We were privileged to have Brisbane-based author Peter Long as guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Oxley Men’s Shed Writers Group.

Peter has worked as a stockman, public servant, consultant, researcher and academic, and is the author of two novels: Steve Hart: the Last Kelly Standing, and Identity: Larry Cummins, Bushranger.

In Steve Hart: The Last Kelly Standing, Peter takes a legend from the life of the (in)famous Kelly Gang and weaves it into a very creative novel.

Identity: Larry Cummins, Bushranger is an intriguing fiction-based-on-fact exploration of the life of Peter Long’s great-grandfather, a not always successful bushranger who lived two lives, in two different states.

In addition to his novels, Peter has been successful in poetry and short story competitions.

So it was great that Peter could share his experience and tips with the Men’s Shed Writers Group, which is off to a strong start in 2024, the beginning of its fourth year.

To date our small group has published two collections of short stories: Offcuts: Stories from the Shed and Offcuts 2: Sketches and Stories from the Shed ( in association with the Art Group).

All of the regulars have produced many life stories, with one member now past the 50 mark. Last year we were joined by a bush poet, and one of our newcomers is gearing up to share his first story with us. When we started, many in the group hadn’t written life stories before.

The good thing about this enthusiastic writing group is that as we share our stories every fortnight we also encourage each other in our writing. Peter Long’s talk gave us another stimulus to keep us going.

I’m Convenor of the Oxley Men’s Shed Writers Group, so feel free to contact me through the comment button on this page if you want any further information.

Until next time

Darryl Dymock