Burnished: Burnside Life Stories

Burnished: Burnside Life Stories is a collection of life accounts from residents of Burnside Children's Homes, Sydney, compiled by Kate Shayler, author of 'The Long Way Home' and 'A Tuesday Thing'.

When Kate released 'The Long Way Home', her own story of childhood at Burnside, she was overwhelmed by the response and found herself wishing that other homes kids could have that healing experience too.

As Kate gave talks on her book, she was asked questions such as 'Why did you have to go to a home?' and 'What happened to you when you left the home?' Eventually, Kate advertised for people who were willing to share their stories, and the result is 'Burnished: Burnside Life Stories'.

The stories have been commended by Caroline Jones AO, presenter of Australian story on ABC TV, as being '... endearing and inspiring. Their real-life stories cast a shadow over Australian history (our history?). Yet each one shines with the courage and character of the writer.’

To truly understand what the Forgotten Australians experienced and why we need to understand their experiences, Burnished: Burnside Life Stories is essential reading, and an important work documenting Australia's history.