THE life of John Mackay – so far – is a great read and an integral part of recent Canberra history. The book, “Living on the Edge”, is beautifully written by Graham Downie and was officially launched at the National Press Club by Alex Sloan.

It traces the good, the bad, the painful and true story of the man whose love of Canberra, exuberant spirit and lust for life was a force that made things happen. His kindness is beyond compare. His friendship is legendary. But most of all he’s a family man with his extraordinary wife Colette saying John has made life fun for her.

The gathering of many of what I call his usual suspects at the launch was the culmination of a couple of years of a fantastic friendship and perfect pairing of his biographer Downie and Mackay, where both found a respect for each other and the precious trust required for this story to be told.

Needless to say, I’ve had a long association with John and Colette and their extended family, and our lives have crossed paths in many ways I was unaware of until my hand-delivered and signed copy arrived and was consumed with pleasure very quickly. Buy it through Halstead Press and enjoy the journey.