Garner, Helen (1942-)

Field of activity
Journalist, Scriptwriter and Writer
Libraries Australia
http://nla.gov.au/anbd.aut-an35803144
NLA Persistent Identifier
http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-569712

Biographies

Helen Garner is an award-winning Australian novelist, short story writer, screenwriter and journalist. After graduating from the University of Melbourne in 1965 she worked as a high school teacher. While teaching, she contributed to journals and worked in theatre. Her first novel Monkey Grip was published in 1977. It was an instant success, winning a National Book Council award in 1978 and being filmed in 1982. Garner has successfully written both fiction and non-fiction. Considerable controversy attended the 1995 publication of The First Stone: Some Questions about Sex and Power, an examination of allegations of misconduct in a University college. In 1993, she won a Walkley award for her feature article on the sad death of a small child, Daniel Valerio. Garner has written three scripts for Australian films: Monkey Grip (Cameron, 1982), Two Friends (Campion, 1986) and The Last Days Of Chez Nous (Armstrong, 1992). Along with her novels, short stories and journalism, these films have cast Garner as a central figure in the history of Australian film and literature.

Garner was born in Geelong in 1942. She attended the Manifold Heights State School, Ocean Grove State School and The Hermitage. She graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and French. She then worked as a high school teacher between 1966 and 1972. In 1968 she married Bill Garner and was divorced in 1971.

In 1972, Garner was fired by the Victorian Department of Education for her publications in the magazine, The Digger. Throughout the 1970s, Garner also published in the Women's Liberation journal Vashti's Voice.

Her first novel, Monkey Grip, was published in 1977. The book was very successful, winning the National Book Council Award in 1978. In 1982, garner wrote the script for the feature film Monkey Grip (Cameron, 1982). The film followed the lives of a small group of inner city people and how sex and drugs impacted their lives.

In 1980, she married Jean-Jacques Portail and divorced in 1985. She has also married and divorced Australian writer Murray Bail.

In 1986, her collection of short stories, Postcards from Surfers, won the 1986 NSW Premier's Literary Award and her novel The Children's Bach won the 1986 SA Premier's Literary Award. Also in 1986, Garner wrote the script for Two Friends (Campion, 1986).

In 1991, Garner wrote the script for the dramatic comedy The Last Days of Chez Nous (Armstrong, 1992). Produced by Jan Chapman, the film explored the relationship between two very different daughters and their father.

In 1993, her novel Cosmo Cosmolino was nominated for a Miles Franklin Award.

In 1995, her non-fiction The First Stone: Some Questions About Sex and Power, caused intense uproar amongst feminists.

  • 1993 Walkley Award (Print) - Best Feature Writing, ' Why Did Daniel Have To Die?', Time Australia
  • 2005 Walkley Award (Literary) - Non-Fiction Book, 'Joe Cinque's Consolation', Pan Macmillan

View the full record at Australian Women's Register

Related people and organisations

Australian Women's Register

Resources for Helen Garner

Selected resources (12)

