DIANNE WOLFER’s latest book Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady is the story of Robin Miller, the woman who single-handedly flew life-saving vaccines in her own plane to remote communities.
We caught up with Dianne to ask about the remarkable life of Robin Miller.
Soaring with the Sugarbird Lady tells the inspiring real-life story of Robin Miller. What was it that first drew you to Robin’s story?
Many years ago, I read Robin’s book, Flying Nurse and then The Sugarbird Lady (published after her death). I was deeply moved by Robin’s trailblazing spirit, her courage and resilience. Robin achieved so much in her short life. Her books are now out of print, and I wanted to bring Robin’s story to a new generation of readers.
How do you think Robin’s story can inspire children, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams?
Robin faced challenges with grit and determination. She was a compassionate humanitarian and skilled nurse as well as a pioneering aviator. Robin never gave up, working steadily to achieve her dreams, completing one step at a time.
During my research I loved finding examples of ways Robin remained true to herself. While excelling in what was a male dominated industry, she refused to conform, zooming through ‘glass ceilings’ of the 1960s in a miniskirt and fashionable bouffant hairdo. Robin wrote, ‘I rarely wear trousers when I’m flying, mainly because girls are expected to …’
Why do you think it’s important for children to learn about figures like Robin Miller and the role they played in shaping the world around them?
Our children are growing up in a fast-paced world of click-bait algorithms that encourage doom-scrolling and negativity. Inspirational figures like Robin Miller remind young readers of their potential, the opportunities they have, and that each one of us can make a difference. Every small act of kindness has a ripple effect. Even in dark times, we can all be agents of change.
What was the most surprising or inspiring thing you learned about Robin Miller while researching her life and work?
Robin was humble and her life revolved around helping others. While she had an indomitable spirit, I was surprised to find that Robin also possessed a delightfully cheeky sense of fun. During the All-Women Transcontinental Air Race across America, in a stifling hot cockpit, Robin and her flying partner Rosemary de Pierres removed their paisley blouses and flew the last leg in bras, wriggling back into their shirts just before landing to address well-wishers and a media pack.
Robin’s resourcefulness also impressed me. In a remote area, when she encountered a child whose ear was an oozing mass of pus, Robin disinfected her long-nose pliers, carefully cleared the ear and removed a block of dead flies from behind the child’s eardrum. This is one example of many.
If you could ask Robin Miller one question about her adventures, what would it be, and why?
Your love of flying and adventurous spirit led you into life-challenging situations. In those moments, how, in a practical sense, did you overcome terror and continue on?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dianne Wolfer is an award-winning author. Her ‘WWI Light’ series served as the inspiration for Theatre 180’s CineStage production The Lighthouse Girl Saga and PIAF’s The Giants. Dianne writes across genres, and her books have been translated into several languages.
Her picture book, Photographs in the Mud (set along the Kokoda Track), has been used as an international peace reference and was published in Japanese.
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