This old man's name was Thomas. He was an indigenous man

From PenguinWiki

In accordance with indigenous tradition amongst aboriginal people in australia, there is in some cultures a prohibition on naming people or showing their image if they have died or it is not known if they may now be deceased. Out of respect for the indigenous people and their traditions, I can guarantee that the name of the person mentioned in this section 'song for that stream' is a fictional name and cultural sensitivies have been observed.