Book Launch with Darren Bennett

Join us for this FREE event with author Darren Bennett as he officially launches his debut novel, 25.12.74, a time-travel thriller that takes you back to the morning when Cyclone Tracy wreaked havoc in Darwin. Darren will also be launching a new children's book, Possum the Cyclone Cat, illustrated by Caleb Jones. 

About the event: Darren and his family are survivors of Cyclone Tracy, which struck Darwin in the early hours of Christmas Day in 1974. In his author's talk, he recounts the harrowing experience his family went through during the cyclone. Despite the traumatic event, Darren used this experience to complete his first novel and a children's book. 

Caleb Jones will also be discussing how he conceived the illustrations for this children's book. 

About the Author: Darren Bennett is an educator and author who has written several highly regarded nonfiction books. 25.12.74 is his first novel, and Possum the Cyclone Cat is his first children's book. Prior to embarking on his writing career, Darren spent twenty-five years as a high school teacher and leader in Brisbane. During his teenage years, he lived in Darwin, but now he resides in Springfield with his wife. He has two daughters, a son-in-law, and a grandson.

About the Illustrator: While this is Caleb’s first illustrated book, he is an established artist who paints commissioned oil paintings and facilitates regular paint-and-sip workshops. Caleb, his wife, and young son recently moved to Ipswich, Queensland, where he works as a school counsellor. In his spare time, Caleb enjoys taking on creative projects, including wood whittling, loose-parts art, and wire sculpting.

Please note:

• Afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided.
• Please contact us or cancel your ticket if you are unable to attend as spaces are limited.