Australian Women's Register

  1. Why Did Daniel HaveTo Die?
    Garner, Helen
    [1993]
    Published: Time Australia
  2. Helen Garner (1942 - )University of Melbourne - 150 Years: 150 Stories (On-line edition) Flesch, Juliet and McPhee, Peter : Helen Garner (1942 - )
    Flesch, Juliet and McPhee, Peter
    [2002]
    Published: University of Melbourne
    Series: http://www.unimelb.edu.au/150/150people/garner.html
  3. The Women's Pages: Australian Women and Journalism since 1850
    Australian Women's Archives Project
    [2008]
    Published: Australian Women's Archives Project
    Series: http://www.womenaustralia.info/exhib/cal/cal-home.html
  4. National Library of Australia, Manuscript Section: Papers of Helen Garner, 1990-2005 [manuscript] (1990 - 2005)
    Correspondence, research files, drafts, cuttings, articles and other papers relating to books by Garner 1992-2004.
    MS 9265
  5. National Library of Australia, Oral History & Folklore Section : Interview with Helen Garner, author [sound recording] / interviewer, Sara Dowse
    Interview conducted in 2005.
    ORAL TRC 5384
  6. National Library of Australia, Oral History & Folklore Section : Helen Garner interviewed by Hazel de Berg in the Hazel de Berg collection
    Garner speaks of her childhood, growing up in a suburb of Geelong ; her Melbourne University years ; the influence of Glen Tomasetti on her writing career ; her introduction to unionism while teaching ; how she began writing her novel "Monkey grip" and her method of work ; her thoughts on the film based on that novel ; living in Paris and writing her second book "Honour, and Other people's children" ; problems encountered when writing on matters very close to her. Recorded 1982. A transcript is available.
    ORAL TRC 1/1260
  7. National Film and Sound Archive: Australian Film Commission: Script Laboratory: Women's Programme: Group Shot of Participants
    710346
  8. National Film and Sound Archive: Two Friends (1986)
    Feature film with a script written by Helen Garner. It is about adolescent friendship, the sort of passionate friendship of teenage girls that seems so strong, yet often disintegrates as lives take different courses.
    558898
  9. National Film and Sound Archive: Monkey Grip (1982)
    Feature film with a script written by Helen Garner. The film about a small group of inner city people who live amidst sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. It focuses on a woman and her drug-addicted boyfriend.
    32455
  10. National Film and Sound Archive: The Last Days of Chez Nous (1991)
    Feature film with a script written by Helen Garner. A comedy/drama set in a house shared by a family and some friends and centering on the relationship between two adult sisters and their father. There is doucmentation associated with the making of the film in the NFSA collection
    141129
  11. National Film and Sound Archive: Garner, Helen : Interviewed By Steve Stockwell (1979)
    Interview with writer Helen Garner who has been appointed writer-in-residence at Griffith University. She discusses the writing and later filming of her novel 'Monkey Grip' and talks about heroin addiction (and other forms of addiction) as it relates to the characters and communities represented in her novel. Garner mentions her novellas 'Other Peoples Children' and 'Honour' and talks about the process of writing.
    81365
  12. Mitchell and Dixson Libraries Manuscripts Collection, State Library of New South Wales: Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (Australia) - records of the W.G. Walkley Awards, 1956 - 1999 (1956 - 1999)
    I. FINALIST AND WINNING ENTRIES, 1982-1998 II. SCRAP BOOKS, 1956-1979 III. PRINTED MATERIAL, 1992-1994 IV. PUBLISHED MATERIAL, 1997-1999 V. PAPERS OF SIR WILLIAM AND LADY WALKLEY, 1975-1980
    MLMSS 6898

Resources by Helen Garner (66)

  1. The feel of steel / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    Reader's Digest (Canadian)
    [ Book, Audio book, Article : 2001-2008 ]
    At 99 libraries
    The feel of steel / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 68.998)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 68.998)

  2. True stories : selected non-fiction / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book : 1996-1997 ]
    At 95 libraries
    True stories : selected non-fiction / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 66.877)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 66.877)

  3. Monkey grip / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1977-2009 ]
    Languages: English, Italian, French
    At 119 libraries
    Monkey grip / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 28.849)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 28.849)

  4. Joe Cinque's consolation / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book, Sound : 2004-2006 ]
    At 168 libraries
    Joe Cinque's consolation / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 28.356)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 28.356)

  5. The first stone : some questions about sex and power / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1995-1997 ]
    Read online at Open Library/Internet Archive
    View online
    At 142 libraries
    The first stone : some questions about sex and power / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 25.108)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 25.108)

  6. My hard heart : selected fiction / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1998-2000 ]
    At 80 libraries
    My hard heart : selected fiction / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 23.354)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 23.354)

  7. Postcards from Surfers : stories / by Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book : 1985-1995 ]
    At 70 libraries
    Postcards from Surfers : stories / by Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 23.335)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 23.335)

  8. The last days of Chez Nous : &, Two friends / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book : 1992 ]
    At 70 libraries
    The last days of Chez Nous : &, Two friends / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 22.247)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 22.247)

  9. Postcards from Surfers / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1985-2010 ]
    At 45 libraries
    Postcards from Surfers / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 18.865)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 18.865)

  10. The spare room / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 2008-2012 ]
    Languages: English, German, Spanish, [6 others]
    Possibly online
    At 142 libraries
    The spare room / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 17.447)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 17.447)

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Resources about Helen Garner (67)

  1. The feel of steel / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    Reader's Digest (Canadian)
    [ Book, Audio book, Article : 2001-2008 ]
    At 99 libraries
    The feel of steel / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 66.529)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 66.529)

  2. True stories : selected non-fiction / Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Book : 1996-1997 ]
    At 95 libraries
    True stories : selected non-fiction / Helen Garner
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 64.355)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 64.355)

  3. Helen Garner / Kerryn Goldsworthy
    Goldsworthy, Kerryn, 1953-
    [ Book : 1996 ]
    At 72 libraries
    Helen Garner / Kerryn Goldsworthy
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 25.025)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 25.025)

