Your epic book of your childhood and the rise and fall of the empire of Bill Tapp took me on an adventure of love, fun, disaster, survival and the appreciation of the vast land of Killarney in all its beauty and hardships. I heard a small segment of your radio interview on the release of “A Sunburnt Childhood” as I was driving to work and couldn’t wait to get my hands on your book that I read in a little over 24 hours!!
Thank you for taking me on your extraordinary journey sharing your life and your love of the land – I laughed and cried and felt the pride, emotions, strength and resilience that shaped your lives as page after page revealed the remote, harsh, tough life and the solid teamwork of your parents; their family and the many characters who lived and worked on Killarney.
My partner and I are planning a trip to Darwin to visit family and then drive through to the Red Centre. I would very much love the privilege to meet you while we are in Katherine and will keep you posted when dates are definite. I live in Rockhampton Qld and was reared on what was considered a large cattle station by Central Qld standards – nothing remotely similar to your life experiences or the massive station sizes in NT!! My Dad managed cattle stations for a company and the only similarity is the purchase of King Ranch Santa Gertrudis and Quarter Horse Studs from Bowral NSW back in the ‘60s.
Once again “thank you” for your vivid memoirs that have left me in awe of your rich life of events and experiences that have deepened my appreciation for the strength of spirit in dreams fulfilled.
Love & Appreciation – Melody