T. D. DELANEY (Tricia Dawn) has dreamt of being an author since she was nine years old. She still remembers a pivotal moment as she sat in the classroom daydreaming, looking out the window at the sun dancing on the shrubbery and wishing she could write a book that made people kinder. Growing up in the small country town of Barmah on the Mighty Murray River, which borders Victoria and New South Wales in Australia, she had already come to understand that unkindness caused great sadness. Home was an old weatherboard homestead with great verandahs all around. Much of her childhood was spent outdoors - climbing trees, yabbying in local channels, building cubbies from branches, fishing, swimming in the river, and walking to school along the Murray. Unlike the town, this home had no electricity. As the sun went down each evening, Tricia took great wonder and delight in reading by candlelight. It was in those books that she travelled far and wide in magical wonder. Just holding a book brought a sense of excitement and friendship. Just over the river was Cummeragunja Mission, an Australian Aboriginal reserve established in 1881. It wouldn't be until attending high school in a nearby town that Tricia would learn that ignorance and prejudice permeated society, leading to much social injustice. She learnt that her Indigenous school friends were treated differently. These early experiences cemented a passion for writing, for the TD Delaney 238 preservation of the environment, and for advocating for those who are marginalised in society. Years later as a parent, she continued to immerse herself in nature with her children at every opportunity, even climbing trees with them. As a working single parent, time was scarce and it was hard to know what one could do to help the environment and her children's future. And so, the dream of writing an adventure book for young people, that highlighted the need to protect the balance of nature and honour Indigenous wisdom, was born. The urgency to complete the book became stronger in 2010, when her daughter landed the role of a Joey Ambassador for Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors. Tricia delved into environmental issues to support her daughter, undertaking community education and fundraising. As a parent, the urgency to protect the environment became ever stronger. It has taken thirteen years to complete. She hopes that the book will excite, inform and inspire young people. Tricia has worked for many years as a community-based palliative care social worker. Tricia is proud to be an activist for Indigenous rights and environmental sustainability.
