This page contains testimonials from a few of Tony Matthews' former clients.
Full copies of these letters are available upon request.
Cr. Bill McCutcheon
Former mayor of the Chinchilla Shire Council, writes:
Just over two years ago the Chinchilla Shire Council decided to commence a comprehensive Shire History and advertised for expressions of interest. From a large and well qualified field including some from overseas we short-listed and interviewed four likely contenders. The committee made a unanimous decision that the contract be awarded to Tony Matthews. This was a decision we never regretted and was influenced by the readability of his literary style and the clear and detailed outline of his proposal.
The committee decided the history should be as comprehensive as possible and with this in mind Tony prepared a program of milestones and timelines clearly defined and even though the finished manuscript became much larger than originally envisaged these timelines were always met and the committee were very professionally kept informed at all times of the progress being made.
The enormous amount of research that Tony and his invaluable assistant, his wife, Lensie, undertook was truly awesome and many details of our past were revealed that had long passed from the memory of our present generations.
Along with the written research were the oral history interviews with some 43 separate residents and this audio collection on individual CDs is a marvellous adjunct to the written volumes and combined they make the most comprehensive history collection which will be the basis for all future additions to our history. ...
To my mind the other aspect is the literary style used by Tony which makes the history read as a good book should and many people are telling me they are enjoying reading the stories as much for the pure 'readability' as for the historical content.
I would have no hesitation at all in recommending Tony Matthews for any similar project. His professionalism and sheer enthusiasm for his work makes dealing with him a pleasure and the quality of his work is exceptional.
Bill McCutcheon, former mayor, Chinchilla Shire Council, presently councillor, Western Downs Regional Council.
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Former mayor of the Chinchilla Shire Council, writes:
Just over two years ago the Chinchilla Shire Council decided to commence a comprehensive Shire History and advertised for expressions of interest. From a large and well qualified field including some from overseas we short-listed and interviewed four likely contenders. The committee made a unanimous decision that the contract be awarded to Tony Matthews. This was a decision we never regretted and was influenced by the readability of his literary style and the clear and detailed outline of his proposal.
The committee decided the history should be as comprehensive as possible and with this in mind Tony prepared a program of milestones and timelines clearly defined and even though the finished manuscript became much larger than originally envisaged these timelines were always met and the committee were very professionally kept informed at all times of the progress being made.
The enormous amount of research that Tony and his invaluable assistant, his wife, Lensie, undertook was truly awesome and many details of our past were revealed that had long passed from the memory of our present generations.
Along with the written research were the oral history interviews with some 43 separate residents and this audio collection on individual CDs is a marvellous adjunct to the written volumes and combined they make the most comprehensive history collection which will be the basis for all future additions to our history. ...
To my mind the other aspect is the literary style used by Tony which makes the history read as a good book should and many people are telling me they are enjoying reading the stories as much for the pure 'readability' as for the historical content.
I would have no hesitation at all in recommending Tony Matthews for any similar project. His professionalism and sheer enthusiasm for his work makes dealing with him a pleasure and the quality of his work is exceptional.
Bill McCutcheon, former mayor, Chinchilla Shire Council, presently councillor, Western Downs Regional Council.
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Cr. David Carter
Former mayor of the South Burnett Regional Council, writes:
Tony Matthews has had a long and fruitful association with the Wondai Shire and the South Burnett councils.
In the late 1990s he was commissioned by the South Burnett Local Government Association to research and compile 'Landscapes of Change' — a history of the South Burnett, a two-volume socio-economic history covering the shires of Kilkivan, Murgon, Wondai, Kingaroy, Nanango and the Aboriginal community of Cherbourg. This was published in 1997 and still remains the ultimate reference book for accessing information on people of the region and major events that shaped and moulded their lives.
With the Wondai Shire's centenary pending in 2010 the Wondai Shire Council again approached Tony Matthews to write a comprehensive history of our shire. However, the process was interrupted with the sudden announcement of amalgamation of councils in Queensland. Tony rose to the occasion and moved the project forward, completing the process in time for a book launch in the week preceding the Local Government elections. Once again the finished product was of a high standard, fully cross-referenced and providing many interesting insights into the shire's history that had not been previously published ...
I have always found Tony and his wife Lensie very professional to work with and can assure any prospective employer that their work will be thorough and comprehensive.
