'Eric Hayward, a Noongar Elder, comes from the Weelman, Goreng and Kaneang Noongar groups whose traditional country stretches across the Great Southern and south-west areas of Western Australia. He was born on the Gnowangerup Mission, where his mother and father were married, and as a child he lived in Broomehill.
Although he grew up in an era of rigid governmental controls and marginalisation of his people, he did get the opportunity to conclude his education in Perth while living in an Aboriginal hostel run by the Native Welfare Department. This lead to employment in government and adult education throughout his life. Eric had maintained close ties to his family, community and the broader Aboriginal society, and had been active in the struggle for better conditions and opportunities for his people.'
(Source: cover, No Freekicks: Family, Community and Football: A Noongar Story (2006); Fremantle Press website)
