Morris West (1916–1999) was born in Australia, but lived for extended periods in Italy, Austria, England and the USA. West started writing novels in the 1950s. He is the author of thirty novels and has sold more than 60 million copies of his books worldwide in over twenty-seven languages. West helped to found the Australian Society of Authors, was chairman of the National Book Council, chairman of the National Library of Australia and a fellow of the World Academy of Art and Science. He was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1997. West also wrote screenplays, radio dramas, plays and was also an artist.
Bruce Kerr has been a familiar face of Australian film, television and theatre for more than 35 years. His film credits include The Man From Snowy River and Compo (1989 AFI Awards entry). He has appeared in almost every major Australian television drama including Blue Heelers, Corelli, Neighbours, Prisoner, The Sullivans, Cop Shop and Homicide, as well as the iconic television shows, The Anzacs and I Can Jump Puddles. Bruce has also worked extensively in theatre and radio serials.