McKenna, who lives at Towamba, will speak about his book, From the Edge: Australia’s Lost Histories – which won the 2017 Premier’s Australian History Award – at Batemans Bay Library on Thursday, May 3.

McKenna will talk about his book, which begins with a story of shipwrecked sailors in 1797 who walked from 90 Mile Beach in Victoria to Sydney to save their lives.

The book focuses on the encounter between Australia’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous inhabitants, and highlights a complex network of local histories that deserve far greater attention than they have previously received.

From the Edge: Australia's Lost Histories recounts four extraordinary and largely forgotten stories: the walk of shipwreck survivors; the founding of a 'new Singapore' in western Arnhem Land in the 1840s; Australia's largest industrial development project nestled amongst outstanding Indigenous rock art in the Pilbara; and the ever-changing story of James Cook's time in Cooktown in 1770.

Eurobodalla Council’s library manager, Linda Heald, said connecting Australia’s leading writers with local communities was a great initiative.

“I encourage anyone who is interested in Australian and local history to come along and join us for this event,” Ms Heald said.

McKenna is one of Australia’s leading historians, based at the University of Sydney. He is the author of several prize-winning books.