Sarah Donnelly is a highly empathetic and passionate teacher. During university she volunteered at schools in Redfern and with guidance from Aboriginal mentors, her connection grew. After three years as a teacher in Sydney she decided to apply for a six-month contract in Willcannia, a small town two hours’ drive east of Broken Hill. She has stayed for four years which sadly, is the second longest tenure of a staff member at the school.

Sarah writes beautiful descriptions about the outback, the droughts, and the floods, but what she captures so well are the people. Sarah starts to design her lessons out on Country learning from Elders. She witnesses increased engagement, pride and communication opens up as her students relax away from a classroom. She uses her musical ability to connect with her students and the community and this sees her win the 2020 Aria Music Teacher of the Year. She is a go-getter, which sees her so committed to her students that she drives them to Broken Hill twice a week for football training and games after a day teaching.

If you are interested in teaching and the challenges that face these small towns, then you will enjoy this book. If you just want to be inspired, then read this book. The most impactful part for me was that one person really can make such a huge difference. We just need to be willing.

Reviewed by Nicola Skinstad

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Donnelley is a 31-year-old primary school teacher living and working in Wilcannia in regional NSW. She has links to the AECG and is passionate about providing regional students and schools with access to opportunities and quality education.

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