AustLit

Geoffrey Atherden studied architecture at The University of Sydney and practiced in the profession for ten years. In the early 1970s he became involved in creating The Aunty Jack Show, with another former University of Sydney architecture student, Grahame Bond. Atherden subsequently turned to scriptwriting on a professional basis, and by the end of the decade had written episodes for such series as Tickled Pink (1978), Jokes (1979) and One Day Miller (1979).

During the 1980s and 1990s Atherden worked on several high-rating television series - notably Ratbags (1981), Sons and Daughters (1982), Mother and Son and Keeping Mum. He also provided additional material for the 1995 feature film, Dad and Dave: On Our Selection. His most successful series since 2000 was Grass Roots (2000-03), which he both created and wrote.

Atherden became a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2009 Queen's New Year's Honours List for his services to the television industry as a scriptwriter, and to the advancement of writers for performance through executive roles with professional organisations.