Transported in 1790 with the hellish Second Fleet, the worst of all the convict shipments to Australia, Paul Bushell triumphed and created his own piece of paradise on earth.
Vigorous, independent, generous-spirited, community-minded, principled and hard-working, he championed the rights of others and prospered himself. His ecumenical views and his respect for women’s rights were ahead of his time. His story presents a gripping, informative and humane view of early colonial life.
He died in 1853, during the gold rush era, his life span encapsulating the first major phase of the modern history of Australia.