Cr David Carter, mayor of the South Burnett Regional Council and former mayor of the Wondai Shire Council.
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Former mayor of the South Burnett Regional Council, writes:
Tony Matthews has had a long and fruitful association with the Wondai Shire and the South Burnett councils.
In the late 1990s he was commissioned by the South Burnett Local Government Association to research and compile 'Landscapes of Change' — a history of the South Burnett, a two-volume socio-economic history covering the shires of Kilkivan, Murgon, Wondai, Kingaroy, Nanango and the Aboriginal community of Cherbourg. This was published in 1997 and still remains the ultimate reference book for accessing information on people of the region and major events that shaped and moulded their lives.
With the Wondai Shire's centenary pending in 2010 the Wondai Shire Council again approached Tony Matthews to write a comprehensive history of our shire. However, the process was interrupted with the sudden announcement of amalgamation of councils in Queensland. Tony rose to the occasion and moved the project forward, completing the process in time for a book launch in the week preceding the Local Government elections. Once again the finished product was of a high standard, fully cross-referenced and providing many interesting insights into the shire's history that had not been previously published ...
I have always found Tony and his wife Lensie very professional to work with and can assure any prospective employer that their work will be thorough and comprehensive.
Cr David Carter, mayor of the South Burnett Regional Council and former mayor of the Wondai Shire Council.
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Dorothy Fuller (See here with her husband)
Former member of the Chinchilla History Book Project writes:
As a member of the special book committee chosen to oversee the production and printing of Chinchilla Shire's history which has encompassed the local Aboriginal people, early explorers, first settlers and development to the present time, I have found it a very great pleasure to be associated with Tony Matthews, the preferred author.
Tony was chosen from a wide field of applicants because of his experience, prior excellent publications and the confidence he engendered in what he was about to undertake. This confidence was not misplaced as Tony Matthews and his wife, Lensie, delivered on all fronts.
Research proved extensive and thorough; monthly reports to the book committee were concise and regular and it must be stressed that Tony Matthews met all self-imposed timetables enabling the books to be printed and available at the beginning of June as requested by the Council.
Most importantly, the two-volume history is so easy and enjoyable to read it will interest people young and old and is a fascinating tribute to the toils of the past generations. The knowledge we have gained about our past will allow us to move forward with gratitude in the future.
Tony, thank you for giving us a unique and treasured collection of our history.
Dorothy Fuller (pictured above with husband David Fuller) former proprietors of the Chinchilla News. Dorothy served as a member of the Chinchilla History Book Committee.
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Photograph by Vicki Abraham, Chinchilla.
Former member of the Chinchilla History Book Project writes:
As a member of the special book committee chosen to oversee the production and printing of Chinchilla Shire's history which has encompassed the local Aboriginal people, early explorers, first settlers and development to the present time, I have found it a very great pleasure to be associated with Tony Matthews, the preferred author.
Tony was chosen from a wide field of applicants because of his experience, prior excellent publications and the confidence he engendered in what he was about to undertake. This confidence was not misplaced as Tony Matthews and his wife, Lensie, delivered on all fronts.
Research proved extensive and thorough; monthly reports to the book committee were concise and regular and it must be stressed that Tony Matthews met all self-imposed timetables enabling the books to be printed and available at the beginning of June as requested by the Council.
Most importantly, the two-volume history is so easy and enjoyable to read it will interest people young and old and is a fascinating tribute to the toils of the past generations. The knowledge we have gained about our past will allow us to move forward with gratitude in the future.
Tony, thank you for giving us a unique and treasured collection of our history.
Dorothy Fuller (pictured above with husband David Fuller) former proprietors of the Chinchilla News. Dorothy served as a member of the Chinchilla History Book Committee.
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Photograph by Vicki Abraham, Chinchilla.
Percy Iszlaub A.O.,
Former mayor, Wondai Shire Council, writes:
I wish to confirm formally the expressions of thanks and admiration conveyed to you on the occasion of the official launch of that wonderful history of the South Burnett District Landscapes of Change.
This so accurate and faithful portrayal of the history of our district from the very earliest days has exceeded all expectations of the South Burnett Local Government Association and individual shires.
Reports from many readers of the volumes indicate that a thoroughly researched, documented and indexed publication could also provide such absorbing reading. Indeed when one commences a chapter it is so difficult to leave it.
This fine publication will for all time provide such a readable record of our district's development through the various phases and passages of time. Importantly it will always provide an accurate and documented reference of events and happenings.
