Our Story
Welcome to the Outback
Three months ago, my life changed in a way that I never dreamed possible.
It was a Friday and it was the thirteenth day of the month, which is supposed to be unlucky for some. And that Friday was definitely unlucky for my Uncle Buck.
Uncle Buck owned a HUGE sheep station way out woop-woop, and he had been mustering sheep all day when a wild storm struck. Sadly for Uncle Buck, he was hit by lightning and sizzled like a sausage on a very hot barbecue.
When we received the news, Mum and Dad were VERY, VERY sad, but that all changed a few weeks later when we got an unexpected call from Uncle Buck's lawyer. It turns out that Uncle Buck had left his sheep station to my family in his will. Mum and Dad's tears turned to smiles - suddenly we owned a sheep station in outback Australia!
Two days later, we had a family meeting to decide what we were going to do. It was decided by two votes to one that we were leaving our city home and moving to the outback. (You can probably guess who was the 'one'.)
Faster than I could wave goodbye to my city friends, Mum and Dad packed up and headed off to Overflow Station, dragging me along with them.
My name is Clancy, I'm eleven years old and these are the stories of my outback adventures.
About the Creators.
How Clancy of the Outback Began
Clancy of the Outback was born out of a shared passion for storytelling and a desire to reflect the unique challenges and joys of life in rural Australia.
Authors Phil Kettle and Bob Andersen sought to create a book series that resonated with children growing up in regional areas, a group often underrepresented in literature. Inspired by Banjo Paterson’s iconic poem Clancy of the Overflow, the series reimagines Clancy as a modern-day city boy adjusting to life in the country. This vibrant storytelling, combined with relatable themes and vivid characters, has made Clancy of the Outback a beloved series among young readers.
Phil Kettle
Phil Kettle, co-creator of Clancy of the Outback, is a prolific author with over 220 books to his name. Born and raised in Mildura, Victoria, Phil draws inspiration from his rural upbringing and extensive experience visiting schools across regional Australia. His writing reflects a deep understanding of country life and a passion for connecting with young readers. Phil’s other works include popular series such as Toocool and Boyz Rule, further cementing his legacy as a storyteller who champions Australian culture and values.
Bob Andersen
Bob Andersen is an accomplished author and publisher who collaborated with Phil Kettle to bring Clancy of the Outback to life. With a personal background rooted in rural Australia, Bob’s contributions to the series reflect an authentic perspective on country living. His expertise in storytelling and publishing has been instrumental in crafting the engaging plots and relatable characters that define the series. Bob’s commitment to celebrating the Australian outback shines through in every Clancy story.
Shane McGowan
Shane McGowan is a Melbourne-based illustrator whose artistic talents have brought Clancy of the Outback to life. With over 30 illustrated books to his credit, Shane’s vibrant and detailed illustrations capture the essence of Clancy’s adventures. His process begins with rough sketches and evolves into rich, expressive artwork that complements the series’ themes. Shane’s contributions ensure that readers are fully immersed in Clancy’s world, making the books visually captivating for young audiences.
Helen Chamberlin
Helen Chamberlin, editor of Clancy of the Outback, plays a pivotal role in shaping the series. With a career spanning various genres and audiences, Helen ensures that each Clancy story is polished, engaging, and cohesive. Beyond editing, she collaborates closely with illustrators and designers to maintain the series’ high quality. Her meticulous attention to detail and creative insight are key to the success of Clancy of the Outback.
Roslyn Oades
Roslyn Oades, the narrator of the Clancy of the Outback audiobooks, is a renowned voice artist and audio producer. Known for her ability to bring characters to life, Roslyn’s narration captures the spirit and humor of Clancy’s adventures. Her extensive career includes acclaimed work in theatre, film, and radio, and her dynamic storytelling makes the Clancy of the Outback audiobooks a delight for listeners of all ages.
Earl Marrows
Earl Marrows, one of the co-creative forces behind the upcoming Clancy of the Outback musical, is an accomplished composer and playwright. A Mildura native, Earl’s early admiration for Phil Kettle’s books inspired him to bring Clancy’s adventures to the stage. With a background that includes studying at New York University and creating original music for stage and screen, Earl’s vision is to celebrate Australian culture while making musical theatre accessible to rural audiences.
Dylan Marshall
Dylan Marshall, the scriptwriter and lyricist for the upcoming Clancy of the Outback musical, is a Melbourne-based playwright and filmmaker. Through his writing he aims to truly entertain audiences, bringing larger than life stories to the stage and screen. With a background in making award-winning short films and acclaimed theatre productions, Dylan is ready for the next challenge in bringing Clancy’s outback adventures to life.