  4. Helen Garner and the meaning of everything / Alex Jones
    Jones, Alexander Idrsyn
    [ Book : 2006-2007 ]
    At 49 libraries
    Helen Garner and the meaning of everything / Alex Jones
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 19.46)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 19.46)

  5. Confessions of a writer
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Sound : 1980 ]
    At UQ Library
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 15.632)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 15.632)

  6. The feel of steel by Helen Garner : notes / by Gillian Bouras
    Bouras, Gillian, 1945-
    [ Book : 2002 ]
    At 3 libraries
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 14.606)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 14.606)

  7. Interview with Helen Garner, author / interviewer, Sara Dowse
    Garner, Helen, 1942-
    [ Sound : 2005 ]
    At National Library
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 14.282)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 14.282)

  8. [Biographical cuttings on Helen Garner, containing one or more cuttings from newspapers or journals]
    [ Published : 1900-1990 ]
    At National Library
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 13.773)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 13.773)

  9. The children's Bach : opera in two acts / composer Andrew Schultz ; librettist Glenn Perry ; after the novel by Helen Garner
    Schultz, Andrew, 1960-
    [ Printed music : 2008 ]
    At 3 libraries
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 13.547)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 13.547)

  10. Morning tea with Helen Garner [with] Maryanne Dever, Judith Ellen, Jennifer McDonell
    Video Education Australasia
    [ Video : 1988 ]
    At 3 libraries
    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 13.108)

    This resource is very relevant to your query (score: 13.108)

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  1. Hayles/Griffiths Family Tree
    Hayles/Griffiths Family Tree
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    Zulu War, George Ashby
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    Currently working on the history of the Wilicannia and White Cliffs Hospitals. I worked at the hospital for 4 years through the building of the new hospital and the conservation of the old original ho...

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  1. Portraits of Helen Garner, Carlton,...
    Bolton, A. T., ...
    [ Photograph : 1988 ]
    Portraits of Helen Garner, Carlton, Vic. 1988 / Alec Bolton
  2. Portrait of Helen Garner / Jacqueli...
    Mitelman, Jacqu...
    [ Photograph : 1988 ]
    Portrait of Helen Garner / Jacqueline Mitelman
  3. Portrait of Helen Garner, 1986 / Al...
    Bolton, A. T., ...
    [ Photograph : 1986 ]
    Portrait of Helen Garner, 1986 / Alec Bolton
  4. Helen Garner, 1999 / Greg Weight
    [ Photograph : 1999 ]
    Helen Garner, 1999 / Greg Weight
  5. [Collection of photographs of Helen...
    Seselja, Loui, ...
    [ Photograph : 2005 ]
    [Collection of photographs of Helen Garner and Sara Dowse, 15 March 2005] Loui Seselja
  6. [Portrait of Helen Garner, 15 March...
    Seselja, Loui, ...
    [ Photograph : 2005 ]
    [Portrait of Helen Garner, 15 March 2005] Loui Seselja
  1. Press clipping, Helen Garner, Â?DeathÂ?, Â?The Sydney ReviewÂ?, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Austr..
    [ Unpublished : 1988 ]
    At Powerhouse
    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.055)

    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.055)

  2. Ure, Helen Bowring Photograph Collection
    [ Unpublished : 1890 ]
    View online (access conditions)
    Ure, Helen Bowring Photograph Collection
    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.045)

    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.045)

  3. Helen Foster Snow (1907-1997) Collection
    Snow, Helen Foster, 1907-1997
    [ Unpublished, Video ]
    View online
    Helen Foster Snow (1907-1997) Collection
    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.042)

    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.042)

  1. The development of dual occupancy in Melbourne's housing market
    Garner, Helen
    Victorian Real Estate Journal
    [ Map, Article : 1988 ]
    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.078)

    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.078)

  2. The agitated landscape of Melbourne's novels
    McGregor, James
    Suburban Fantasies: Melbourne Unmasked
    [ Map, Article : 2005 ]
    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.04)

    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.04)

  3. Opportunity awaits south of the border. (includes related article on moving freight in Mexico) (Special Report: Mexico)
    Baltitas, Laurie; Richardson, Helen L
    Transportation & Distribution
    [ Poster, chart, other, Map, Article : 1992 ]
    View online (conditions apply)
    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.008)

    This resource may only be vaguely related to your query: matching terms may only have been found in the full text contents of the resource (score: 0.008)

