PAISIO, Franco

ISBN 978-1-923589-20-9
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Mini Poems and Other Bagatelles

Mini Poems and Other Bagatelles is a collection of predominantly concise poems written over the past five decades. The majority of these verses have been unearthed from the bottom of drawers, neglected folders, the reverse sides of envelopes, and in other unlikely places. Some are humorous, while others encompass a degree of pathos; they are compiled here not in chronological order but randomly
– merely for fun.

ISBN 978-1-923265-35-6
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Bone and Marrow-Deep

Bone and Marrow-Deep is a collection of mainly recent poems, taut, lyrical, and short. Dealing with the passing of time, loss of memory, and old age reveries. Poems, in their simplicity, exploring both the complexities and caprices of existence. Poems in search of clarity, in search of things indecipherable. Paisio shows once again in these brief verses, that even if he deems existence superfluous, and unjustifiable, he is enamoured with the magnificent, wondrous, unique, and unrepeatable adventure that life is.

About the Author

 

Franco Paisio was born in Milan in 1936. He is an artist and poet who studied painting, sculpture, and ceramics in Italy and Australia. He had numerous solo exhibitions both in Australia and Europe. His works are held in many national, corporate, and private collections. Franco has given numerous poetry readings, and from 1975 to 1985 was a contributing editor of “Aspect”, the now defunct Sydney-based art and literature magazine. He lives and works in contemplative solitude in Sydney, Australia.

RANKIN, Matt

ISBN 978-1-923265-26-4
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Sapphire Millie

 

And the Quest for the Unknown Destiny

Set amongst the spectacular Australian Bush, Sapphire Millie and the Quest for the Unknown Destiny is a heartwarming tale of love, loss,
sacrifice and friendship between a group of young animal friends.

Follow their journey through the bush with all its challenges as they face its dangers, excitement and raw beauty and see whether friendship can ultimately pass the test and help them reach their destiny, Sapphire Falls.

Matt Rankin

About the Author

 

Born and raised in Sydney, first time author Matt Rankin lived a childhood that was dominated by a love of sport, going on to excel in Rugby League and Cricket. Matt discovered his passion for writing in his late 30s after being inspired while watching animated movies with his young family, believing his creative mind, along with being young at heart, was the perfect recipe for creating his own characters for many a generation to love.

DITTMANN, Andrew

ISBN 978-1-923265-47-9
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Mummy Is A Miner

Step into the exciting world of mining with Mummy is a Miner! This delightful children’s book introduces young readers to the many
rewarding careers that can be pursued within the mining industry.

From geologists to engineers, operators to environmental scientists, Mummy is a Miner breaks down gender stereotypes and promotes inclusion within the workforce.

Through colourful illustrations and engaging descriptions, children will learn about the diverse and vital roles that many people play within this fascinating industry.

Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions or explaining mining to non-miners, Mummy is a Miner is the perfect book for those interested in discovering the world of mining.

Andrew Dittmann self-published author

About the Author

 

Andrew Dittmann is a passionate and dedicated advocate of the mining industry. With a background in Mining Engineering and a love for creative writing, Andrew combines his technical expertise and storytelling abilities to influence positive change within the industry and to educate and inspire the next generation of miners. Drawing from his own experiences in the mining industry, Andrew aims to shine a light on the incredible opportunities available to everyone, regardless of gender.

Andrew’s writing is inspired by his desire to educate and empower the next generation. He hopes this book will inspire children everywhere to pursue their passions and believe in their limitless potential.

“Mummy is a Miner” is Andrew’s debut children’s book. The book was inspired by strong women he has met throughout his career combined with his ongoing drive to change the public perception of the mining industry, break down gender stereotypes and foster inclusive work environments.

When he’s not writing, Andrew enjoys catching up with friends, playing sport, mentoring young professionals, and spending time with his family. As a founding member of Australia’s non-for-profit group Young Mining Professionals, he is passionate about the future of the mining industry and is actively engaged in providing a platform for mining’s future leaders to connect, learn and develop around the world.

Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-dittmann to learn more about his work and upcoming projects.

CROSS, Roger

ISBN 978-1-923680-14-2
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Minnie Riordan

 

I wrote my will across the sky in stars

When Isaac Williams retires he finds a new meaning to his life exploring his long forgotten great grandmother’s life. Her adventures affect him in the most unexpected ways. It is as if she creates a meaning and purpose for his retirement.

In Minnie Riordan: I wrote my will across the sky in stars you will find a story about a woman who broke the mould of nineteenth century women, and charted a path in the grand search for the place of human beings in the Universe. Minnie meets and holds her own among some of the ‘real’ and prominent men of her time.

Her life is enriched by a chance acquisition by her father, and she comes to blaze a trail among those women in late nineteenth century, who were breaking the conventional roles allotted to them. Surprisingly she found success in a man’s world

Minnie isn’t just a child of her time. She is at the forefront of change and hope for the future.

Minnie finds fulfilment in a way unimaginable for most women of the late nineteenth century, in a science that brings elation, happiness, as well as incredible discoveries.

Of the ‘real’ people she meets, all their actions and words are entirely fictitious and have no resemblance to their actual lives. I salute them all.

 

Dear reader, while this is a work of fiction, the many known places and real people Minnie inhabits and meets have induced me to include a list of further reading in case you would like to follow up investigating any of the events, places or people her contained. Finally, the illustrations are not meant to be a prompt to your imagination, but to illustrate Minnie’s long lost world.

 

For all who peer through the eyepiece of a telescope, may you too experience Minnie’s sense of elation at the wonders of our southern night sky through the eyepiece you will, I am sure, experience the same delight as Minnie.

ISBN 978-1-923214-21-7
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Everlastings

 

Becoming Me, Annie Richards the flower hunter

Annie so often described her life as ‘fearful’ and yet it is evident that she enjoyed a remarkable first success as a flower hunter and later an astonishing development as a ‘would be naturalist.’ With determination and persistence, she became one of the most prolific flower collectors for two scientific gentlemen – Baron von Mueller of Melbourne and Professor Tate of The University of Adelaide. Living in a lonely and isolated part of South Australia, she became, by chance, a trailblazer for what would eventually be called the ‘New Woman’.

This too is a tragic story of neglect and hardship; it dogged her desire to be a Victorian ‘lady’ and to be recognised as one of the famous flower hunters of the nineteenth century. Despite all her difficulties and disappointments she was to collect plant specimens for 20 years. Neglected and forgotten, Annie Richards was to triumph in most surprising ways. This account reveals her rightful place in the pantheon of Victorian women who broke the expected role of subservience. Annie’s life, 1845-1930, brings into sharp focus the plight of contemporary women who were bold and fearless, but unfulfilled intellectually.

Roger Cross has written this story out of a deep love of the Australian bush, especially the much maligned Mallee of Southern Australia. It was in the Mallee that Annie found herself and achieved so much. He feels saddened by the neglect shown to her by Baron von Mueller and is thankful to Professor Ralph Tate for recognising her worth, rescuing her dignity and her self-esteem.