Tributes have been paid to Australian author Colleen McCullough, who is most well known for her novel The Thorn Birds, at a service on Norfolk Island.
Collen McCullough. Photo: AFP / Ieemage
Ms McCullough, 77, died after a long illness, and her funeral was held yesterday.
Ms McCullough moved to Norfolk Island in the 1980s and was a vocal supporter of Norfolk Islanders' rights.
The former editor of the Norfolk Islander newspaper, Tom Lloyd, says the service was very fitting.
"She was a lady that just wanted to fit into the Norfolk Island scene and she wasn't one for pomp and ceremony of any description and the funeral service followed along those lines of her wishes beautifully."
Tom Lloyd says all flags on the island were flown at half-mast before the service.
Ms McCullough's novel The Thorn Birds sold 30 million copies worldwide, and she wrote another 24 novels.
