AustLit

Ray Jaensch, a descendant of early Lutheran pioneers who settled along the Bremer Valley, lived the first 18 years of his life with his parents in Callington, SA. There he attended the local primary school from 1942 to 1950. After leaving school at the age of 14, he worked on local farms and then got a job with SA Railways. He remained with Railways until his retirement in 1991. He has travelled widely, not only in Australia, but also in some 20 countries around the globe.

Jaensch began writing and reciting verse when his children were young, and he has continued to give readings at local community gatherings and functions. He also played the saxophone and wrote songs, among them 'The Woolshed Mazurka' which won the 1983 Grenfell Henry Lawson Award for the best Australian song.