$15.95

Everyday Heroes - Stories of Australians striving to achieve
by David Griffin

Everyday Heroes is a collection of stories as told to David Griffin. The collection deals with ordinary people and their attempts to achieve, but it also shows how these people lived their lives, the things that inspired them, the setbacks they endured, and the emotions of the time.

Everyday Heroes started in a community radio station, Stereo 974 in the heart of Melbourne’s western suburbs. David Griffin conducted an hour-long interview program called Heroes.

The interviews were structured around a broad range of people, including sporting professionals, actors, politicians, coaches, authors, photographers, doctors, journalists and even local businesspeople. It was these stories, each unique, and fascinating in different ways, that form the basis of this book. Some of the individuals are well known whilst others are not. Some of the interviewees are wealthy whilst most are not, some are young, some are older, but what they all have in common is a desire to achieve a dream and live a life they thought to be correct.

Chapter titles

Charlie Booth - Professional Athlete and champion of Life
Lee Troop - Athlete
Peter Larkins - Olympian, Physician, Media Personality
Peter Ring - Top Gun Instructor
John Forbes - Charity Worker
Aneeka Williams - Boxing Judge
Jeremy Kewley - Actor
David Metzenthen - Author
Diana Williams - Entrepreneur
Bob Taylor - Radio DJ
Marie Wilson - Musician
Jon Anderson - Journalist
Kylie Coombe - Sportwswoman
Dave Russell - Former World Champion Boxer
Rodney Eade - AFL Football Coach

In life’s journey we encounter many difficulties, but the persistence, passion, determination, focus and opportunity of the subjects in this book are inspiring. Everyday Heroes tells the story of Australians striving to achieve. The stories are about individuals that would consider themselves to be just ordinary people, like you and me.

The Everyday Heroes Project
David Griffin set out to illustrate positive role models for teenagers. “I wanted the stories in the book to be a learning experience for teenagers. I wanted them to be able to read each of the stories and identify with the fact that it wasn’t easy for any of the subjects to achieve what they wanted to achieve.”

Copies of Everyday Heroes have been distributed to High School students with extremely positive results. A series of interview programs have been developed to complement the book and a publishing project has been created that will enable the students to develop their own Heroes book and raise money for the school community.

Proceeds from the sale of Everyday Heroes is being donated to Open Family Australia. Everyday Heroes has been David Griffin’s passion and it was always intended to somehow help kids achieve a dream.

This has been achieved with Open Family Australia; giving the street kids a chance at enjoying a better life. This philosophy is closely aligned with the thoughts and aspirations of this book.

$29.95

Over 50, Overseas and Under $50 (per day for two) - SE Asia
by Des Gettinby

When are you too old to go backpacking around Asia? Never! Des Gettinby (aged 69) and his wife, Barb, (62) spent four months exploring Asia - its culture, its cities, its bargain shopping, its beaches and its beer - toting very small backpacks and determined to do it all within a daily budget and having fun! And yes, they had ensuite rooms every night.

A light-hearted, self-effacing and humorous tale of two people on a low cost Asian adventure, of the people they meet and of shared experiences. The story allows the reader to overcome the challenges of budget travel in Asia and to know the ropes before they start travelling.

A daily budget of $50 Australian, although self-imposed, proved to be more than achievable and covered all costs for two people. Both the author and his wife took perverse enjoyment in the daily challenge rather than solving matters by throwing money.

Medical concerns and insecurities proved unfounded. Indeed, the trip could well have been government subsidised as both travellers came home leaner, fitter and healthier whilst strengthening an already sound relationship.

Apprehensions about travel bookings and accommodation were easily dispelled and no significant hurdle ever arose. This is the tale of travellers with some experience of freewheeling travel in Europe, but none of backpacking in Asia.

Whilst not aspiring to be a travel guide, it does include numerous helpful hints for preparation and travel and nuggets of interesting information that will inspire and encourage anyone in the “over fi fty” category to have their own “free-wheeling adventure”.

It includes all you need to know about how to have a budget holiday in Asia with interesting food, comfortable accommodation, affordable travel - and where to go for those “post home” bargains. Along the way, Des and Barb met many interesting people, young and old, mostly fellow backpackers, all willing to share their knowledge and friendship. Des’s narrative makes it all sound easy - and it was.

If you are considering a similar journey, this is a “must read” book. If you prefer armchair travel, sit back and enjoy their experiences!