Growing up white, Mel always felt there was another shade to her soul.

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Despite an early life marred by moments of sheer despair and the agony of domestic violence, Mel found the strength to survive.

Then, as a young mother, she unlocked her ancestry’s secrets without realising the challenges that came with identifying as Aboriginal in Australia.

Shades of Me follows Mel’s journey as she redefines who she is and how she sees her place in the world.

The memoir tells the story of one woman’s fight to keep Aboriginal families together – one family at a time.

And in helping others, Mel finds her true path in life.

A Ngunnawal woman from Northern NSW, Mel now has a Masters in Indigenous Healing and Trauma from Southern Cross University and many years’ experience of working with children at risk.

Acclaimed for her expertise in cultural competency and lateral violence, she draws on her personal and professional experience to work with families and organisations, ensuring Aboriginal children who are unable to live at home are not excluded from cultural connection to their families.

Mel will discuss her memoir at The Gallery in Park Avenue on Wednesday 24 July from 12.00-2.00pm.

The free author talk has been organised by The Book Warehouse Coffs Harbour.

“We’re very excited to be hosting Mel for this talk,” Book Warehouse Manager Julie Holgate told News Of The Area.

“The event will begin at 12.00pm with an introduction and acknowledgement to country and Mel will then talk about her wonderful memoir, Shades of Me, which chronicles her journey through life with its highs and lows and her incredible commitment to helping make Aboriginal lives better,” said Julie.

By Andrea FERRARI