Sharing the stories of inspirational women

Liz Harfull returns to region to launch new book

Mount Gambier Library will host bestselling author Liz Harfull with her latest release A Farming Life; Tales of Resilience from Inspiring Rural Women on Thursday, August 17, at 7pm. A Farming Life shares the fascinating true stories of women from six rural families as their resilience is tested by personal loss, illness, fractured relationships, natural disasters, and the challenges that come with working in a traditionally maledominated world. “Making a living on the land in Australia can be tough at the best of times, but the last few years of seemingly endless droughts, floods and bushfires – not to mention the pandemic – have made it even more difficult,” Liz said.

Local readers will be interested to note that one of the stories is of Nancy Withers, one of Australia’s most highly regarded Kelpie breeders and trainers from Sandford Victoria. Nancy’s family roots lie deep in the volcanic soils of Mount Gambier and in the faming districts of the Limestone Coast from the late 1850s. Nancy’s chapter is rich in local history with firsthand memories of growing up in the region, with many local families and businesses referenced.

Nancy’s story is triumphant, however, along the way loss and illness have taught her to make the most of every day.

Skilfully woven together by the veteran storyteller, these accounts are hardworking and powerful examples of resilience in action, at a time when many of us are searching for inspiration. Liz is passionate about telling the stories and unearthing the histories of the extraordinary everyday people who make up our communities.

She has written two international prize-winning books about Australian home cooks and show cooking traditions The Australian Blue Ribbon Cookbook and Tried, Tested and True, and two bestsellers capturing the life stories of rural women, Women of the Land and City Girl, Country Girl.

Her most recent book, The Women Who Changed Country Australia, celebrated the centenary of the Country Women’s Association in New South Wales, where the iconic women’s movement started.

This a free event with bookings available by contacting the Mount Gambier Library on (08)8721 2540 or book online at www. mountgambier.sa.gov.au/library under ‘Programs and Events’.