Narre Warren South’s Danny O’Neill has changed career paths and written a book about the history of the Murray River.By Rebecca Fraser
A NARRE Warren South man’s passion for the Murray River has led him to write a historical account of the Australian landmark.
Danny O’Neill recently published Ancestral Streams notes from the Murray Valley after five years of research.
The retired army officer grew up in Mildura near the Murray River and said he had always held a strong love and affinity for the Murray Valley area.
This love drove the 59-year-old to take up a “second career” and begin researching the long history of the iconic river.
“The book looks at the Murray River’s history and how it came to be the way it is today,” Mr O’Neill said.
“I have looked at the geological and aboriginal history, the river’s earlier experiences with new settlers and of course its current ecological problems.
“As I grew up on the Murray River I really wanted to set out to find out what has happened there and how decisions in the past have influenced the river’s present state.
“Lot of decisions have been made concerning the river in the last 100 years — some small and some big, some good and some bad and some driven by political interests,” he said.
Mr O’Neill said many people had a strong link and affection for the Murray River and were greatly interested in its history and future.
“It is amazing when you talk to people that everyone has some sort of connection to the Murray whether they holiday there or have lived there or know people there.
“It is a real talking point with many people,” she said.
The 387-page book includes maps of the various Murray Valley regions and Mr O’Neill said the book included funny anecdotal stories as well as essential facts.
Mr O’Neill served in the army for 30 years and has worked in the United States and travelled extensively.
He lived in Gembrook for two years before moving to Narre Warren South three and a half years ago.
Mr O’Neill said he had spent many a day in the Emerald Bakery writing the book as well as countless hours in cafes in Narre Warren and Berwick.
“They all got used to me having a coffee and writing there,” he said.
Mr O’Neill has already begun research on his second book that will look into the history of Australia’s ship- wreck coast.
He said he completed much of his research at local libraries and had donated a copy of the book to the Berwick Mechanics Institute Library in recognition of the research material and assistance they provided.
He said he would also be giving a talk at the library next year when he would discuss his new book and how he went about fulfilling his dream of being a published writer.
Ancestral Streams notes from the Murray Valley is available at major book stores or for more information go to www.bookhengepress.com
