Banjo Paterson left Winton in 1895 after writing Waltzing Matilda to head to Sydney for the release of his first book of poems, The Man From Snowy River and Other Verses.
This year authors, both budding and published, will head to Winton for the inaugural Outback Writers Festival from June 21-23.
Travelling from Sydney will be Sue Williams, author of books such as Women of the Outback, No Time for Fear and And Then The Darkness - the story of the disappearance of British backpacker Peter Falconio.
Ross Davies has authored Three Brilliant Careers - stories of outback governesses Nell Malone, Miles Franklin and Brisbane-born Kath Ussher.
North west Queensland’s Norah Kersh has been writing children's books for over 20 years. Titles such as Outback Alphabet, Outback Doctor and Grandma's Precious Chest have been entertaining and teaching children across Australia.
A check captain with Australia's largest regional airline, Helene Young also finds time to write. She won the Romance Writers of Australia Book of the Year Award in 2011 and 2012 and will also appear at the Outback Writers Festival in Winton.
Her book Burning Lies was shortlisted in the Daphne du Maurier Mystery/Suspense award in the USA.
No stranger to western Queensland, John Morrison, resident artist at the Stockman's Hall of Fame in Longreach, will also be part of the writing panel.
His book of text and paintings on Harry Readford is being followed by a book on the Kenniff Brothers.
Rounding off the authors at the festival is Don Douglas.
His family has been pastoralists in Queensland for five generations, and his series of books based on a fictional bushranger Elijah Henry have been very popular.
As well as literary lunches, poets’ breakfasts, camp oven dinners, a short story competition and master classes, more about the first annual Outback Writers Festival can be found at www.outbackwritersfestival.com.au
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
