Book on life’s journey

A BOOK about the life journey of Bunyip resident Albert Campbell was launched by cartoonist Mark Knight at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Sunday.
Almost 100 people gathered for the launch of For the Love of Life’s Voyage which was written by Mr Campbell and former Gazette On the Land scribe Wendy Thompson.
During the event, Mr Knight, a Tonimbuk resident, entertained guests with tales of horse adventures that he and Mr Campbell had shared.
Through the book, Mr Campbell’s story is told in his voice revealing his fervent interest in life and all its challenges.
He was born one of 14 children and grew up during the Depression in the Tasmanian bush.
In his late teens he came to Victoria and travelled, working on ships for a veterinarian who exported animals to various parts of the world, and he had many extraordinary adventures.
Co-author Mrs Thomspon said when the pair embarked on the project, they had no idea of the size it would become.
“But after many hours of interviews and a large amount of research to ensure the book was historically correct it is completed, and 155 copies were sold during the launch,” she said.
“It’s the first time I have written a book and the first time I have published a book so it has been an interesting experience, and through the process Albert and I have become very good friends.”
To celebrate the launch, a cartoon of Mr Campbell on his horse, Bronte, drawn by Mr Knight, was printed for the day and enclosed in each book.
Mr Knight is a cartoonist for the Herald Sun and will this year has the honour of drawing the famous AFL premiership WEG poster.
Mr Knight will create the poster after legendary cartoonist William Ellis Green, who drew them for more than 50 years, died in December.