Here we are on the 4th of January. It’s only going be what feels like a few days time we all say: ‘wow, it’s December already, where has the year gone?!’
Anyway, I wanted to start the new year with a bit of a ditty on me for all the new people who have recently discovered my books; I’ve had a few people who have got in contact over Christmas and said they’ve read my books for the first time. I LOVE hearing this!
So… First and foremost I’m a mum of two extremely bright and talented adults. Not kids any more! Rochelle is 21 and Hayden is 20. Hayden lives with autism and is a farm machinery detailer, while Rochelle is a VERY GOOD barista at my favourite coffee shop in Esperance. Hayden also runs a Youtube Channel called Wings Without Barriers which is about his journey with autism and his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. He holds a recreational pilot’s certificate now. He also was involved in a great project called The Lives We Lead which showcased many people living disabilities in WA and the contributions they make through the workforce.
I’m a farmer. For twenty years, I farmed 8,000 acres east of Esperance, on the south coast of WA and now have a 2,00 acre block that I share-farm with a mate. I love agriculture and stock work, if it hadn’t been for spinal surgery four years ago I’d be out there doing it by myself! Farming and nature is what makes me who I am. I’m never really content unless I’m out in the bush or working with sheep and cattle. I really love advocating for women in agriculture, but as time goes by the need for this is less and less as women are more accepted in the farming workforce, whether it be through hands on farming or other careers such as agronomy, research and development and so on. I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.
I’m the author of 19 books (writing the 20th as I type). You can read about them here. Detective Dave Burrows is a character in the books and seems to be a hit with most readers. Because of this, he’s in most of the books.
We lived with domestic violence for a long time, which was the driving force behind starting the organisation DVassist (formally known as Breaking the Silence). When I started this organisation there was nothing like it in Australia. This thought bubble of mine, has grown from a seedling of an idea, and working out of my home office, to a organisation offering everything I had intended to, including telephone and online counselling. It is for people in rural areas experiencing domestic and family violence. I wanted to make sure no one else had to experience what I did and I hope DVassist goes part of the way to achieving this.
I’ve got a couple of dogs, who don’t like each other, Jack the Kelpie.
and Rocket the Jack Russell. Rocket is 13 now and spends most of his time sleeping at my feet, while Jack sleeps outside my office door. both are exceptionally distracting when they want pats.
I love helping people and I’ve done this over the passed few years by being involved in Rotary, on The Australian Women in Agriculture board, the secretary of the Esperance and Districts Agricultural Society and many others. However, last year I took a break from everything after reaching my breaking point and needing to reset.
Camping, hanging out with friends and photography are another few passions of mine.
As part of everything else I do, I offer writing courses and manuscript assessments, which you can find under the tab of Services > Products, if you’re interested. I’ve been a keynote speaker at many events and I love doing this; I love getting out amongst other women and hearing their stories and speaking with them. If you’d like me to do anything for you, please get in touch by emailing Bec: Rebecca @ cgmcommunications .com .au (all one word).
I’ve been through a fair bit of crap in my life but as they say, that’s life.
I regret nothing.
Those events have made me who I am today.
I have two beautiful kids, a lovely life and I enjoy writing books for you all, so I’m pretty lucky.
Here’s to a happy and healthy 2022. I’ve struggled with my weight on and off for the last five years, so healthy is what I’m choosing this year.
Tell me a bit about you, in the comments! Love to know more about my readers.
Hi Fleur, I am a retired registered nurse, Just read your lovely inspiring article. The reason I am writing to you is that our family every Xmas, instead of buying presents for each other, we put in $20,- each and donate this to charity ( we ended up with $400,-) My name was drawn out of the hat and as I feel very passionate about domestic violence issues I wanted to donate to Breaking The Silence, but realise it is now DVassist. I have a little bit of a concern donating to a big organisation, where our donation may end up in the costs of running the organisation, versus to the people that really need it. I am sure there are small WA organisations that struggle to raise funds, especially those in country WA, I targeted Esperance versus the metro area for that reason. Could you assist our family to know that our money would assist those who need it the most…Regards Robert Bandura
Hi Fleur! I have just read your journal from Jan this year and thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the author who is able to establish the read Aussie outback through her books! After completing my university degree a couple of years ago I found a new love for reading and books and have loved reading your stories – which I find hard to put down! You’re characters are relatable and the way you write about the outback makes me feel as though I am there. My fiancé and I are currently travelling around Australia (we were lucky to escape VIC in May 2021 and have been fortunate to have been in WA for the past 5 months, currently in Esperance of all places!) and I am hoping to open a bookstore upon my return to VIC and shelve all of your books! Your charity work and life is a real inspiration. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into your new book next month. Thanks Fleur and wishing you a very happy and healthy 2022. Carly.
Hi Carly, yes! Of all places! I hope you enjoy our town – it’s a lovely spot. My two favourite places to go out is 33 Degrees and Lucky Bay Brewery. (they make the BEST pizza in town! Good luck with opening a book shop – I’d love to visit when I’m on tour, if you get it going!
Hello Fleur,
I enjoyed reading my first Dave Burrows book, RED DIRT COUNTRY. The ending was a cliffhanger with BULLDUST speaking to Melinda Burrows in the supermarket. I thought he would have been dealt with in this book. Is there a follow-up book?
Keep writing!
All the best
ELSPETH LEWIS
WHYTE YARCOWIE SA
Hi Fleur,
You may find it a bit unusual receiving a note from an 82 year old male. I was listening to the ABC this week and heard you mention the name Orroroo. I lived at Orroroo from1958 until 1960 working for Goldsbrough Mort and boarded at t he Imperial Hotel with Basheer’s. You then went on to mention the name John Parnell. The world suddenly became smaller as Jan Parnell worked in the Elders office at Orroroo. As you are fully aware Jan married Grant Heaslip who recently passed away on Bond Springs Station at Alice Springs. Jan, Grant and I were very close friend and i kept in touch with Grant until recent couple of years. Following a sincere request from a Grand daughter in Sydney i wrote a book covering my career some 300 pages later i did complete my story from memory supported y some photographs. Over the years my wife and I have travelled throughout Australia and some overseas trips and rather than leave all of the photos hidden on the computer i have recoded our travels with many supporting photos.
Kind Regards
Lindsay
Hi Linsay, sounds like you had lots of stories to tell! And having worked at Elders, I’m not surprised!
Fleur,
i am not sure you received my note yesterday. You may find it a little amusing to receive a note from an 82 year old male.
I heard you talk on the ABC a couple of nights ago and you mentioned Orroroo. my interest in Orroroo was i lived there in the late 1950’s working for Goldsbrough Mort. You also mentioned John Parnell. I did get to know the Parnell family through Jan who was working in the Elders office. As as result i became friends with Grant Heaslip. Rather sadly Grant passed away.
Enough from me at this stage I will be interested in reading at least some of your books. I retired from Elders in1996 and established a very good Rural Valuation business.
Hi Lindsay, great to hear from you. And yes, it seems you know my Aunty and Uncle. Hope you enjoyed the chat with Trevor Chapell; I enjoyed doing it.