Red Dust in Her Veins

The twelve women interviewed in this book all share a strong attachment to the physical and spiritual beauty of the Pilbara, in the northwest of Western Australia.  A common bond between the four indigenous and eight non-indigenous women whose stories we have read is not only the love of the landscape but also the various difficulties they have faced, and the opportunities they have created, in this remote and awe-inspiring region. Some went in search of adventure, others to escape from abusive relationships. Some followed their partners’ careers, while others tackled problems of cultural dispossession and gender identity. Whatever the circumstances, their compelling accounts of life in the Pilbara illustrate the resilience, courage and good humour of twelve inspirational women. These stories, and the stunning photographs of the landscape that accompany them, will resonate with anyone who has visited the region or is contemplating “going bush” and will live forever in the hearts of those dreaming of a life less ordinary.



About the Authors: 

Melva Stone OAM was born in Perth, Western Australia and lived in the Pilbara for over twenty years. Melva admires and shares the qualities of endurance, resilience and humour developed by people living in the Pilbara and other remote areas. Her experiences of living and working there have resulted in a career that includes many 'firsts', including being the first permanent female resident of the mining town of Newman in 1968.  For her work with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Melva was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2009. In 2012 she was appointed as Chairman to the State Government’s Rural Regional and Remote Women’s Network.  


As an informative and motivational speaker, Melva shares her passions and her experience with audiences both nationally and internationally. As a mentor, she supports young entrepreneurs and managers as invited. Find more information about Melva at: www.melvaonline.com



Erica Smyth lived in the Pilbara from 1974 to 1976 but has had an association, in one way or another, ever since. Initially her interaction was as a geologist looking for iron ore and later diamonds, platinum and gold.  In the 1990’s and 2000’s she led the government and community approvals processes for a methanol plant for BHP Petroleum and then the expansion of the North West Shelf Gas Project for the JV partners.


She was a board member and later the Chairman of the State Government’s Pilbara Development Commission from 2000 to 2005.


Erica was the project manager for the book’s production and she read 20 of the 23 drafts so her authorship is in commas and full stops!


Erica is also a sought after and talented speaker. Erica brings her own unique brand of honesty and humour to her presentations. Her vast experience and generous personality also see her working as a well-qualified mentor. 



Lisa Holland-McNair is the author of a variety of non-fiction books featuring Aboriginal Australians, remarkable women and exceptional people overcoming difficult challenges.  Lisa enjoys capturing first-hand stories so they can be shared with readers and hopefully relatable in some way.


As well as non-fiction books, Lisa has written children’s books and has her own public relations business.


Lisa was asked by Melva and Erica, with support from the sponsor RioTinto Iron Ore, to collect and write the stories of the women.