National Network for Equitable Library Service

After a rather dissolute youth and having been disowned by his father, John Caldigate sets sail for Australia with his friend Dick Shand hoping to make his fortune in the goldfields in New South Wales. On the voyage, he meets Euphemia Smith and they conduct an indiscreet affair aboard. After various problems, Caldigate literally strikes gold and returns to Sydney where he meets Euphemia again and they settle, living as man and wife. After a time, they quarrel and Caldigate returns to England.

50,000 years ago: The People, who for time immemorial have lived in the Javanese rainforests, are driven from their ancestral hunting grounds by the invaders they call the Newcomers. So begins the epic journey that will bring them to Australia.

Sir William Deane was Governor-General during a time of great change in this country-political, economic and social. He was a unifying force throughout; and even those who may have disagreed with some of his views recognised that he was a most impressive leader.

Some 50,000 young people were brought to Australia under the youth migration scheme. Its aim was simply to fill Australia's empty space with young people of white, essentially Angol-Saxon stock. This book tells their collective story.

Janet Holmes a Court' is a detailed portriat of a complex and passionate Australian who has never been afraid to do things her own way. In 1990, the legendary Robert Holmes a Court died, and his wife Janet took over the reigns of the company he made famous, Heytesbury Holdings. Against all expectations and prejudices she has been able to successfully guide that tottering empire on to a new stage. Janet's story is one of a strong, determined woman who has overcome loss to triumph as one of Australia's living treasures.

An account of daily life in Australia from the gold rushes to World War I.

Ned Kelly was a thief, a bank robber and a murderer. He was in trouble with the law from the age of 12. He stole hundreds of horses and cattle. He robbed two banks. He killed three men. Yet, when Ned was sentenced to death, thousands of people rallied to save his life. He stood up to the authorities and fought for what he believed in. He defended the rights of people who had no power. Was he a villian? Or a hero? What do you think?