Some writers are born storytellers. Others are shaped by experience. Phillip Leighton-Daly is both.
For over 40 years, he stood at the front of classrooms across New South Wales, not just teaching but inspiring. From the coastal towns to the rugged outback, he shaped young minds, instilling knowledge, discipline, and a hunger for learning. But his influence didn’t stop at the chalkboard—he spent 18 years teaching swimming and water safety, making sure children had the skills to survive beyond the classroom.
Now, Phillip has turned his gift for teaching into a passion for storytelling. His fascination with history led him to write over 15 deeply researched books on Goulburn’s past, unearthing the hidden stories of Kenmore Psychiatric Hospital, Towrang Stockade, and St John Orphanage. But history isn’t just about dates and records—it’s about people, survival, and the battles fought in the shadows of time.
That’s where Against the Tide comes in.
This isn’t just another young adult novel—it’s a pulse-pounding tale of power, betrayal, and resilience. Inspired by real historical events and the lawlessness of early colonial Australia, Against the Tide throws readers into a world where loyalty is a currency, and betrayal is a death sentence.
Phillip doesn’t just tell stories; he immerses readers in them. With his background in education and history, he weaves gripping narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are thrilling. Every scene, every character, and every twist is meticulously crafted—because for Phillip, storytelling isn’t just about entertainment. It’s about legacy.
Whether he’s in the classroom, at the water’s edge, or behind a keyboard, one thing is clear—Phillip Leighton-Daly is a man who shapes stories as powerfully as he shapes minds. And Against the Tide? It’s his boldest tale yet.
