AFTER witnessing many international and domestic natural disasters over his 42-year journalistic career, Ray Martin believes courage is the one unifying factor linking all recovering communities.

Mr Martin was at Riverlink Shopping Centre yesterday to sign copies of his latest book, Ray Martin's Favourites.

He said the worst devastation he saw was the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in Indonesia.

Despite the cultural differences, communities like Ipswich always dug deep in the darkest times.

"It's clearly about having the courage to do it. It's wonderful they have the courage to get up and have a go, especially when there are some things they have to fight for," he said.

"It's clear people aren't prepared to give in."

He likened the spirit shown to that of a football team pulling together when the chips were down.

The country boy has enjoyed the chance to take in rural areas on his book tour.

"I grew up in the bush. When I'm not signing books I take a lot of pictures. Because of the Midday Show people like to talk to me," he said.

The book goes behind some of Martin's most memorable interviews and offers further insight into the person.

He said for one of the world's richest and most powerful men, Kerry Packer was very humble when he spoke about World Series Cricket, life and dying.

He listed musician John Denver, comedian Peter Cook and singer Dean Martin as some interviewees who differed from their public personas.

Barbara Draheim was one of the first to get her book signed by Martin.

"I've been a big fan since when he started on the Midday Show. I've been a fan for a long time," she said.