William Thomas (29 April 1794 – 1 December 1867) represented Aboriginal people in various roles in the Port Phillip district (now known as the state of Victoria) in Australia.

[2] With little capital or prospects for patronage, he founded a successful school located in Southwark on the Old Kent Road in south-east London.

[3] Thomas's achievements as an educator and his devout Methodism brought him to the attention of the post-Reform Act government.

Thomas stayed in government service with his appointment of Guardian of the Aborigines though arrangement with La Trobe for the counties of Bourke and Mornington and Evelyn.

His influence and advocacy saw a later appointment as Adviser on Aboriginal Affairs which he held until a few months before his death on 1 December 1867.