AMONG many of the pleasures writing history books has given me, has been the opportunity to meet many of the numerous men and women who have contributed significantly to the growth and development of Port Stephens.

Listening to their stories and viewing their old photographs has been a step back in time to a wonderful period in our development as a nation.

From the Worimi people, who first settled our shores and were such a significant, positive influence on the oyster industry to the pioneering commercial fishermen, boat builders and light keepers.

Broughton Islanders were a tough lot who ventured outside the safety of the port to motor and sail the treacherous eight nautical miles to an island surrounded by lobsters and fish.

I have felt particularly privileged to have been welcomed into the homes and lives of these people and wish to thank them sincerely for their generosity and warmth.

There has been no work involved in writing these books, to me it has been a great experience.

The pioneers of this area deserve recognition and the respect that they have earned.

To put it simply, the folks that I interviewed, for all my books, were a wonderful group of people who lived in an era that was free of many of the dilemmas associated with modern society.

There was a mutual respect that was undeniable from one family to another, a genuine care for the welfare of others who shared their lives and experiences.

The lifestyle that I uncovered was basically a struggle in tough times and was dominated by hard working, hard drinking, heartbreak and happiness.

The closeness of the characters in this book was moulded by their reliance upon each other.

Woven throughout this period in our history, that included two Great Wars and a Depression, existed a spirit that is truly Australian.

These people could always find something to laugh about when it appeared all was lost, a sense of ‘Digger’ humour that I think only exists in us.

A fun-loving attitude that defines our character, an attitude that I hope we never lose.

Pranks were a part of everyday living, never hurtful or demeaning.

Not a day would pass when there wasn’t a good natured ‘set up’ on some unsuspecting soul who would respond at some time in the future.

I laughed at the craziness of it all and thought how much I wished that I could have been a part of it.

Currently I am writing my fifth history book, ‘Marsh Road’, due for release in October 2024.

As I interview those old families that chose to live in Bob’s Farm, along Marsh Road I find the very same approach to life.

I am learning so much.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE