Sallay Mahomet

Sallay Mahomet (16 September 1911 – 15 July 1983), sometimes spelled Saleh, was an Afghan Australian cameleer and camel trainer who lived for much of his life at Alice Springs.

Mahomet is perhaps best known for helping train Robyn Davidson for the 1977 camel expedition that is documented in her book Tracks, and a subsequent 2013 film adaptation.

Early life Mahomet was the son of Afghan Cameleer Gool Mahomet and his wife, French woman, Desiree Ernestine Adrienne Lesire who, following her marriage and conversion to Islam changed her name to Miriam Bebe. He was the couple's first child, born at Coolgardie, Western Australia on 16 September 1911, and his family moved around Australia for much of his childhood and early adulthood.

Career In 1931 Mahomet stopped travelling as much as he had when his father leased, and later purchased, Mulgaria Station in South Australia and he worked there for many years; taking over the management of it following his father's death in 1950. Whitlam hoped that this gift would link these two countries in a 'cultural cousinship' and that this wealthy Arab nation would loan Australia money. Just before Mahomet's arrival in Saudi Arabia King Faisal was assassinated and had been replaced by King Khalid. On this trip Mahomet was able to make his first visit to Mecca. that would accompany her on the journey. During this journey Davidson said that she would often recall Mahomet's advice and warnings; especially when faced with the ferocity of in season wild camels eyeing her herd. Following his death cards and telegrams of bereavement and sympathy arrived from all over the Muslim world.