Author(s): Alex Campbell

Australian Studies

The Campbells have been farming in Australia since1846. This book details the many powerful influences that have dominated the family and agriculture over the years: the relentlessly variable climate - 'a sunburnt country, of drought and flooding rains'; the rise and decline of the mighty Merino wool industry; state and federal politics as experienced by those of us 'in the bush'; challenges as diverse as dingoes, rabbits, bush fire, salinity and now climate change; benefits of strong rural communities as demonstrated by the support of local fire brigades, sporting facilities and Landcare; all faced under the ever-present constraints of isolation and distance.

The stories and records have come down through government and church sources, newspaper articles, family scrapbooks and photo albums, together with word of mouth. This history of the Campbells is outlined with increasing detail as the generations progress. While the emphasis is on agriculture, you will find the large family has also played its part in many other spheres of Australia's development.

The book is written as a yarn, supported by accurate detail where needed. The defining role of the women who married into the Campbell family is spelt out. Without exception, they have been innovative, courageous, loyal and of strong personal character. Many of them were also of pioneering pastoral families, equally deserving of mention in this farming odyssey.