Bigskypublishing

31/01/2025

Guilty of reading the same book over and over? You’re not alone! Why not switch things up with 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙚 by Lily Arthur Author and 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝙁𝙧𝙚𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 by Jane Smith? These could be your next favourites!

Shop these at the nearest bookstore or find them online at Amazon.com.au and Booktopia—available in eBook and paperback!

31/01/2025

⚪️ FOVA invites YOU, the Veteran Community to SHARE in connection ➰ , conversations 💬 & ‘hands on’ creativity 📸 alongside Veteran Arts Mentors - JOIN in the workshops, events & exhibitions TOGETHER!

21 - 30 March 2025

Key Events include:

⚪️ FOVA Family Colour Parade – ‘Walk The Tan TOGETHER’ in a vibrant display of community & creative spirit

⚪️ Art Exhibitions – including March to Art: TOGETHER, Victoria Barracks exhibition, & Veterans Public Arts Trail

⚪️ Digital Photographic Challenge across the Community - FOVA theme: TOGETHER

⚪️ Summit – insightful panels on veteran wellbeing, creativity, & entrepreneurship

⚪️ Variety Performance – celebrate the Veteran Community Artistic achievements through performance, including dance, comedy & spoken word

⚪️ Live Music & Last Post Service – recognition of service & community through music, reflection & commemoration 🌺

🟢 Veteran Community-Only Events:

🟢 Creative Workshops – Veteran Arts Mentor-led sessions in visual arts, photography, music, writing & more, exclusive to the Veteran Community (18yrs+ event)

🟢 Open House at Waller House – a private & exclusive opportunity to explore the iconic home of Napier & Christian Waller, Victorian artists who created cultural landmarks across Melbourne & Australia (18yrs+ event)

&

MORE!*

FOVA25 program details out 🔜

The Australian National Veterans Arts Museum (ANVAM) has unveiled the official program for the second annual Festival Of Veterans Arts (FOVA) running from March 21 to 30 2025, in Melbourne’s Southbank and Arts Precinct.

Following a successful debut in 2024, FOVA will offer an even wider selection of veteran and public events under this year’s theme, “TOGETHER,” highlighting creativity as a unifying force for veterans, families, and the community.

We encourage veterans, families, and supporters who are able to attend to go along and participate in this important and inspiring celebration of the veteran community.

For more information on event time, exhibitions, and how to get involved, head to the FOVA website: https://www.fova.org.au/

31/01/2025

Enjoy the weekend ... if you need shoes is it really the weekend?

Credit Aussie Vets PTSD Group

Bout right too-Joy

31/01/2025

96km for a good cause Soldier On Australia

CLICK to learn more.

31/01/2025

A powerful review of ‘Prisoner of the State’ by the Honorable Nahum Mushin. His words highlight the book’s raw honesty and its vital contribution to understanding forced adoption in Australia.

As Mushin notes, Lily’s story “pulls no punches.” We are proud to publish this important work and support stories that drive change. Congratulations, Lily Arthur Author, on this remarkable achievement!

Review of my book 'Prisoner of the State by the Honorable Nahum Mushin, former Family Court Judge responsible for the writing of the national apology for forced adoption
I’m sorry that I am unable to join you at this auspicious occasion for family reasons but I wanted to congratulate the scariest woman I know on an outstanding achievement.
I remember reading the judgment in Lily’s case against the State of Queensland immediately after reading the Senate report on forced adoption and feeling that while the outcome was understandable in accordance with the law, there was something quite disturbing about it. Someone who had been treated so appallingly badly should have a legal remedy. It was one of the bases for my readily accepting the invitation of Attorney-General Roxon to chair the Apology Reference Group. Over the next several years I kept going back to that judgment and always had the same reaction. I have referred many people to it.
I vividly recall meeting Lily very soon after my appointment. I went to Sydney with a senior person from the Attorney-General’s Department to talk to Lily about a problem which had arisen. Why Lily? Because she was an important person in forced adoption and her opinion mattered. I remember coming away from that meeting and saying to my colleague: “God she’s scary!” It has obviously stuck to this day.
Lily, “Prisoner of the State” is a very important contribution to our understanding of forced adoption. It is personal from the heart, raw and in your typical way, pulls no punches. My warmest congratulations on its launch and strength to your arm.
Best wishes.
Nahum Mushin.”

31/01/2025

- 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 -

Get to know Jane Smith - Australian author! Award-nominated author and archivist, dedicated to bringing Australia’s history to life through her books. With over 20 titles, her stories continues to inspire readers of all ages.

