LOCAL AUTHOR TALK AT DUBBO LIBRARY
Join local author, Peter Woodley in conversation with Geoff Mann on Thursday 11 September from 10.30am at the Macquarie Regional Library’s Dubbo branch.
Peter will discuss his latest book, We are a farming class: Dubbo’s Hinterland 1870-1950, which examines the lives of people in the farmlands surrounding Dubbo between the 1870s and the 1950s.
Mr Woodley drew deeply on his own regional roots having grown up on the land at Westella in the region and adapted this PhD thesis to craft We are a farming class: Dubbo’s hinterland, 1870–1950.
Using a mix of government, business, and personal records, the book looks at how farmers around Dubbo didn’t just build an economy — they created a unique farming identity. It was shaped by tough times, strong community ties, political leanings, and the stories they told about themselves.
Peter Woodley said his latest book was adapted from his PhD thesis and delves into free selection and the establishment of agriculture to the dawning of postwar prosperity and change during the 1870 – 1950 period.
Macquarie Regional Library Manager Kathryn McAlister said sharing local history has a special place at regional libraries.
“Sharing the work of local authors at Macquarie Regional Library is a great way to keep local history and stories alive and helps bring the community together through familiar stories and local perspectives.
“Author Talks are always a popular event at the library and being on a local subject will no doubt be of interest to many members of our community,” Ms McAlister said.
The Author Talk is a free event with light refreshments available. Bookings preferred and can be made by contacting the Dubbo Library on 6801 4510 or at https://events.humanitix.com/author-talk-peter-woodley.
Mr Woodley was born in Dubbo in November 1957, the son and oldest child of Harold and Gloria Woodley, farmers of Westella. He studied economics and history at the Australian National University (ANU). In 2021 he completed a PhD in history at the ANU, where he works now as a research editor with the Australian Dictionary of Biography.
Last Edited: 19 Aug 2025