A Good Shepherd from Mercy: To The Long Paddock

By Michael Holding

From the oppressive "small, silent despair" of a Sydney orphanage, Ross Cooper forged a life defined by defiance and transformation.

He rose to become an ordained priest only to trade his vestments for the bar, becoming the celebrated piano-playing publican of the Royal Hotel, Captains Flat.

Driven by the compelling romance of A. B. Paterson's (Banjo) verses, Ross risked everything on the brutal Long Paddock, surviving immense hardship and near-fatal botulism.

He ultimately returned "full circle" to the classroom, using the raw lessons the outback taught him to inspire a new generation. Discover the unforgettable journey of a man who proved that survival demands cunning, courage, and the willingness to walk the line between truth and invention.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FWZJS44F
• ISBN13: 9798270580230
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 242 Pages
• Weight: 0.63 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"