Paul Bateman

Book manuscript: The tramlines

Paul's project involved research and writing in support of a novel set in Melbourne during the 1990s, a time of considerable political and social change.

The novel charts the life and times of the men and women who worked at the now-defunct South Melbourne tram depot, on Kings Way: the drivers, conductors, maintenance crew and management.

A work of fiction, but based on actual events, Paul's own experience and set against a faithful rendering of Melbourne in the 1990s, the novel asserts and celebrates the primacy of the tramways to Melbourne's history and culture. It re-creates a slice of Melbourne as it was, featuring a group of people whose collective story adds to gaining an understanding of the city of Melbourne.

Paul Bateman is a freelance journalist with extensive experience across multiple media. He is the author of three books and one exhibition catalogue, and has worked in senior policy and communications and media roles across the public and private sector.