When it comes to flora, Australia is a land of diversity. From rainforests to deserts, mountains to the seashore, 90 per cent of our plant life is unique to this ancient land.

Surveyor Thomas Scott Townsend (1812–1869) is an elusive, almost legendary figure, closer to folklore than to history. His name is given to the country’s second highest mountain, but the details of his career are obscure and his personal identity has remained a mystery.

Margaret Lilardia Tucker MBE was a significant Aboriginal activist and one of the first Aboriginal women to publish for mainstream audiences.

William T. Cooper is considered a master painter of birds. He painted them for many books, mainly bird monographs.