Tolerating the Aborigines is guided into the story by his feeling of acceptance and belonging when with the Aborigines and his short but sweet friendship with Dumby Red. By the end of the book, Gary is aware that the Port is not the place where he wants to spend the rest of his life, as he realises that he doesn't have the power to erase the racism that is well and truly alive in the Port.
In the novel, Gary also learns about friendships and the feeling of belonging. Gary makes many new friendships with Dumby and his relatives, who help him to understand what it's like to feel rejected. Upon Dumby Red's arrival at the football club, Gary immediately hated him, but not because he is racist - but because of his talent. Once Dumby Red saved Gary from Mad Dog's grasp in Tangaratta, Blacky "stopped hating Dumby Red's guts" and began to like him. From this point on, Gary began to learn more and more about the Aboriginal culture, as well as developing a strong friendship with Dumby and his "mob". When Blacky's friends test him with racial comments towards Dumby Red, Gary stands strong in his friendship, as he knows and sees values in people who are different. His friendship with Dumby helps him gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the Aborigines, and from then on Gary finds the racial jokes from the front bar "not so funny any more". His mateship and belonging further develops when, after scared of being rejected, Gary is treated well at Dumby's funeral and so returns the favour by getting rid of the "BOONGS PISS OFF" sign. Gary's attendance is greatly appreciated, although his friendship with the Aborigines is made complicated by Gary's intolerant town and cowardly father.
Courage isn't a value which Gary began his life with, and in fact, Gary had to work extremely hard to build up the courage and maturity to do things like making conversation with Cathy. On his journey to becoming a hero, Gary faced many challenges which needed and developed his courage and maturity.
