The twelve women interviewed in this book all share a strong attachment to the physical and spiritual beauty of the Pilbara, in the north-west of Western Australia.

A common bond between the four Indigenous and eight non-Indigenous women, whose stories we have published, is not only this love of the landscape but also the various difficulties they have faced, and the opportunities they have created, in this remote and awe-inspiring region. Some went in search of adventure, others to escape from abusive relationships. Some followed their partners' careers, while others tackled problems of cultural dispossession and gender identity.

Whatever the circumstances, their compelling accounts of life in the Pilbara illustrate the resilience, courage and good humour. These stories, and the stunning photographs of the landscape that accompany them, will resonate with anyone who has visited the region or is contemplating 'going bush', and will live forever in the hearts of those dreaming of a life less ordinary.

Who Are they?

May Lockyer has seen Roebourne change over the past 60 years and for the past 17 years has helped establish and manage the Yaandina Frail Aged Hostel there.

Patricia Fry is from Jigalong but her need for dialysis (bought on by her Type 2 diabetes) has forced her to Perth - she longs to return home but knows it can't happen.

Marj Noyce first arrived in the Pilbara in the late 1950s to live in a Nissan Hut 20km out of Marble Bar with 3 children only to have it blown away in a cyclone.

Melva Stone, Marj's daughter, lived in Marble Bar, Wittenoom, Newman and Port Hedland and has many stories to tell of her life in the Pilbara in the 50s 60s and 70s.

Deanna McGowan, May's daughter, has lived in Roebourne all her life. She established and still runs the first women's refuge and speaks of the importance of the Strong Women's Group in the town.

Leigh Varis-Beswick faced the challenge of her gender identity while living and working in the Pilbara and talks openly of the personal issues she faced.

Jill Randall was one of the first single women to live and work in Newman in the early 70s and looks at the relationships formed in such an unbalanced community.

Gillian Herbert has lived on pastoral stations (Juna Downs and Hamersley) for the past 35 years and is passionate about the importance of family in such remote areas.

Erica Smyth thanks the RFDS for saving her life when she developed Type 1 diabetes only 5 weeks after starting work as an exploration geologist in Newman in 1974.

Debby Kessell "I'm not a such bushy - I'm more the city girl" went north with her new husband in 1974 and has lived there ever since - supporting Gary in his fishing business and raising her family.

Alana Connors is the youngest women featured in the book. She lives in Roebourne and has been working in the mining and construction industry since leaving school.

Susan Shirtliff moved from the corporate high flyer in Sydney to Karratha in 2004 and is in love with her husband Shirty, the Pilbara landscape and the Indigenous art and culture she has discovered in the Pilbara.