To Elisabeth Hanscombe, I owe an immense debt of gratitude: her kindness and belief never wavered, when mine often did.
Thank you to Michael Heyward and the dream team at Text Publishing, and most of all to Penny Hueston, my brilliant editor, whose guidance and great care informs this book.
Love and appreciation to my brother, Malcolm, whose remarkable knowledge of country and creatures inspires my own.
Above all, heartfelt thanks to Stan, whose love made it all possible.