National Geographic: Alec Ross, Heritage Guide, Alice Springs

Find more information about Alice Springs at http://australiasoutback.com

It was here, four kilometres north of Alice Springs, that the Overland Telegraph Station changed the face of the Australian Outback forever. It forged the first European settlement in Central Australia (1872), with Darwin, the closest neighbour, almost 1500 kilometres away.

The Telegraph Line revolutionised the communications industry in Australia, by delivering messages from London in just 14 hours, which blitzed the usual two or three months via boat. The original buildings have been restored and are open for exploration today.

However, local identity Alec Ross has a different story to tell about the Telegraph Station. When it ceased operations in 1932, it became a home for Aboriginal children, including Alec.

He now works as a guide at the site. Here, he shares his story about growing up on the station and how his childhood shaped him.

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[venomouspython]

lol thats my uncle my nanas older (actually hes the oldest) older brother