Who is the Man on the $2 Coin?

Gwoya Tjungurrayi is a figure whose legacy reaches far beyond his life in the Australian Outback. Born around 1895 in the Tanami Desert, Tjungurrayi was a Warlpiri-Anmatyerre man who became an enduring symbol of Indigenous Australian culture, most notably immortalised on the Australian $2 coin.

Tjungurrayi's life was shaped by the harsh realities of the early 20th century in the Northern Territory. He was a survivor of the 1928 Coniston Massacre, one of the most brutal attacks on Indigenous people in Australia's history, where dozens of his relatives were killed by settlers.  Despite this traumatic event, Tjungurrayi remained connected to his ancestral lands, living and working in the region.

Tjungurrayi earned the nickname "One Pound Jimmy" because of his side business making and selling boomerangs, which he famously priced at one pound each. This nickname, while widely recognised, is considered offensive by some today, reflecting the complex interplay between cultural identity and colonial history.

Tjungurrayi's image first gained national and international attention in 1935 when photographer Roy Dunstan captured his likeness during a visit to the Northern Territory. The photograph, which depicted Tjungurrayi with his distinctive features and dignified bearing, was widely circulated and even featured on the cover of the popular tourism magazine "Walkabout." This image later served as the basis for the design of the $2 coin, which was introduced in 1988 as part of Australia’s bicentennial celebrations.

The decision to use Tjungurrayi's image on the coin was not initially intended to represent any specific individual. However, artist Ainslie Roberts' drawing of Dunstan's photograph became the model for the coin's design. Thus, Tjungurrayi became the face of our widely circulated currency, a lasting tribute to his legacy and a symbol of Australia's Indigenous heritage.

Beyond the $2 coin, Tjungurrayi's legacy extends to other significant honours. In 1950, he became the first Indigenous Australian to be featured on a postage stamp, a remarkable achievement that highlighted his growing recognition. His name continues to resonate, with the Electoral Division of Gwoja in the Northern Territory named in his honour.

Tjungurrayi's life story is one of resilience and quiet dignity. Despite the hardships he faced, he became a respected elder and lawman within his community, and his image now serves as a powerful reminder of the rich cultural history of Australia's Indigenous people. His presence on the $2 coin ensures that his legacy continues to be remembered by millions everyday, solidifying Gwoya Tjungurrayi as a symbol of survival and the enduring spirit of his people.

Sources:
The remarkable life of the Walpiri-Anmatyerre man on the $2 coin, Gwoja Tjungurrayi. NITV, SBS, 14 July 2021

Gwoya Tjungurrayi. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 22 Aug. 2023