September 17, 2021
Kilkivan author Amelia Olsen has bared her soul in her first work, “Dirt And Dust”, a true story of loss and journey peppered with humour.
The book tackles the confronting subject of suicide through the eyes of Amelia’s 18-year-old son Riley.
Riley and Amelia embarked on a 1400km motorbike ride from Cairns to Cape York after her husband died in 2015.
The trip was originally planned to be between Riley and his dad before the family tragedy struck.
In 2018, Riley asked his Amelia to complete the ride with him … so she had to learn to ride a motorbike!
“Dirt And Dust” captures the physical challenges of the ride as well as the emotional journey of comprehending loss.
Amelia said she had done her best to make a tough topic easy to read.
Her book explores the issues surrounding suicide – the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44.
It has been estimated that every year more than 65,000 Australians attempt suicide.
Amelia said all the issues in her book were real and true.
“There are things that have touched us,” she said.
“Dirt And Dust” can be bought from Amazon, Booktopia and other online stores.
Amelia has been invited to discuss “Dirt And Dust” at an upcoming author’s talk at Kingaroy Library.
- More information about the author’s talk will be published on the South Burnett Libraries’ Facebook page
* * *
If you or someone you know needs help, call:
- Lifeline on 13-11-14
- Kids Helpline on 1800-551-800
- MensLine Australia on 1300-789-978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300-659-467
- Beyond Blue on 1300-224-636
