Keith Hetherington (1929 - June 30, 2021) was a multifaceted Australian talent known for his contributions as an actor, writer, and novelist. He made a significant mark in the television industry as a scriptwriter for several popular Australian series, including Homicide, Matlock Police, Division 4, Solo One, The Box, The Spoiler, and Chopper Squad.
Hetherington's prolific writing career began with a focus on Western novels, during which he authored around 1,000 books under the pseudonyms Kirk Hamilton and Brett Waring for Cleveland Publishing. His versatility extended beyond fiction; he also served as a journalist for the Queensland Health Education Council, where he produced weekly articles and radio plays centered on health topics.
In the early 1970s, Hetherington was invited by a former colleague to join Crawford Productions, marking a pivotal shift in his career. He initially crafted television scripts from his hometown of Brisbane before relocating to Victoria in 1971 to work as a freelancer on various shows.
Despite a downturn in Australian television production in 1975, Hetherington continued to write Westerns for Cleveland while also engaging in television projects. His diverse portfolio includes a book on metal detecting, film tie-in novels, and thrillers such as A Dragon out of the South and The Judas Coast, showcasing his wide-ranging literary talents and lasting impact on Australian storytelling.
