PRESS RELEASE: Outback Odyssey: Critically Acclaimed for Upcoming Stage Play, Nominated for Major Literary Awards
From Page to Stage to Global Recognition—Paul Rushworth-Brown’s “Outback Odyssey” Garners Prestigious Nominations
VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA – May 6, 2025 — Paul Rushworth-Brown’s sweeping, genre-defying work “Outback Odyssey” has earned nominations across multiple distinguished competitions, cementing its place as one of the most powerful new contributions to Australian storytelling. The acclaimed historical novel, “Outback Odyssey”, has now been shortlisted for both the Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award and the Book Pipeline
Adaptation Contest and longlisted for The Darling Axe’s First Page Challenge.
“Outback Odyssey” continues to gain momentum despite already stunning readers with its poetic portrayal of two journeys—survival and spiritual awakening. Set in the raw beauty of Victoria’s bushland, the novel weaves between 19th-century colonial hardship and the post-WWII migrant experience through the lens of First Nations wisdom, reconciliation, and the haunting presence of the Land itself.
Award Nominations & Highlights
• Blue Pencil Agency First Novel Award (UK)
Shortlisted – The award celebrates exceptional storytelling and introduces winners to leading literary agents.
• Book Pipeline Adaptation Contest (USA)
Shortlisted – Honouring works with strong cinematic or theatrical potential, “Outback Odyssey” stood out for its visual language, emotional depth, and potential for further development on stage and screen.
• The Darling Axe First Page Challenge (Canada)
Longlisted – Judged on the power of a novel’s opening, “Outback Odyssey” captivated reviewers with its atmospheric first page and gripping premise.
Paul Rushworth-Brown, an English-born Australian author, is deeply moved by the recognition. “These nominations aren’t just for me—they’re for the stories that were almost lost,” he says. “They’re for the First Peoples of Australia, whose truth runs through this land like blood through veins. It’s time we listen.”
About the Stage Production
“Outback Odyssey” is more than a play—it is a cultural encounter. Through atmospheric soundscapes, sacred ceremonies, and lyrical monologues, the land is portrayed as a living character. With a diverse cast to be led by powerful First Nations voices, the play confronts colonial history with empathy and honours intergenerational knowledge.
Audiences have compared the novel to The Secret River, Cloudstreet, and The Drover’s Wife, yet Outback Odyssey remains wholly unique. It bridges two eras, two peoples, and one vast Country still learning to heal.
David Waru, Aboriginal Community Advocate and Writer
“Paul Rushworth-Brown’s Outback Odyssey is more than just a historical adventure—it is an allegory that speaks to Australia’s past and its ongoing journey toward recognition and reconciliation. Through Jimmy’s integration into the Munarrakalai Mob and his struggle to understand the land and its people, the novel highlights the resilience of First Nations’ culture and the deep spiritual connection we have always had with Country.
The story’s themes of belonging, survival, and respect for First Nation knowledge mirror the discussions surrounding the 2023 Voice to Parliament referendum. Just as Jimmy learns to listen, adapt, and acknowledge a history beyond his own, Outback Odyssey challenges readers to do the same—to reflect on how our shared history shapes the present and why recognition and justice remain crucial.
Rushworth-Brown approaches the subject with care and sincerity, offering a narrative that, while fictional, resonates with real historical truths. It is refreshing to see a novel that does not just set Aboriginal culture in the background but instead makes it a living, breathing part of the story. Outback Odyssey serves as both a thrilling read and a reminder of the voices that have long fought to be heard. A timely and thought-provoking novel that will stay with readers long after the last page.”*
What’s Next?
Following its award nominations and development milestones, “Outback Odyssey” is currently seeking:
• Stage reading opportunities
• Workshop development funding
• Festival submissions (Australia, UK, North America)
• Producers and cultural collaborators
For media enquiries, performance licensing, interviews, or investment partnerships, please contact:
Hayley Brown
PA to Paul Rushworth-Brown, Author of Outback Odyssey
Please contact Hayley by email | (+61) 0431 724 652
paulrushworthbrownskulduggerywinterofred.com
[email protected] | Leichhardt, NSW, Australia
