Bigskypublishing

02/10/2025

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬: 𝐃𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐛𝐲 & 𝐃𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧!
With deep expertise in Australian military history and a passion for uncovering forgotten stories, Andrew and Daryl bring to light the extraordinary service of more than 1,700 RAAF airmen in the Burma campaign of WWII.

Their new book ‘Resolute’ honours the courage, sacrifice, and untold missions of Australians who helped shape the outcome of the war in Southeast Asia.

📖 Available now at your favourite bookstores
👉 Or order online: https://tinyurl.com/8hs6kkr7

02/10/2025

‘Resolute’ by Andrew Kilsby and Daryl Moran unveils the untold story of over 1,700 RAAF airmen who served in the brutal Burma campaign of WWII — a chapter long overshadowed in military history.

Through new research and first-hand accounts, Andrew Kilsby and Daryl Moran bring to life the daring missions, harsh conditions, and immense sacrifice of Australians who flew fighters, bombers, transports, flying boats, and more across Southeast Asia. From bombing raids and agent drops to evacuation flights and supply runs, their courage helped turn the tide in Burma.

Get your copy at your nearest bookstore or online: https://tinyurl.com/8hs6kkr7

01/10/2025

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡?

Every October, organisations across Victoria come together to celebrate and share history: local, national, and global. Exhibitions, talks, workshops, tours, school projects, community events — there’s no wrong way to get involved.

History isn’t only found in museums or archives. It lives in our memories, music, fashion, food, technology, and everyday stories.
This October, History Month 2025 celebrates Victoria’s Living History: 1950 to 2000.

From disco flares and rotary phones to decimal currency and family recipes, the recent past has shaped who we are today, and it’s time to remember, share, and celebrate it.

🌐 https://historymonth.org.au/


Royal Historical Society of Victoria

01/10/2025

𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖! Check out the 5 Powerful New Releases this Month.

'𝐏𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞' – 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧
This gripping true crime collection delves into the minds of violent offenders, uncovering the terrifying truth behind the crimes we fear the most.

'𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞' – 𝐀𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐬𝐛𝐲 & 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐲𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐧
The untold story of Australia’s air war in Burma during WWII, honouring RAAF airmen who fought, flew, and fell in one of the war’s most overlooked campaigns.

'𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐚𝐫' – 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐛𝐧𝐞𝐲
A raw and unflinching memoir of an Australian soldier where he relives the brutalities of combat and the invisible wounds that followed — panic attacks, flashbacks, and a crushing sense of guilt. Diagnosed with PTSD and discharged, his war didn’t end — it simply changed form.

'𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐧 𝐀𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐚' – 𝐋𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 & 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐞
The untold story of a battalion commander whose actions helped shape Australia’s military identity — a legacy of discipline, innovation, and values-based command that still resonates today.

'𝐀 𝐌𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐛𝐲' – 𝐈𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 & 𝐓𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧
Offers an unparalleled, firsthand account of the Pacific War through the eyes of Irvine Green, a young RAAF photographer. Featuring previously unseen photos and vivid diary entries.

Head to your nearest bookstore or order online via and other major retailers.

30/09/2025

“𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘨𝘶𝘯𝘴… 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘥… 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥… 𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺.”

At just ten years old, Paul Cieslar’s world was shattered as German planes invaded Poland on 1 September 1939.In 'No Heil Hi**er', he shares his remarkable true story of survival, courage, and quiet defiance under N**i occupation.

Coming this 3 December.
👉 Pre-order here: https://tinyurl.com/28ydeumv

30/09/2025

So pleased to see another wonderful review of 'Wobbles' by Ian Hunter and Mark Wilson!
Elly Taylor shared such a thoughtful reflection on the book and captured just how inspiring the book is.

See full review here:

For my book-loving friends and colleagues...a review of Wobbles by Ian Hunter: This is much more than a story about an individual overcoming adversity, although that story alone is well worth telling. It’s an unvarnished story of family life under unbearable strain - and the relationships that car...

30/09/2025

Look who’s in the Top Spot 👀👀 Very well deserved for ‘Under the Same Moon’ by !

Posted • It’s that time again - the Top 10 from last week by our readers. Taking the #1 spot was Peter Mitchell, thanks to our events last Thursday in Benalla and Wangaratta. Thanks again to those who joined us for the fascinating discussions. A few more kids’ books topped the list thanks to the school holidays, along with the latest volume of Kaiju No 8 (volume 13). Happy reading for the second week of the holidays.

.hickey.35

29/09/2025

'Long-serving Black Hawk arrives at Australian War Memorial' written by Robert Dougherty Credit to Australian Aviation

'Major General (Ret’d) Steve Jobson, a member of the Australian Peacekeeper and Peacemaker Veterans Association, and a former pilot, led humanitarian missions and saw extensive service in Army Black Hawks.

“The Black Hawk is more than an aircraft. It is a lifeline,” Jobson said.

“It moved troops, evacuated the wounded, delivered aid and gave reassurance in times of crisis. For those of us who flew it, the Black Hawk represents adaptability, courage and resilience.”

The fleet was eventually replaced by the now-retired Taipan multi-role helicopter.

The director of the , Matt Anderson, said the installation of the Black Hawk is a milestone in telling the story of Australia’s contemporary military history.

Former Australian Defence Force medium transport helicopter Black Hawk A25-112 has arrived as a crucial centrepiece at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

“For more than 30 years, Black Hawks like Saracen served in peacekeeping, humanitarian and combat operations,” Anderson said.

“Its arrival at the memorial is symbolic of the people who flew, maintained and relied on this remarkable aircraft.

“When visitors have the opportunity to see this most storied Black Hawk suspended in the Anzac Atrium, I’m sure it will be a powerful reminder of the vital role aviation has played in Australia’s story.

“This December will mark the opening of the Anzac Atrium with this iconic Australian aircraft and its stories at the heart of the visitor experience.

Black Hawk A25-112, originally produced by American defence company Sikorsky, was operated by the Australian Defence Force alongside other aircraft seeing operational service in Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, East Timor and Pakistan.

29/09/2025

Before the day ends, we pause to honour the brave police officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Police, families, and supporters across the country gathered for services in each state and territory. Following the Dawn Service, a touchstone for Constable Smith was escorted by motorcade to the National Police Memorial for the National Service.

Their dedication will never be forgotten.

𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 Australian Federal Police.

29/09/2025

With the spirit of World Heart Day resonating with us today, Prof. Kushwin Rajamani's words about 'In a Heartbeat' remind us how this book can save lives. Grateful to Rachel Jayne Cassidy, whose passion to make a difference made this all possible. ❤️

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5zSXQUYRqM

In A Heartbeat Ass Prof Kushwin SM

29/09/2025

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲! ♥️
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, making heart health awareness more important than ever.

For today’s reading inspiration, 'In a Heartbeat' by Rachel Jayne Cassidy shares real-life stories of heart attack survivors, from everyday heroes to health professionals, alongside expert insights from cardiologists. Through these emotionally raw and inspiring accounts, readers gain a deeper understanding of heart disease, its impact, and the importance of prevention.

Let’s be inspired by stories of courage and hope, and take steps today for healthier hearts. Share this post and spread the word.

26/09/2025

Anyone guilty? 🙈