It can also be thought of as a search for happiness and meaning in often difficult and confusing personal circumstances. During this period she formed those views expressed in her writing that would make her one of Australia’s most prominent literary figures.

Judith was born on 13 May 1915, the first child of Phillip Arundell (PA) Wright and Ethel Mabel Wright nee Bigg.

The fact that Judith was first born is important, for she was born into a world where girls could not inherit. Expected to marry, they received money but could not inherit the land. This would become a tragedy for Judith when, at the end of her life, the beloved properties were lost.

The first part of Judith’s life revolved around station life and multiple homes belonging to family members. Her favourite was her mother’s family home, Thalgarrah.

Thalgarrah was more open than the dark Wallamumbi, set in nice grounds. I also think that the girl was spoiled, loved. Describing it, Judith referred to her mother’s country, an almost identical term used by writer Maslyn Williams as the title of his memoir.

Judith’s mother became ill with a debilitating disease that finally rendered her a total invalid.

The girl seems to have been bookish from an early age, teaching herself to read from the books around the house. As her mum became sicker, Judith retreated into her books, creating a world of her imagination.

Later, Judith would have a sense of guilt about this retreat. She would still go to her mum to read her poems, to tell her about her writing, but didn’t know how to manage her mother’s illness.

Ethel died in 1927. Husband PA was distraught from previous worry and at the loss of his wife. On 21 November 1928 he re-married.

Judith did not get on with her step-mother, Dora Isabella Temperley, marking another divide in her life.