Veteran Story: David Aya (1888-1964) was born in Townsville and worked as a labourer prior to his enlistment in July 1917. He was the oldest child of Lizzie Cassidy an Aboriginal woman from Black River, near Townsville, his stepfather was John Aya, of Ceylonese heritage born in Cooktown. Aya embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT Indarra in November 1917 and disembarked in Egypt before sailing for Europe. When he arrived in England he was hospitalised with mumps, and a few months later became seriously ill having contracted pleurisy. Aya was returned to Australia in April 1918 and discharged, medically unfit. He returned to his life in Townsville and later went by the name of Wright, he died in 1964. Aya Street, Heatley near Townsville was named in his honour.
