Jewels Along The Newell

About the Book

Everyone has a story to tell, or so the saying goes. This is certainly true in the towns of Parkes, Alectown, and Peak Hill that sit along one of Australia’s most iconic highways, the Newell.

From a pioneering shearer with a penchant for karaoke, to a dentist who moved in London’s high society and made dental care available to all in the area, or a world-class opera singer in her twenties, the residents of this region have achieved at the highest levels across a variety of fields—sometimes against all odds.

In Jewells along the Newell, Margaret Dwyer has documented the funny, tragic, and inspiring stories of the wonderful folk who have made their home along the Newell Highway over the past hundred years, shining light on these precious gems.

About the Author

Margaret Dwyer was born in Orange, New South Wales, in 1929. From a very young age, she would sing and play music for the enjoyment of all around her. In 1952, she married and moved to a farm outside Parkes, called Fana, and with her husband raised seven little Australians.

Now a great-grandmother, Margaret is an active community member, accomplished singer, and an author. She is currently writing her third book, a work of fiction. She still loves to sing.