Doug Limbrick

A graduate of the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia (geography, political history, economic history, economics). Worked for many years in the broad area of social policy (developing options, providing advice, monitoring and evaluation). Authored many papers, reports on poverty, disadvantage, housing, homelessness, international comparisons, etc. Long time interest in researching nineteenth century Australian colonial history, particularly nineteenth century emigration, the emigration vessels and colonial and imperial government policies and practices. Have applied expertise in social issue analysis to look at circumstances of people in the United Kingdom and the Australian colonies during the nineteenth century in order to better understand and tell their stories.

As a result he has written four books exploring nineteenth century emigration processes, experiences and stories with an emphasis on the stories as told by emigrants. His latest book (Death Ships) focusses on six very big ships, the discovery of gold and a sad chapter in the nineteenth-century Australian colonial emigration story.

Doug is also a keen runner and has been involved in running activities including club administration for many years. He has completed 25 marathons and some 60 half marathons and has also competed in many cross country and mountain running events for the past 30 years. His Guide to Running Your First Marathon draws directly on his personal experience. The book Running the Marathon with Cancer is a personal story that combines his passion for running with dealing with rectal cancer.

When not writing or running Doug is a very keen photographer and also an enthusiastic collector of vintage cameras.