 1979. Scouts from Tasmanian Premier League side Sandy Bay had watched Ambrose play in prison and secured him after his release in 1985. Further, to his football career he is known to be a renowned sprinter, and an accomplished artist and poet. (Source: Koori Mail Ed. 441, 2008; Foreword in The Caged Beast; and in Effects of Light)
