“Brenda Matthews’ The Last Daughter is an incredibly moving book. To hear her tell her story in person is a powerful experience for anyone lucky enough to be present.” – Rachel Chant, Festival Director

‘I share this story out of love and forgiveness.’ – Brenda Matthews

At the age of two, Brenda Matthews and her six siblings were taken from their parents. Subsequently adopted by a loving White family, Brenda spent six years knowing nothing of her Aboriginal identity and the family desperately fighting for her return. Without warning, Brenda’s life was thrown into turmoil again when Child Welfare made the decision to separate her from her White parents, the only parents she knew, and reunite her with her Aboriginal family who were now strangers.

The Last Daughter is Brenda’s journey to discover the truth about her past and to unite her two families. Through sharing her story, Brenda invites people to walk together with deeper connection and understanding.

Join us for a powerful evening with Brenda as she shares both her story, and those of both her families. Copies of The Last Daughter will be available for purchase and signing, thanks to Gertrude & Alice Bookstore Café Bondi.

“Powerful and inspirational – a must-read.” – Taryn Brumfitt, Australian of the Year

“As well as being a moving story of two families, The Last Daughter speaks of the potential for healing between two cultures.” – Sydney Morning Herald

“The Last Daughter might be one of the most important books an Australian could read… This memoir is not for the faint of heart, but it is a book for anyone with a heart.” – Books+Publishing

“This incredible story is plainly but evocatively told: not just from Brenda’s perspective, but from that of both her families.” – Jo Case, InDaily

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, attendees are invited to make an optional donation of $5, $10 or $15 to the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation when booking ticketing to this exclusive event.  Registrations essential.

Times:

Tue 4 July 6.30pm

Accessibility Info:

• This is a ‘Sight No Obstacle’ event.
• Click here for more information about accessibility at Bondi Festival.

Presented by:

Writer and Presenter – Brenda Matthews
Speaking Coach – Karen Thomas

Meet the Creator:

Brenda Matthews is a proud Wiradjuri woman, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter, an aunty, a storyteller, and a presenter. She is the author of The Last Daughter (Text Publishing) and co-director of the feature film of the same name, a documentary of her life. Brenda lives with her husband, Mark, in Bundjalung country, Queensland.