Mike is regularly invited to speak at schools, libraries and conferences about history, books and writing and heritage interpretation. His books and other publications cover a wide range of themes and he enjoys interacting with all ages from pre primary children to adults. Many of his works have teachers’ notes, background information and student activities which can be used for pre visit preparation and post visit reflection.
School and Library visits
Mike engages students with a variety of publications including picture books, junior novels and non-fiction titles.
Before each visit, Mike works with the teacher to develop a specific program to suit the requirements of their students.
Mike uses questions and role-play involving a number of props and costumes to stimulate interest.
Visits can be one-hour sessions or Writing Workshops of longer duration.
One Hour sessions:
Some themes offered:
- 'Meet the Author' sessions – a general introduction to books and writing
- The story of Chief Engineer C Y O'Connor – Railways, Harbours, Everything…
- Sailing the Seven Seas – how to survive life on an 18-century ship of discovery
- The Catalpa Escape – how an American whaling ship travelled from the other side of the world to snatch 6 Fenian prisoners from Fremantle's 'escape proof' prison
- HMAS Sydney II – the mystery of Australia's greatest naval disaster
- Captain Cook and the Endeavour – the story of Captain Cook's first great voyage of discovery
- Duyfken – Australia's first ship
- Shipwreck at Madman's Corner - Concept Map
- Underwater detectives solve the mystery of a unknown wreck off the Western Australian Coast - Howzat! - Howzat! Promotional Flyer | Howzat! Teachers Notes
Writing Workshops:
Mike engages students with the process of developing a story from the initial idea through to the finished product.
He draws on examples from his own work and encourages students, particularly the reluctant readers and writers, to try some of the techniques.
He encourages questions and involvement in role-play situations using props and costumes to stimulate interest.
Mike also uses original works from collaborating artists (including story boards, roughs and final art) to show how his books are illustrated.
Before each workshop, Mike works with the teacher to develop a specific program to suit the requirements of their students.
Most of Mike’s books have teacher notes and student activities already developed. Contact him for more information. As an example look at
http://museum.wa.gov.au/explore/kids/sydney-education
Mike developed these activities with the WA Museum to support his book HMAS SYDNEY – THE MYSTERY OF AUSTRALIA'S GREATEST NAVAL DISASTER
Walking Tours
Mike and Joy lead walking tours around the Fremantle and south to CY O'Connor Beach looking at stories of the region from pre-settlement times, through the development of the Swan River Colony to the present day.
Specific themed tours include:
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A guided walk of Fremantle’s heritage listed West-End - in 2017, 250 buildings were listed under the WA State Heritage Act. A walk through the back streets will introduce your students to the history and heritage of Fremantle through the stories behind some of these fascinating buildings.
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Harbouring History - walk through Fremantle's historic Maritime Precinct following the harbour development from the dangerous and unpopular port of the 1800s to the safe and secure inner harbour opened at the turn of the 20th century.
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The Catalpa Escape - This special walk commemorates the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the last convicts to Australia and the subsequent escape from Fremantle Prison of six Irish Fenians. We offer an insight into the life and times of the Fenians and their supporters who outwitted the British authorities with their daring escape. Contact us to buy The Catalpa Escape picture book and curriculum linked Information and Activities booklet.
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Fremantle's Sporting History - walk in the footsteps of some of Fremantle's sporting greats.
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From 'Terror' Australis to the Land of the Long Weekend - trace the history of the mapping of the West Australian coast from Dutch ships of discovery to the maps we know today.
(This walk includes a tour of the replica of the Dutch ship Duyfken) -
Clear the Course! - stories of horses and horse racing on South Beach. This tour begins and ends at the South Beach café. It can be a walking tour or a bike tour (participants supply their own bikes).
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O'Connor's Last Ride - walk the sands of South Beach and trace the last ride of C Y O'Connor – architect of Fremantle Harbour and the Goldfield Pipeline – who tragically took his life near Robb Jetty on 10 March 1902. Tour begins and ends at the South Beach café. It can also be a bike tour (participants supply their own bikes).
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The America's Cup – how Australia won and lost it. - walk around Challenger and Fishing Boat harbours and visit the sites of the visiting syndicates that battled Australia for the cup in 1987. (This walk includes a tour of the Tin Canoe to Australia II Gallery in the WA Maritime Museum)
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The Fishing Boat Harbour story - walk through the history of the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour precinct from the time when the coastline extended beyond Rottnest to the present day. Includes a wide range of stories such as the famous 'Fremantle Doctor', the fishing industry, the America's Cup 1987 defence, the building of the two replica ships Endeavour and Duyfken and the story behind the Bon Scott statue.
These walks are most suitable for 8 year olds and upwards, however shorter walks can also be arranged for younger students.
Costs
Mike and Joy will tailor a school visit, lecture or walking tour to suit your particular interests, physical abilities, age levels and budgets. They make links to SCSA Curriculum.
Mike and Joy use the current Australian Society of Authors pay scales as the basis for fees for walks, lectures and workshops.
(https://asauthors.org/public-appearance-rates)
They both have a current Working with Children's Card, Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public and Products Liability that covers walking tours with children and adults.