This book is dedicated to the memory of my father, Alexander Thynne Kerr,
and my mother, Thelma Gladys Kerr (nee Olsen), pioneers from the
Quandialla district of central New South Wales. Starting from
nothing they struggled through depression, war, fl ood, and drought to
carve our family farm out of the wilderness. Their tenacity,
determination, and sheer hard work provided me with the opportunity to
gain an education and eventually to fulfi l my dream of a career
in medicine. I am extremely proud of them both.