Matt Murphy

As a school student, Matt Murphy failed English and couldn't see the point of history. He became a firie and has been serving in Sydney's inner city for 33 years. He is now also a part-time historian and teacher, who has written four books: Weight of Evidence , about what was the longest civil court case in New South Wales; Rum , about the formative influence of grog on the country; Gold , recounting the story of Edward Hammond Hargraves and the discovery of gold in Australia; and Straya Day ,...See more

As a school student, Matt Murphy failed English and couldn't see the point of history. He became a firie and has been serving in Sydney's inner city for 33 years. He is now also a part-time historian and teacher, who has written four books: Weight of Evidence , about what was the longest civil court case in New South Wales; Rum , about the formative influence of grog on the country; Gold , recounting the story of Edward Hammond Hargraves and the discovery of gold in Australia; and Straya Day , looking at 237 other reasons for a national day off. Matt's younger self would be aghast that he is now writing history books but be consoled by the absurdist voice old Matt has achieved. He also can't believe he has to write his own bio. Matt lives in Newtown in Sydney. See less