31/01/2025

Great read from Stephen McGrath about the legendary Jimmy Sharman’s boxing troupe that toured 150 towns across Queensland, NSW, and Victoria for over 60 years.
McGrath, author of 𝑱𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒚 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏’𝒔 𝑩𝒐𝒙𝒆𝒓𝒔, dives into the history of this iconic Australian show tradition.

Find it here:

For over 60 years Jimmy Sharman's boxing troupe toured 150 towns in Queensland, NSW and Victoria. Story Stephen McGrath "One man from the country is worth 2 from the city." That's what boxing tent owner Jimmy Sharman would often say while spruiking up a ladder beside a wooden platform, where up to a

31/01/2025

𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 by Jane Smith unveils the powerful story of Hannah Rigby, the only female convict to remain in Moreton Bay after the settlement closed. This award-nominated book highlights her struggles and resilience, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in 19th-century Australia. A captivating and well-researched read, it resonates with themes of overcoming adversity.

Find this at your local bookstore or shop it online here:
Amazon: https://surl.li/wuxhtl
Booktopia: https://www.booktopia.com.au/one-free-woman-jane-smith/book/9781923144712.html

Jane Smith - Australian author
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30/01/2025

‘Prisoner of the State’ is available in stores now! Congratulations Lily Arthur Author for another successful book and for your courage in sharing your story with us!

On sale now at BigW

30/01/2025

- 𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 -

Get to know our author, Rachel Jayne Cassidy – a passionate advocate for social justice with a rich history of inspiring work across youth, mental health, and women’s rights.

30/01/2025

Join us for the exciting launch of 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒕 𝑷𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆 written by the talented Susanne Gervay Author, a delightful early reader for kids! 🦜

Don’t miss this special event—RSVP now to secure your spot!

RSVP here: https://gleebooks.com.au/event/susanne-gervay-parrot-palace/

Follow Gleebooks for more updates!



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Pooja Mathur

30/01/2025

"Life can change in a Heartbeat"

𝑰𝒏 𝒂 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕 written by a heart attack survivor and former Australian of the Year finalist Rachel Jayne Cassidy, this book shares her journey of survival and recovery. It also features real-life stories from survivors like Greg Page and Paul Mercurio, featuring insights from leading specialists, and a foreword by the CEO of the Heart Foundation. Combining inspiration with vital heart health resources, this book offers life-saving insights for readers of all ages.

Get your copy now at your nearest bookstore or online at Amazon.com.au and Booktopia and discover the inspiring journey to recovery and life-saving heart health insights.

—---------------
Paul Mercurio MP Heart Foundation

29/01/2025

𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐲! 📚

We have some exciting new titles to share with you! Scroll to see what’s out and let us know what you’re looking forward to reading in the comments!

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29/01/2025

‘One Free Woman’ is out now! Congratulations to Jane Smith - Australian author on bringing Hannah Rigby and the time and era she lived in to life. 📚

‘These women are twice convicted, and among them are no doubt some of the most depraved of their sex,’ wrote James Backhouse, Quaker missionary visiting Moreton Bay Penal Establishment in 1836. Hannah Rigby was one of those women, struggling against unimaginable hardship and loss. ‘One Free Woman’ will hit the shelves within a week! Pre-order at any book store or here: https://www.amazon.com.au/One-Free-Woman-Convict-Hannah-ebook/dp/B0DQLNSG99

29/01/2025

Here are some new releases that we are excited about! 🎉

🏛️ 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆 by Lily Arthur Author- Uncover the shocking truth behind Australia’s forced adoption policies. Lily Arthur’s powerful memoir reveals her wrongful incarceration, stolen child, and her fight for justice, inspiring global change.

💖 𝑰𝒏 𝒂 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒕 by Rachel Jayne Cassidy- A heart attack survivor’s raw journey, filled with survival stories and life-saving heart health insights. This is a timely read for anyone seeking hope and knowledge.

🏛️ 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏 by Jane Smith - Australian author- The untold story of convict Hannah Rigby, the only woman to stay in Moreton Bay after the penal settlement closed. A moving tale of resilience and survival in 19th-century Australia.

🏈 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒏 by Peter Stanley- Set during WWII’s final days, this gripping novel blends military conflict with Australian Rules football, exploring internal army tensions and the harsh realities of war.

They're out now! Grab your copies at your local bookstore, library or online at and enjoy these stories that will inspire, inform, and captivate you. 📚✨