Alan and Stephen Pigram. It could be said that this is all your fault, and I thank you for it.
Grants from the Western Australian Department of Culture and the Arts and the Australia Council supported me during the research and initial writing phase of work on this book.
Sharon and Tony Gavranich for their generosity and hospitality in the early days of this journey.
The Bunuba mob. As the author’s note explains, this is on my head, not yours. But I would like to thank you for the privilege of getting to know you and your beautiful country. For those who read it, I hope it does not disappoint.
For help along the way. Lesley Corbett, my editor of first resort, amongst other things. Sam and Kel Corbett for their intelligent readings and feedback. My agent Clive Newman, always dependable. Ray Coffey for important input at the time it was most needed. And my official editor Naama Grey-Smith, a wonderful collaborator; it’s always good to work with someone who’s on the same page.
The lyrics from ‘Roadtrain’ on the Pigram Brothers’ Saltwater Country album are reproduced with permission, courtesy of Pigram Music.