  1. Website: Australian Women's Archives Project
    www.womenaustralia.info
    Matching pages:
    View 34 matching archived pages
    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.07)

    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.07)

  2. Website: Tablelands Regional Council
    www.library.trc.qld.gov.au
    Matching pages:
    View 15 matching archived pages
    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.06)

    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.06)

  3. Website: AustCrime
    austcrimefiction.org
    Matching pages:
    View 263 matching archived pages
    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.035)

    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.035)

  1. The metaphysical poets / selected and edited by Helen Gardner
    Gardner, Helen, 1908-1986
    [ Book : 1957-1985 ]
    Languages: English, Undetermined
    At 90 libraries
    The metaphysical poets / selected and edited by Helen Gardner
    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.545)

    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.545)

  2. The Japanese job / Peter Corris
    Corris, Peter, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1992-1995 ]
    At 43 libraries
    The Japanese job / Peter Corris
    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.477)

    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.477)

  3. [Helen Garner : Art & Artist Files (Australia and New Zealand)]
    Garner, Helen
    [ Book : 1900 ]
    At Nat Gall Aus Res
    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.473)

    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.473)

  4. The time trap / Peter Corris
    Corris, Peter, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1900-1997 ]
    At 37 libraries
    The time trap / Peter Corris
    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.421)

    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.421)

  1. The Japanese job / Peter Corris
    Corris, Peter, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1992-1995 ]
    At 43 libraries
    The Japanese job / Peter Corris
    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.477)

    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.477)

  2. The time trap / Peter Corris
    Corris, Peter, 1942-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1900-1997 ]
    At 37 libraries
    The time trap / Peter Corris
    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.421)

    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.421)

  3. Helen Garner ; Elizabeth Jolley [interviewer] Susan Hayes
    Garner, Helen
    [ Sound : 1980-1989 ]
    At Curtin Uni Library
    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.407)

    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.407)

  4. Red shift / Alan Garner
    Garner, Alan, 1934-
    [ Book, Audio book : 1973-2011 ]
    At 56 libraries
    Red shift / Alan Garner
    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.382)

    This resource may be of limited relevance to your query (score: 0.382)

  1. Family Notices
    The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995) Saturday 1 May 1954 p 2 Family Notices
    ... 30/4/54 to Norm and Emmie, a daughter.-Both well. RAWLING.-To Helen and Jim, a son, Norman Douglas, 26/4/54. -Both well. GARNER.-On 29th April, daughter.-Helen Fay. IN MEMORIAM WARD.-In loving memory ... F, miss- ing air operations Northern France, May 1, 1942. Also Sgt. L. G. Peacock. 149th A.C.T. Company ... 110 words
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    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.047)

  2. Family Notices
    Recorder (Port Pirie, SA : 1919 - 1954) Monday 28 August 1944 p 2 Family Notices
    ... their eldest daughter Helen Kenyon, of Whyalla, to .Trevor Alan, youngest son of Mr. and the late Mrs. ... away on August 29, 1942. 'Twas early in the morning; God walked among his flowers. He chose the ... ADAMS-In loving memory of our dear Robert, who passed away on August 29, 1942. We loved you so, 'twas ... 767 words
    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.034)

    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.034)

  3. DIVORCE REFUSED.
    The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Tuesday 18 April 1944 p 5 Article
    ... DIVORCE REFUSED. Mr Justice Wolff yesterday dismissed missed a petition by Francis Arthur Garner for divorce from Patricia Helen Garner on the ground of her adultery with the petitioner's step brother, Stephen Garner. Mr S. E. Tippett appeared for the petitioner. ... 41 words
    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.025)

    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.025)

  1. Helen Garner: interview
    Garner, Helen
    Willbanks, Ray. Australian Voices: Writers and Their Work
    [ Article : 1986-1991 ]
    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.613)

    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.613)

  2. An interview with Helen Garner
    Garner, Helen
    English in Australia
    [ Article : 1983 ]
    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.499)

    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.499)

  3. Helen Garner. -An interview-
    Garner, Helen
    Ellison, Jennifer. Rooms of Their Own
    [ Article : 1986 ]
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    This resource is likely to be relevant to your query (score: 0.466)

  4. I [Helen Garner explores the new and different persona a writer must adopt in each successive work.]
    Garner, Helen
    Meanjin (Melbourne)
    [ Article : 2002 ]
    View online (conditions apply)
    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.396)

    This resource may have relevance to your query (score: 0.396)