THE Kyabram Rodeo on March 6 is set to host a sale and signing of the newly released, Goanna Man, a collection of short stories that detail the misadventures of widely known Victorian horseman Bruce Marsh.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
A self-proclaimed ‘professional Australian cowboy’, Bruce has been travelling the country participating in rodeos and shows since the 1960s, and has naturally amassed countless yarns and anecdotes over that time.
These recollections, narrated by Bruce and compiled by author Natasha Dixon, are funny, bizarre and sometimes tragic.
Natasha said she came up with the idea of the book while interviewing Bruce for her master’s degree.
“He’s been a cowboy, a butcher, a slaughterman and a farmer all of his life — he’s a very interesting kind of person. I didn’t think people like him actually existed,” she said.
“The rodeo circuit is very insular and quite sheltered — they’ve got their own society that lives under the radar.
“Since I’ve done the book it has been published in the university newsletter because they actually consider it research.”
The book features Bruce’s side-splitting run-ins with the police, various wildlife and even a stranger’s clothesline.
And it just so happens that one its 66 short stories recounts an entertaining trip to the Kyabram Rodeo in the 1980s.
Natasha said the story had already struck a chord with audiences since its release in October.
“The response has been amazing. I’ve nearly sold out, actually,” she said.
“It’s got a very important and beautiful message, and that is that life can be simple and feel great.
“Bruce has an amazing outlook on life — he’s had a very hard upbringing and made something of himself.”
“I describe the book as Crocodile Dundee meets Dallas. It is good for a laugh and it’s an easy read.”
Natasha and Bruce will be selling copies of Goanna Man at their stall at the Kyabram Rodeo on March 6.
