Synopsis "Song of the Billabong (in English)"
This new publication of non-fiction short stories is the result of the enthusiastic response to the author's previous publications, "The Forky Stick", "The Brumby Mare" and "The Moonlight Stallion". The last two were bunched up and published as a collection in "A Swag of Memories", by Hatchette, Australia. The authors family pioneered in the 1850s to Victoria, Australia, at a place called The landing, near Foster. His father grew up there and subsequently moved to New Zealand. Strongly influenced by family heritage and a bush upbringing Brian came to North Queensland in the 1950s, where the big mobs used to run. Brian's life on the land in New Zealand and Queensland as a ringer, drover, fencer, shearer and saddler has prepared him well to be a story teller. Back along life's track the memories of characters, the moments long gone and the Australian bush itself, with all its moods taught him the meaning of joy and belonging, giving peace of mind and always the strength to carry on. One of his accomplishments was the amazing role he played in the establishment of the 5000 odd kilometre Bicentennial National Trail, from Cooktown to Melbourne as mentioned in the story "The Old Bullock Horns". Readers of this collection, whether from the city or the bush, young or old, will be moved to laughter or to tears, or just to ponder as they turn the pages of these evocative and heart-felt stories.
