Randell, Barbara Rae (née Redgen)   (1942 -  )

Barbara grew up on a mixed arm in Queensland in the 1950s.

Her childhood reflects a period of Australia's history where, in the absence of modern technology, lateral-thinking, stubbornness, and hard work were the order of the day. She recalls attending a one-room provisional school, the excitement of visiting the annual local show, and the special event that was shopping day.
(which she recounts in her 2021 book: 'The Redgens of Redford').

She published 'A Taxonomic Study of Eriachne R. Br. (Gramineae)' in 1965
and did her PhD at Flinders University, SA, in 1969 titled 'Biosystematic studies in Australian zone Cassia species.'

Much later she was co-author with Ben Lethbridge of: 'Genetic and agronomic improvement of quandong : a report for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation' in 2002.

Barbara had a signifcant change of direction in later life, becoming an award-winning author of stories set in Australian small towns in the bush - especially fiction for children.

Her middle-grade stories feature Digger the Wonder Dog series; (Digger the Dog Goes Home; Digger in the Flinders Ranges; Digger's Beach Friends; and Digger and the Sandy Shore Mystery).

She has also written time-travel adventures, Ben's Perfect Summer Holidays for middle grade; and The Time Tunnel for slightly younger children. Her children's stories introduce children to Australia's flora and fauna, the importance of our bushland, and how they can help to protect it.

Before turning to younger readers, she wrote for adults, creating eg romances in the Jane Austen in Contemporary Australia series; and cosy mysteries, all set in Australia.

Earlier she worked in environmental research and teaching for many years, in Universities and schools, creating the knowledge she shares with her young readers.

Now widowed, she spends her time writing, gardening, and doing craft work. She makes baby clothes and soft toys for charitable causes.

Source: Extracted from:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Rae_Randell
https://barbararandellwriter.com/
https://flinders.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma9920235801771&context=L&vid=61FUL_INST:FUL&lang=en&search_scope=MyInst_and_CI
&adaptor=Local%20Search%20Engine&tab=Everything&query=any,contains,Randell&pfilter=rtype,exact,FLINTHESIS&offset=0
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08PCNV6HY
Portrait Photo: https://barbararandellwriter.com/

Collecting localities for 'Randell, B.R.' and 'Redgen, B.R.' from AVH (2025)

Data from 70 specimens