Renowned author Peter FitzSimons to visit Shepparton Library
By Aaron Cordy
THERE are few names more renowned in Australian history than Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, AC, CMG, OBE. There are few names more renowned in Australian Historical writing than Peter FitzSimons AM. When the two come together, it is an instant must-read.
In what will be an incredible night at the Shepparton Library, Peter FitzSimons will talk about his latest book, The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop, on Friday, October 31, from 6.30pm.
A boxer and former Wallaby, Weary was a gentle giant of a man. Born in Wangaratta, he attended Benalla High School. He trained as a pharmacist and then went to medical school, before World War II fuelled the fire of this remarkable hero. His courageous leadership and calm endurance became beacons of hope to the POWs under his command.
“I think I signed my first contract to do Weary Dunlop 15 or 20 years ago. And I resisted, because I don’t know, I thought it was such a big subject, and I had a bit of a look, but I didn’t understand how absorbing the story is,” said Peter.
“Once you get into it, you know what happened on the Thai-Burma railway was phenomenal. For those men, those diggers, on the Thai-Burma railway, he was like a beacon of light in the stygian darkness.”
The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop, explores not only the heroics of the great man, but some of the lesser-known stories, like a tale Weary’s son John told Peter about a young bloke in a convertible stealing Weary’s car park.
“… one brother says to the other, ‘This isn’t going to end well.’ Weary gets out, and the young man yells at Weary. So, Weary pulls back his right fist, smacks him in the jaw, knocks him out, leans forward, takes the handbrake off, pushes the car out into the car park, and parks his car,” said Peter.
“How did he get away with that, you know? And the answer was, well, he was beloved by all, and the guy had done the wrong thing, and the police knew that. So, he was that sort of a guy.”
To learn more about The Courageous Life of Weary Dunlop, Peter FitzSimons will be at the Shepparton Library, Friday, October 31st, from 6.30pm. Book your seat by calling 1300 374 765 or email shepparton@gvlibraries.com.au. You can also book online via the library website www.gvlibraries.com.au/events. Copies of the book will be available to purchase at the event and Peter will be happy to sign them.
