Leadership takes many forms, and for Phillip Leighton-Daly, it manifests through the power of storytelling, history, and moral insight. As a distinguished Writer-Historian, Phillip has become a defining voice in the Goulburn local history scene, with 13 acclaimed nonfiction books that preserve heritage and celebrate the human spirit. Beyond his historical works, he is also the author of 11 compelling fiction titles—adventure-driven stories infused with themes of honor, respect, and selflessness.
Through his influential presence on LinkedIn, Phillip continues to advocate for equality, fairness, and moral integrity, inspiring readers and thinkers worldwide. His words not only reflect wisdom drawn from history but also illuminate a path forward for a more just and principled world.
Please share the beginning of your career journey with us.
Phillip Leighton-Daly: For one year after leaving school, I served as a pay clerk at Morisset Mental Hospital. The expansive and picturesque Lake Macquarie setting, combined with the self-sufficient hospital community, provided alluring maritime inspirations and instilled in me a deep appreciation for the fortitude of those handicapped by mental and physical afflictions. Those early inspirations remain etched in my psyche to this day.
I now work independently, writing historical accounts for the past and present residents of Goulburn. My best-selling factual books often reflect my enduring fascination with my initial workplace, Morisset Mental Hospital. Goulburn, too, had a psychiatric hospital where my mother served as a nurse during World War II. When I moved into the district years later, the closure and sale of this grand, expansive 19th-century building rekindled powerful memories of Morisset.
The subsequent looting and vandalism of the Kenmore estate deeply disturbed me and prompted the creation of four books dedicated to preserving its legacy—works that continue to attract widespread interest and hundreds of sales. Watching the sacrilegious, wanton destruction of the old hospital chapel was particularly painful. My mother had attended services there for war personnel who had died at the hospital. During the war, the facility had been converted into an army war hospital, caring for the physical and mental needs of soldiers after relocating its psychiatric patients.
Other popular nonfiction titles I have authored include The Towrang Stockade and The St John’s Orphanage. The former explores the construction of a 19th-century convict-built road, while the latter chronicles the story of a Catholic institution tragically destroyed by arsonists shortly after my compilation. Each book represents my ongoing commitment to preserving the echoes of our past before they fade entirely from memory.
What has been the most significant source of inspiration in your life?
Phillip Leighton-Daly: There have been many sources of inspiration in my life, each shaping who I am as a writer and as a person. I was an orphan handed over by the church to my adoptive parents and grew up in a low socio-economic environment. Despite the challenges, I was blessed with loving parents who instilled in me strong moral values and compassion for others. From those early experiences, I developed an ingrained attitude against immorality and the mistreatment of unwanted children—an underlying theme that continues to appear throughout my fiction.
The world of mental institutions has also long fascinated me, both for the humanity and the tragedy it encompasses. That curiosity has driven much of my writing and deepened my understanding of resilience, suffering, and empathy.
Perhaps my greatest inspiration, however, came from my time as a primary school teacher, particularly during my appointment to a one-teacher school in an isolated limestone mining village. Nestled on the rim of a desolate and almost inaccessible gorge country, the environment itself became a profound source of wonder. The rich variety of flora and fauna, the rugged terrain, and the remnants of old mining ventures all ignited my imagination. That chapter of my life not only broadened my appreciation for nature and history but also reinforced my passion for storytelling—capturing the beauty, struggle, and perseverance of the human and natural worlds alike.
Please list some of the notable recognitions and accreditations that you and your organization have received.
Phillip Leighton-Daly: Having been raised in a low socio-economic background, I take great pride in the many milestones I have achieved throughout my life and career. My formal qualifications include a Teaching Certificate and a Diploma in Education, along with placement on the NSW List One teaching promotion list—an acknowledgment of excellence in the education sector. I have had the privilege of serving as a principal in both one and two-teacher schools, where leadership and community engagement were at the heart of my work. In addition, I hold a Diploma in Bible Studies and a Certificate in Social Welfare, reflecting my long-standing interest in moral and social development.
Beyond education, I hold a 30-year Austswim qualification and six Bronze Medallions in swimming—symbols of both discipline and lifelong learning. My writing has also been recognized through regional awards for Wednesday’s Child—a 285-page study of Kenmore Psychiatric Hospital—and The Tides in the Lives of Men, a 300-page collation of notable community members’ stories.
I am also proud to be a member of a regional choir that performs in Aged Care and retirement homes, where we bring joy and vitality to those who are often isolated. The connection through music is deeply rewarding.
In the literary world, I am humbled by the response my work has received. I currently have 17 books listed on Goodreads, with 11 fiction titles that have earned outstanding reviews. I’ve received numerous five-star ratings on the Online Book Club and many thoughtful analyses of my writing can be found on AI platforms—where readers often explore my novels such as Against the Tide, The Foundlings and the Fisherman from Tumby, and Honourable Thieves.
A memorable highlight of my career was being featured in a half-hour televised segment with television personality Logan Crawford, where I had the opportunity to share my journey, insights, and inspirations as both a writer and historian. Each recognition, whether local or global, reminds me that perseverance, authenticity, and dedication can turn even humble beginnings into meaningful impact.
What were the most challenging obstacles you’ve encountered in your career?
Phillip Leighton-Daly: Being a timid and sensitive boy, I faced significant challenges during my early years at Teachers College and throughout my initial teaching career. Confidence did not come easily, but fitness and sporting achievements in cricket, baseball, rugby league, swimming, and tennis played a vital role in building my self-assurance and resilience. Those experiences taught me discipline, teamwork, and determination—qualities that would serve me well in both education and writing.
At the age of fifty, I was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, which required three cardio-versions—unfortunately, without success. Decades later, at seventy-three, it was discovered that I had been born with a 3.5 cm hole in the septum of my heart. Over the years, the condition had caused my heart to enlarge significantly due to the extra workload. Earlier this year, the issue was finally corrected through a remarkable medical procedure involving the implantation of a nickel disk, inserted through an artery in my thigh. The doctors explained that such an operation would not have been possible had I not remained physically active throughout my life. It was, in many ways, both a lifelong challenge and a testament to perseverance. Today, my heart is gradually returning to normal, and I continue to compete in tennis and swim long distances—activities that symbolize endurance and vitality for me.
In my 25 years as a writer, another major obstacle has been dealing with unscrupulous publishing companies. Navigating the publishing world requires vigilance and discernment, as not every firm operates with integrity. I’ve learned to conduct thorough research before signing any contract, consult cautionary lists of known scammers, and avoid lengthy phone conversations with aggressive sales representatives eager to exploit authors. These experiences, though challenging, have sharpened my awareness and strengthened my independence as a writer.
Through each difficulty—personal or professional—I’ve come to understand that resilience, integrity, and self-belief are the greatest shields against adversity.
