Prize of the week

Aug 5, 2022

Rachel by Jeff McGill

Rachel Kennedy was a colonial folk hero. Born in the wild and remote Warrumbungle mountains of western NSW in 1845, she was described by Duke Tritton of The Bulletin as Australia's greatest pioneer woman of them all.

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Rachel caught brumbies, hid bushrangers, went to war with squatter kings, fed starving families during the shearing strikes, worked as a revered bush nurse and midwife, and fought for the underdog after observing the bitter experiences of the Chinese on the goldfields.

She also built rare friendships with Aboriginal people, including a lifelong relationship with her ‘sister’ Mary Jane Cain, a proud campaigner for the rights of her people.

Meticulously researched and written by Rachel’s great-great-grandson, this is a vivid and at times heartbreaking story of a pioneering woman who left a legacy that went well beyond her lifetime.

Rachel by Jeff McGill is published by Allen & Unwin, RRP $32.99.

GIVEAWAY

For a chance to win a copy of Rachel, please send your name, address, daytime phone number and the answer to this question: When does Goulburn-Murray Water’s 2022-23 irrigation season open? to : Country Life ‘Rachel’ Competition, PO Box 8000, Shepparton, 3632, by Friday, August 19.