Philip McLaren (11 works by)
Born: Established: 1943 Redfern ;
Gender: Male
Heritage: Aboriginal; Aboriginal Kamilaroi people
ADFA Personality files checked. TW 20/02/2006

BiographyHistory

Philip McLaren was born in Redfern although his family comes from the Warrumbungle Mountain area, New South Wales and he is a descendant of the Kamilaroi people. McLaren has worked as a television producer, a director, designer, illustrator, architect, sculptor, lifeguard and copywriter. He has been a creative director in television, advertising and film production companies both in Australia and overseas. His filmography includes (as Art Director) The Mavis Bramston Show television series (1964); The Mike Walsh Show television series (1973); Grand Old Country (known in the USA as The Ronnie Prophet Show) television series (1975) and It's a Knockout television series (1985) and, as Production Designer, The Beachcombers television series (1972); Country Joy television series (1979) and the 1983 film Hostage (aka Hostage : The Christine Maresch Story and Savage Attraction). After this varied career, McLaren focused on writing and was among the first Aboriginal writers to pen novels in the thriller genre.

Awards

Awards for Works

Murder in Utopia , 2007 novel single work 'A reformed alcoholic, New York doctor Jack Nugent, takes on the challenge of running the medical centre at utopia in remote Central Australia. After two and a half years of advertising the position, there were no other applicants for the job. Nugent becomes engrossed in the exotic Aboriginal people and culture and is outraged by the government neglect he sees everywhere. Unexpectedly, he is swept up in a bizarre ritual murder investigation, in such a remote place he must assist the state coroner by gathering evidence and provide police with his forensic findings. Vital evidence goes missing and every avenue Nugent takes is blocked. He falls in love with Carla, a black lawyer, who helps him overcome the obstacles police and the Aboriginal community place in his path, a better social outcome for this ancient desert community depends largely on them.' (From the publisher's website.)
2010 winner International Awards — Prix Litteraire des Recits de l'Ailleurs
2010 nominated Ned Kelly Awards for Crime Writing — Best Novel
There'll be New Dreams , 2001 novel single work 'A human and pacey novel about marriage, kidnap, courtroom battles, the charm of youth and the tragedy that lurks in a darkened alley. A dynamic work done by one of Australia's most highly regarded Indigenous writers.' Source: Publishers blurb.
2004 shortlisted International Awards — Prix Litteraire des Lyceens et Apprentis de la Region Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur Award for Nouveaux Reves
Sweet Water - Stolen Land , 1993 novel single work 'The destinies of two families, black and white, are fatally interwoven... in this frontier novel. Racial brutality and the tragic account of the Myall Creek massacre underscore the story of Ginny and Wollumbuy, Kamilaroi people of Warrumbungle Range. Mysterious killings follow the arrival Karl and Gundrun Maresch, a German couple who establish a Lutheran mission near the young settlement of Coonabarabran.' (Source: Publisher's blurb)
1992 winner David Unaipon Award
VIEW ALL AWARDS
See Also
Cockatoo Books