Elliott: In the middle of Everywhere

Some people might think “this place is in the middle of nowhere” but people who appreciate the history of Elliott, its people and the places around about, realise that Elliott is really “in the middle of everywhere.” Certainly it has been right in the centre of great events in Australian history.

Great history comes alive in this book, and so do the people who made that history; people whose adventures and misadventures would be impossible to believe were it not for the proof within the 160 beautifully written and illustrated pages.

Some time ago, the Elliott Community Government Council commissioned Peter and Sheila Forrest to research and complete a publication detailing the history of the Elliott district and community. Completion was a project of the Barkly Shire Council.

The book was launched on 6 May 2012 at Newcastle Waters by Ted Egan AO, who was a former resident of the historic town.

The launch combined with the unveiling of a plaque by Council President Ms Barb Shaw in Drovers Park to commemorate the 150th anniversary of explorer John McDouall Stuart camping at Newcastle Waters and to acknowledge the first people of the land.

MC for the two events was Mr Stuart Traynor, president of the McDouall Stuart Branch of National Trust NT

In The Middle of Everywhere by historians Peter and Sheila Forrest