Herbert Wharton is an Indigenous Australian, former stockman, and now internationally recognised poet and novelist. Herb is available for readings, public forums, schools, universities and other literary events.
Herbert Wharton / Author biography
Herb Wharton started his working life as a drover while in his teens. His maternal grandmother was of the Kooma people; his grandfathers were Irish and English. In l992 with the publication of his first book Unbranded, he wrote about his experiences from his long years on the stock routes of inland Australia. Cattle Camp, a collection of droving stories as told by Murri stockmen and women, was published in l994. Where Ya' Been, Mate?, a collection of his stories, followed in l996.
Information /
Wharton has travelled throughout Australia, to Europe and Japan. In l998 he was selected for residency at the Australia Council studio in Paris where he completed the manuscript of Yumba Days, his first book for young readers. In 2007 it was translated to French for European publication. In 2003 Wharton followed his first book of poems, Kings with Empty Pockets, with Imba (Listen): Tell You a Story. In 2003 Wharton was awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal for service to Australian society and literature.
