Iconic Australians feature at latest literary lunches

Hazel Hawke is one of our nation's most beloved and respected identities. Douglas Mawson is our greatest Antarctic explorer. What do they have in common? Both are the subjects of fascinating new books, and locals can learn more about them at separate literary lunches at Cleveland's Grand View Hotel this month.

Both books are generating interesting discussion in the literary world, and the Redland events are an excellent opportunity for locals to join the conversation – with the authors themselves.

First up, on 15 November, author and professional speaker Sue Pieters-Hawke talks about her intimate and beautiful biography "Hazel: My Mother's Story".

Then, on 17 November, larger-than-life author-journalist Peter FitzSimons returns to the Redlands to discuss his latest book, "Mawson", a collection of true tales of survival and ambition by Australia's most famous "ice men."

Sue Pieters-Hawke

In "Hazel: My Mother's Story", Sue explores Hazel's life as she navigated personal challenges and profound social changes. As the wife of a Prime Ministers, Hazel brought a down-to-earth warmth to Canberra that influenced everyone she came in contact with. She was loved for her energy, practicality and capacity for humour and enjoyment.

Candid, revealing and fascinating, "Hazel: My Mother's Story" celebrates her value as a mother, wife, role model and tireless worker for the rights and welfare of others. As well as being the eldest daughter of Hazel and Bob Hawke, Sue also managed Hazel's office for more than a decade, and cared for Hazel during her illness.

Sue's literary lunch at the Grand View Hotel is presented by Angus & Robertson, Victoria Point.

Peter FitzSimons

Icons of a different nature feature in Peter FitzSimons latest book, "Mawson", an epic tale from the golden age of Australian exploration.

This time around, the prolific writer (whose past biographies have Kim Beazley, Nick Farr-Jones, Steve Waugh and John Eales) tells the story of Douglas Mawson, born in 1882 and knighted in 1914, and who went on to be our nation's greatest explorers.

Published to coincide with the centenary of Mawson's departure, Peter presents meticulously researched and very personal accounts of the harrowing situations faced by Antarctic explorers. "Mawson" also interweaves story of other giants of the heroic age of polar exploration, including Scott of the Antarctic, Sir Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen.

Peter's literary lunch at the Grand View Hotel is presented by Dymocks .

Tickets for each event are $35 ($30 for bookings of eight or more), and include a two-course dinner and a glass of wine on arrival. Bookings can be made by phoning the hotel on 3286 1002 or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Both books will be available for purchase at respective events.