“Between the dances” author to visit local libraries
Published on 19 May 2015
Mildura Rural City Council’s Library Service will welcome acclaimed author Jacqueline Dinan to the Merbein, Red Cliffs and Mildura libraries next week.
Jacqueline is the author of the historical fiction novel A woman’s war and a non-fiction title Between the dances which looks at the lives of Australian women during the Second World War. She will present three public talks about her experiences writing these books, in particular ‘Between the dances’ which features real life stories from Australian women during World War II.
Arts and Culture portfolio Councillor Jill Joslyn said in a year where we are looking at the part Australia has played in battles over the last 100 years, this presentation will give an insight into the role of women in times of turmoil.
“In preparation for Between the Dances, Jacqueline Dinan interviewed over three hundred women around Australia and collected their first hand stories from World War II,” Cr Joslyn explained. “This book highlights very revealing, poignant and personal conversations, photographs and letters from this time”.
“Jacqueline interviewed women who at the time of the Second World War lived in very different parts of the world, they served in war zones, kept industry running at home and volunteered in the communities. One of the ladies interviewed for the book is Mrs Joan Hill of Merbein and we think it is fantastic to have a local perspective included in such a wonderful way.”
In a time when traditions were fading, the weekly dance brought these courageous women and men together for a quickstep, fox trot and brief respite from the rigours of wartime and Between the dances looks at how World War II changed women’s lives and their place in Australian society forever.
Jacqueline’s visit to Mildura, Merbein and Red Cliffs is part of the Library Service’s ongoing visiting author programme and she will present three talks about her books during her visit.
People who would like to attend these free talks can make a booking online via the library services web page at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/library or by contacting the Red Cliffs Library on 03 5018 8366, Mildura Library on 03 5018 8350 or the Merbein Library on 03 5018 8361.
Merbein Library
Tuesday 26 May 2015
2pm to 3pm with afternoon tea
Red Cliffs Library
Wednesday 27 May 2015
2pm to 3pm
Mildura Library
Wednesday 27 May 2015
7:30pm to 8:30pm.
About Jacqueline Dinan
Jacqueline grew up in South Gippsland Victoria and has always had an interest in women’s perspective of rural life.
Jacqueline graduated with a B.A. (Management) & a Grad. Dip. (Training & Development). Her former work experience was in corporate and art communications and events, before she embarked on her own public relations and events business, Eventive. Now a regular speaker Jacqueline has become a well-known figure with the groups such as Probus and View.
Home for Jacqueline is Ivanhoe, Melbourne where she enjoys a family life of ‘blue and brawn’ with her husband and three sons and grandson.
ENDS
Media enquiries
Angela Umback
p) 03 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au