Nationally renowned Outback Books publisher Professor David Myers AM died last Friday (March 2) from complications related to his battle with a brain tumour (Outback Books is an imprint of Central Queensland University Press).

CQU Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard announced David's death with regret in an Email to staff members last Friday.

"David, publisher of CQU's imprint Outbook Books, was one of CQU's more colourful personalities. Author, scholar, critic and raconteur, David was a former Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, at what was then the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education.

"Old Silvertail, as he was fondly known, edited and published hundreds of books - thrillers, mysteries, biographies, gardening and popular culture titles and more - over the years in joint ventures with the ABC, the Australian Army, numerous shire councils, businesses and individuals.

"He travelled thousands of kilometres all over Australia and was not afraid to get his boots dirty whilst promoting his authors, who ranged from bushies to judges and politicians. He was as comfortable in a paddock as he was in a broadcast studio, boardroom or on a surfboard.

"This past November 'Confessions and Memoirs: Best Stories Under the Sun - 3', edited by Michael Wilding and David Myers, was released. The collection, launched in Sydney by Senator the Hon Helen Coonan, showcased Australia's emerging new writers, top essayists and prize-winning novelists including Thomas Keneally, Kate Grenville, Peter Coleman, Morris Lurie, Peter Corris, Venero Armanno, Ashley Hay, Ian Callinan, Laurie Clancy and Carmel Bird and featured winners of the Booker, Miles Franklin, Orange Prize and the Australian-Vogel Award.

Professor David Myers AM

"For 13 years David championed Outback Books as the only university press anywhere to specialise in Bush and Outback books and the authority on the Outback. He pioneered the use of the internet for domestic and international book sales. Today, CQU Press - Outback Books has a regular mailing list of more than 5000 readers.

"The University benefited immensely from David's tireless efforts and regular achievements. He was a champion for Central Queensland and for the University itself, always promoting CQU's values and encouraging local communities to publish their local histories and heritage.

" In 2004 David was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for his service to Australian Literature and to the publishing needs of regional communities.

"The University is saddened and we extend our condolences to David's family (his wife Jutta, their son Toby and daughter Rachel and David's children, Holly and Barney) and his close colleagues, especially Jan Cardnell and the staff of Outback Books".

Professor Myers had a new book - 'The Highly Unauthorised Old Testament' - in production at the time of up his death.

A memorial service will be held from 2pm this Friday (March 9) at the Palm Beach Surf Club on the Gold Coast.

A famous image of David Myers