For my (late) Uncle Jim Revitt, country newspaper reporter, foreign correspondent – radio and TV, ABC TV producer/reporter, the inspiration to all his ABC cadets over the years . . . and who marched a young girl into the heart of a newspaper empire to learn to be a journalist before she became a novelist. How right you were, Jimbo!
My children, Dr Gabrielle Morrissey Hansen and Dr Nicolas Morrissey, who teach and give back to society and the world we share, and for my grandchildren, Sonoma, Everton, Bodhi, Ulani, who are learning about our world through reading a book, seeing in real life, talking, sharing and doing.
Darling Boris, who carries the burden of oiling the wheels, keeping the garden growing, and is there with love and support each and every day.
And welcome to the world beautiful Ellie Janjic! An inspiration and a gorgeous gift to Kathryn and Jeremy.
To editor and friend Bernadette Foley, who has helped me through many books on and off over the many years. Thanks, B!
Brianne Collins, whose sharp eyes and gentle wisdom picks and polishes pages as I go.
The Pan Mac family: Ross Gibb, Katie Crawford, Georgia Douglas, Tracey Cheetham, Milly Ivanovic, Adrik Kemp and my roadie publicity buddy, Clare Keighery.
Those friends you can call and bleat to as well as have a laugh; agent supremo Jane Novak, Jeff Balsmeyer, Joan Frare, Liz Adams. Also Kristy Swift for holding my hand through the world of IT.
To all my compatriots around Australia running independent regional newspapers – good on you. We need you!
With best wishes to my new friend Dan Meehan, in memory of his beloved Sam.
And in memory of a devoted reader, Susan Kelly.