Outback Odyssey

Protagonist Brad had a troubled upbringing in a post WW11 Brisbane suburb. Family and school issues saw him leave home and led him into a life of crime which involved alcohol, drugs and violence. A Brother Chris from a Catholic Convent attempted to rehabilitate Brad, without lasting success. A prison term, a serious assault and further intervention by Brother Chris saw Brad, initially against his will, sent to an outback farming and grazing property. For the following two years, Brad experiences work, life, relationships and love on three quite different outback properties. He falls in love with a Governess, Sally, but for various reasons, leaves her while he seeks further work and experience westwards. After a serious horse-inflicted injury, Brad spends some time in Alice Springs Hospital in Central Australia. Through family contacts of his aboriginal overseer, Brad is rehabilitated on a remote aboriginal community under the care of an aboriginal trainee nurse who falls in love with him. After several 'false starts' he eventually returns to Brisbane to resolve outstanding family and relationship matters. It is here that he finally comes to terms with himself, his past and his future.