July 10, 2025
A former police officer who served in the South Burnett has written an historical novel which casts a light on life in and around Cherbourg in the 1970s.
“Red Dirt, Blue Lights” tells the story of a young policewoman, Tess, and a young Cherbourg woman, Jemma, who is debating whether to stay in community to care for her nan, or run away to explore a different life.
Tess Merlin felt compelled to write the book – which she hopes will become popular with young people – after a visit to The Ration Shed Museum and chatting with Cherbourg Elder Uncle Eric Law AM.
The novel reflects the author’s own experiences as a police officer but she relied on Uncle Eric’s help to ensure she depicted Cherbourg life accurately.
Uncle Eric wrote the foreword, and his daughter, well-known artist Nikita Law, provided the artwork for the cover.
“Red Dirt, Blue Lights” was launched at The Ration Shed on Tuesday to coincide with NAIDOC celebrations in Cherbourg.
There is also another connection to Cherbourg … the book has been published by Brisbane-based And Also Books which happens to be the company owned by The Ration Shed archivist Matthew Wengert.
The book launch was an opportunity for Tess to catch up again with Matthew, Nikita and Uncle Eric but also provided a chance to chat with another former police officer, Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien.
