Guest Speaker:
Adam Courtenay
Join us in Gordon Library Meeting Room 1
at 2 pm on Saturday 18 July 2026 for
In his book Mr Todd's Marvel: How One Man Telegraphed Australia to the Modern World (Woodslane Press, 2023) Adam Courtenay tells the inspiring story of Sir Charles Todd, the visionary astronomer and scientist who led the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line - one of Australia's greatest engineering feats.
Spanning thousands of kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin, it connected Australia to the rest of the world in 1872, transforming communication across the continent. The book describes Todd’s ambition, the hardships endured by his team, and the lasting impact of this incredible project on Australia's development and global connectivity. It’s both a tribute to a pioneering mind, and a gripping account of overcoming nature, distance, and doubt.
By the bestselling author of The Ship That Never Was, The Ghost and the Bounty Hunter, Three Sheets to the Wind and his recent memoir, My Father Bryce.
Join us at the Ku-ring-gai Historical Society on Saturday 18 July as Adam Courtenay brings to life the story of this remarkable man and his achievements.
Free entry, no booking required. You are welcome to stay for refreshments and a chat following the presentation.
Adam will have copies of Mr Todd's Marvel available at the special price of $25 (cash, cards or mobile wallet).
About Adam Courtenay
Adam Courtenay is the author of six published non-fiction books, mostly specialising in the early history of the Australian colonies. He has also been a financial journalist for more than 30 years in the UK and Australia, working for newspapers such as the Financial Times, The Australian Financial Review and the Sydney Morning Herald. He is the son of legendary author Bryce Courtenay.
As always, please keep an eye on our website in case of any last-minute changes.
The venue is Gordon Library Meeting Room 1, in the Old Gordon Public School, which adjoins the Gordon Library, 799 Pacific Highway, Gordon (corner Pacific Highway and Park Avenue).
It’s just a 5-minute walk from Gordon Station.
For a map and parking information, see our Contact page.
