Inspiration Then & Now

Noel Humphrey’s second book is a collection of poems on Australian society, culture and landscape, now and in the past. Topics explored in the poems include Australian folklore, love of country, issues related to service men and women, and Australian customs.

“Inspiration Then & Now” is a tribute to Australian history and culture, with poems presenting a fresh view of a Cobb & Co stagecoach robbery, the “real” story of Ned Kelly, and a potted history of early explorers of our wide brown land. Noel Humphreys also includes poems about Australian floral emblems, the humble Victa lawnmower, and the role of Australian soldiers over the years.

Category:
  • Title: Inspiration Then & Now
  • Published by: Jabiru Publishing
  • Year of publishing: 2019
  • Book format: Paperback
  • Pages: 62
  • ISBN: 9780648292975

Noel Humphreys

Noel Humphreys was born the third of four children in Liverpool, New South Wales, in 1947. He was educated in a number of New South Wales schools and reached the level of Intermediate Certificate, which is the equivalent to today’s Year 10.

Noel worked for a few years on the New South Wales rail authority before following his eldest brother’s lead and enlisting in the army. His twenty-year career included two tours of duty in Viet Nam during the conflict in that country. The first tour in 1967–1968 was shared with both his brothers.

He married at 19, and he and his wife Heather had two daughters and adopted a son. In August 2026 they chalked up 60 years together

Noel and Heather presently live in Caboolture, Queensland. They enjoy caravanning, with their travels in Australia enabling Noel to gain inspiration for his poetry from this great land.