Stewart Roper was born in Greenock, Scotland, and emigrated to Australia with his family as 'ten pound poms' on the good ship SS Oronsay. He worked in a variety of jobs before undertaking studies in nursing which eventually led to him travelling to work on the Pitjantjatjara Lands in remote north west South Australia and, much to his surprise (and possibly the consternation of some), he has continued to work with the same health service for the last thirty years. Palya is his first book, documenting experiences with the Pitjantjatjara and their ruggedly beautiful country during this period. For the last twenty years he has lived mostly in the idyllic seaside town of Port Willunga, just south of Adelaide in South Australia, with his wife Rita Reitano.