Thomas Keneally AO – ‘An old man’s journey through history, politics and other small matters’

Thomas Keneally is an iconic Australian novelist, playwright, essayist and actor. Thomas was born in Sydney, but spent his early years in Kempsey before his family moved back to Sydney. He attended Christian Brothers St .Patrick’s College Strathfield and awarded his Leaving Certificate with Honours English. Thomas enroled at St. Patrick’s Seminary Manly, but he left after six years without being ordained. He then worked as a teacher while his literary career blossomed. Thomas is a most successful and prolific author, best known for his non-fiction novel ‘Schindler’s Ark’, which won the Booker Prize in 1982 and was later adapted into a most successful film.

Thomas was the founding chairman of the Australian Republic Movement and he is also a strong supporter of Rugby League football – in particular the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Thomas is married to Marion and they have two children. Thomas was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1983 and he is also an Australian Living Legend.