Despite the focus of the population on the coast and in the major capital cities, the enduring image of Australia and Australians is the laconic, hard-working, resilient men and women of the outback.
Men of the outback battle the elements to raise crops and livestock in searing heat and hostile conditions. In many cases, the wives and partners of these men are right beside them. Not only do they contribute to the running of the properties, they maintain families and homes and contribute significantly to the strong sense of community found in these isolated regions.
Fourteen Inspiring Australian Women
Women of the Outback (Michael Joseph, 2008) by Sue Williams profiles the lives of 14 diverse Australian women. Many have survived tragedies and all have faced disappointments and almost overwhelming challenges. Some of these women were born in the outback, others have traded city life for the challenges of rural life and found more than they ever bargained for.
In a world where many consider themselves isolated if they don’t have access to a 24-hour supermarket, the isolation of these women alone earns the readers respect. Their stories will inspire admiration.
Gayle Shann (Moranbah, Queensland)
Molly Clark (Old Andado, Northern Territory)
Nell Brook (Birdsville, Queensland)
Mitjili Gibson Napanangka (Lake Mackay, Western Australia)
Sara Storer (near Wemen, Victoria)
Susan Cutler (near Thallon, Queensland)
Lynnie Plate (Oodnadatta, South Australia)
Mandy Muir (Kakadu, Northern Territory)
Alice Greenup (near Kingaroy, Queensland)
Jane Fargher (Parachilna, South Australia)
Sandy Thorne (Lightning Ridge, New South Wales)
Sharon Oldfield (Cowarie, South Australia)
Terry Underwood (Riveren, Northern Territory)
Interesting Stories, Well Told
While the stories of these women are undeniably amazing, Sue Williams ensures that readers are not left simply impressed but disconnected. Williams conveys not only their spirit of endurance and triumph over the land and adversity, she also conveys the very real ordinariness of the 14 women profiled in Women of the Outback.
The genuine humility of these women, who do not believe that they have achieved anything above the ordinary, plays a significant part in the appeal of their stories. Their honest admissions about their struggles and doubts make their achievements all the more noteworthy.
Author Profile: Sue Williams
Sue Williams is an award-winning author whose previous best-selling titles include Peter Ryan: The Inside Story (Penguin, 2002), Mean Streets, Kind Hearts: The Father Chris Riley Story (HarperCollins, 2003) and And then the Darkness: The Disappearance of Peter Falconio and the trials of Joanne Lees (ABC Books, 2006).
Born in England and currently living in Sydney, Sue Williams’ previous work demonstrates her connection with the people and culture of Australia.
True Stories to Inspire
Reading Women of the Outback is a reminder not only of what it means to be Australian, but also the value of womanhood. Resilient, nurturing, creative, indomitable – these women highlight the best that humankind has to offer. Their stories are inspiring and their determination humbling.
Women of the Outback demonstrates that living in some of the harshest and most isolated areas on earth can develop in ordinary women and men an incredible appreciation for what life has to offer and an ability to find beauty, friendship, success, love and achievement in the wonders and challenges of everyday life.
Women of the Outback (ISBN: 978-0-7181-0494-8, 288 pages)
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