Fremantle Press’s exciting tales of rescue and escape acknowledged in NSW History Award shortlist

Trapped! by Julia Lawrinson and Catalpa: Escape to Freedom by Mike and Joy Lefroy have each been shortlisted for an NSW History Award.

Administered by the State Library of NSW in association with Create NSW, the awards recognise the contribution of historical research to our culture and communities, and to society at large.

Julia Lawrinson said she was utterly delighted to be shortlisted for the prestigious prize.  She said, ‘The story of Trapped! is about a remarkable story of survival against the odds. It is also about communities coming together in a time of crisis, and it made news headlines all over the world – quite the event for a mining settlement near Coolgardie in 1907! I hope the shortlisting will encourage young readers to explore and understand more about our fascinating and forgotten areas of history.’

Mike Lefoy pointed out that the announcement couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time, since 19 August marked the 150th anniversary of the American whaling ship Catalpa sailing into New York Harbour with a group of rescued Fenians (Irish political prisoners) on board.

Mike said he and Joy were happy to be recognised for their international tale of derring-do. He said, ‘Catalpa: Escape to Freedom is the amazing true story of the world’s first “crowd funded” prison escape at a time when cutting-edge social media meant a short message transmitted by Morse code.’

The NSW History Awards were first presented in 1997 to honour distinguished achievement in history by Australian citizens and permanent residents. 

The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Monday 7 September at the State Library of NSW.

Past winners have included Darren Rix, Craig Cormick, Robyn Arianrhod, Alan Atkinson, Joan Beaumont, Stuart Macintyre, Ken Inglis, Inga Clendinnen, Bruce Scates, Mark McKenna, Warwick Thornton, Sean Scalmer, Ann McGrath, Nadia Wheatley and Grace Karskens.