The Desert Column

Ion Llewellyn Windeyer Idriess, known to his friends and acquaintances as Jack, was undoubtedly one of Australia's most important and prolific authors. He wrote and had published around fifty books, more than one a year for over forty years, from 1927 to 1969.

John Derum has been acting, writing and directing for theatre and television since his teenage years. He has performed More Than a Sentimental Bloke, his tribute to C.J. Dennis, more than 500 times around Australia. He has recorded the audiobooks of the Joseph Furphy classic novels, Such Is Life, Rigby’s Romance and The Buln-Buln and the Brolga. In 2019, John was appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant contribution to the performing arts and the community.