Biographies

17 Miles from Kellerberrin

Ethel Higginson’s story of growing up on a farm in North Kellerberrin

by Phil Bianchi

Harry and Bella Higginson settled in the North Kellerberrin district in the 1930s helped open up the land for wheat and sheep farming. They were hard working and highly respected in the farming community at North Kellerberrin. It is a story about growing up on a farm in the early to mid 1900’s, how simple but wholesome life was and how adversity was challenged and overcome.

This is their story and that of their second daughter Ethel Louisa Bianchi (Higginson).

(Morley, The author, reprinted May 2005), A4, pp110, soft cover, illustrated, indexed.

This book is available from the Author - Phil Bianchi

Saw Dust in His Veins

Siro Bianchi’s life in Italy, migration woes and new life in Australia

by Phil Bianchi

This is Siro Bianchi’s story. It is about growing up in Italy and the difficult times he and his family experienced, migration to Australia, being temporarily prevented entry into Australia because a forged letter said he was a communist, his marriage, his children and his working life and experiences in Australia.

Also contains information on Western Australia timber cutting, timber industry machinery and the story of Richard & Norm Palmer Contractors Collie WA.

(Morley, The author, 2006), A4, pp145, soft cover, illustrated.

This book is available from the Author - Phil Bianchi

Ingenious Inventor

Frank Mather and his Electweld Steel Co. at Kellerberrin

by Phil Bianchi and Ray Mather

Frank Mather was an inventor and engineer whose work was renowned in the WA wheatbelt. This book details his work on gas producers, farming implements, and refurbishing and recycling the Eastern Goldfields water pipeline.

ISBN 0 85905 404 7 (Carlisle, Hesperian Press, 2007), A4, 40pp, illustrated.

This book is available from Hesperian Press, click here to shop: Hesperian Press Website

Tommy Ningebong

Bushman, tracker, drover, stockman and pastoralist

by Phil Bianchi

Bushman, tracker, drover, stockman, pastoralist, Aboriginal Ningebong was an extraordinary individual. (Circa 1904-1978) He spent most of his life in the wider Wiluna area.

He was a favourite of the local people and many are the stories of his solidity and of course his little quirks.

This biography places on record his life and peoples appreciation of him. He was the principal witness in the trial of the murderers of trapper Joe Wilkins in 1937 and in a rustling trial in the 1970s. He was one of the first Aboriginals to have his own pastoral Lease.

ISBN 978-0-85905-599-4, (2015), A4, 71 pp, illustrated.

This book is available from Hesperian Press, click here to shop: Hesperian Press Website