Dancing To His Own Beat A Country Boy’s Tale Of The Barrarina

By Amanda Wright

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From the tiny rural community of Septimus, where his school once had only three students in a class, local author Earl Neilsen has crafted a magical story that captures the heart of his childhood. His debut children's book is not just a blend of fun and rhyme, but a celebration of embracing uniqueness and resilience—a reflection of the country upbringing that shaped him.
Growing up in the Pioneer Valley, Earl fondly recalls a community where larrikins were the storytellers, and everyone had a legendary nickname.
"Pumpkin, Plugger—everyone had one. Embracing being a country bumkin became a big part of who I am," Earl said.
That country spirit inspired his persona, Bumkin, the beloved children's entertainer and songwriter who delighted young audiences for more than 20 years.
Earl's love for entertainment started early, in the country school too small to even form a cricket team.
"We had to do it all. One day we'd be playing rugby league, and the next, we'd be doing gymnastics. Boys would pirouette, and girls would run with the footy," he laughed, noting how the blended curriculum nurtured talents like his for song and dance.
It wasn't until he took part in a dance school production of Grease that Earl truly caught the performing bug.
"That adrenalin rush of being on stage—it never goes away," he said.
After graduating from Mirani State High where he was the school captain, Earl's passion for performing took him across the globe, where he entertained children at summer camps in the U.S. and met his wife, Stephanie, during a time of uncertainty following the 9/11 attacks.
Earl vividly remembers the day the world changed. He was set to leave for a Contiki tour in the UK when the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded.
"I was stuck in Chicago, and it was surreal. Cars were lining up at petrol stations, and no one knew what would happen next," he recalled.
Flights were grounded, leaving Earl with no choice but to return to the summer camp where he had been performing. It was during this unexpected extension of his stay that he grew closer to Stephanie, the camp leader who would later become his wife. What could have been a harrowing time turned into a life-changing chapter for the couple.
He returned to Australia and knew it was where he wanted to continue his life with Stephanie.
"Traveling to different parts of the world made me appreciate the Pioneer Valley even more. It's where I knew I wanted to start my family," Earl said.
Today, from his home near Teemburra Dam, he channels his childhood memories and love for the arts into his storytelling, the culmination of which is his new book, a heartwarming tale about a dancing barramundi called Barrarina.
The story, brimming with humour, resilience, and even a touch of fish biology, follows a young male barramundi who is teased for his love of dance. Earl weaves a tale as intricate as the dance the barra performs on the end of a fishing line, flipping and twirling in a way that mirrors the grace of a ballet. Each movement of the fish is like a pirouette, as it glides through the water with a rhythm only nature can provide.
Barrarina’s journey is about more than just dance—it's about resilience, embracing uniqueness, and turning what makes you different into your greatest strength. Taunted for his love of dance, Barrarina finds wisdom in the advice of an old platypus, who encourages him to embrace his talent. In the end, this very talent saves his life, transforming him into a legend of the pond.
"Own your difference," Earl said. "It doesn't matter what it is that makes you unique, own it." This powerful message is the heart of the book, and one Earl hopes will resonate with readers of all ages.
The book, filled with Earl’s signature watercolour illustrations and clever local references which adults will also enjoy, has been praised for its positive messages for children and adults alike.
“It’s for everyone who needs a reminder to embrace who they are,” he said.
Barrarina is available locally at the Badila Art and Craft Centre in Pinnacle, Let the Children Play toy shop in Mackay, and online at ejneilsen.com.au
Earl's story is one for all to enjoy, dedicated to his sons, Eli and Ewan, and supported by his wife, Stephanie.
With a mantra like "Keep on dancing," his message is clear—embrace the dance of life, no matter how different your steps may be.

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Barrarina possibly became the ‘highest’ selling children’s book when Earl’s friend took it to the top of Mt Dalrymple. Photos supplied
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Author Earl Neilsen with his sons, Eli and Ewan with Earl’s first children’s book, Barrarina

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