Please avail yourself of the liberty to use our commendations in any promotion of your unique gifts of application and expression.
We again offer our sincere thanks to you and Lensie and I am sure to be calling on you to assist us with publications and promotions in the exciting times ahead.
Percy Iszlaub A.O., former mayor, Wondai Shire Council
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Former mayor, Wondai Shire Council, writes:
I wish to confirm formally the expressions of thanks and admiration conveyed to you on the occasion of the official launch of that wonderful history of the South Burnett District Landscapes of Change.
This so accurate and faithful portrayal of the history of our district from the very earliest days has exceeded all expectations of the South Burnett Local Government Association and individual shires.
Reports from many readers of the volumes indicate that a thoroughly researched, documented and indexed publication could also provide such absorbing reading. Indeed when one commences a chapter it is so difficult to leave it.
This fine publication will for all time provide such a readable record of our district's development through the various phases and passages of time. Importantly it will always provide an accurate and documented reference of events and happenings.
Please avail yourself of the liberty to use our commendations in any promotion of your unique gifts of application and expression.
We again offer our sincere thanks to you and Lensie and I am sure to be calling on you to assist us with publications and promotions in the exciting times ahead.
Percy Iszlaub A.O., former mayor, Wondai Shire Council
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Judith Bell
Former librarian, Chinchilla Shire Council Library, writes:
I'm writing to express my delight at the recent launch of Footsteps Through Time by Tony Matthews.
The book itself is a superb production — extremely attractive and written in an appealing style which manages to convert dry historical facts into a riveting tale. Over 500 photographs bring the text to life. The book contains excellent chronologies and indexes which make a librarian's heart glad and the depth of coverage will serve Chinchilla Shire amply for many years to come. ...
One thing which impressed me greatly during the research and writing process of over two years was the strict observance of the monthly reports supplied by Tony Matthews to Council and to the members of the overseeing committee. These were always on time and provided a summary of people contacted, sources checked and tasks completed. Deadlines were published and Tony never let us down. The book was produced on time as promised and handed over to Council on the due date.
Tony Matthews' assistance with helpful suggestions as to publishing ... storage requirements etc have also been of great assistance in a practical way. The suggestions were timely — usually in advance of the committee's need to make a decision.
Mrs Lensie Matthews is at least half of this efficient team. She has at all times been an exemplary research assistant and her meticulous attention to detail, liaison with contacts and Council and courteous manner have made the whole process a very happy and interesting one for all concerned. As a result of her work the library has received a selection of extremely useful extra materials for its local history collection.
Top marks to the team — I can't recommend them highly enough.
Judith Bell, BA, Cert T., AMusA., ATCL.,LTCL
Former librarian, Chinchilla Shire Council Library and member of the Chinchilla Shire History Book Committee.
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).
Former librarian, Chinchilla Shire Council Library, writes:
I'm writing to express my delight at the recent launch of Footsteps Through Time by Tony Matthews.
The book itself is a superb production — extremely attractive and written in an appealing style which manages to convert dry historical facts into a riveting tale. Over 500 photographs bring the text to life. The book contains excellent chronologies and indexes which make a librarian's heart glad and the depth of coverage will serve Chinchilla Shire amply for many years to come. ...
One thing which impressed me greatly during the research and writing process of over two years was the strict observance of the monthly reports supplied by Tony Matthews to Council and to the members of the overseeing committee. These were always on time and provided a summary of people contacted, sources checked and tasks completed. Deadlines were published and Tony never let us down. The book was produced on time as promised and handed over to Council on the due date.
Tony Matthews' assistance with helpful suggestions as to publishing ... storage requirements etc have also been of great assistance in a practical way. The suggestions were timely — usually in advance of the committee's need to make a decision.
Mrs Lensie Matthews is at least half of this efficient team. She has at all times been an exemplary research assistant and her meticulous attention to detail, liaison with contacts and Council and courteous manner have made the whole process a very happy and interesting one for all concerned. As a result of her work the library has received a selection of extremely useful extra materials for its local history collection.
Top marks to the team — I can't recommend them highly enough.
Judith Bell, BA, Cert T., AMusA., ATCL.,LTCL
Former librarian, Chinchilla Shire Council Library and member of the Chinchilla Shire History Book Committee.
(Photograph and testimonial published with permission).