Dignity in a Teacup: Courage and sacrifice from Christmas Island

In recognition of Refugee Week (16-22 June), trauma counsellor Christine Cummins will visit Gisborne, Bendigo and Castlemaine libraries to talk about her latest book Dignity in a Teacup – detailing her experiences working with asylum seekers on Christmas Island.

With a background in social justice and human rights, Christine has worked with aid agencies in Sri Lanka and Iran, and with Indigenous Australians in the remote Kimberley region of Western Australia. Her turning point however, came after working as a torture and trauma counsellor on Christmas Island for five years. The immensely rewarding opportunity to work with asylum seekers in the immigration detention centre enhanced her passion about the need to maintain human dignity and access to basic human rights for all.

Dignity in a Teacup provides first-hand accounts of Australian immigration during a period of dramatic change and controversy. Detailing stories shared by hundreds of asylum seekers, Christine describes why people were forced to flee their homelands. The stories are compelling, inspiring, courageous, resilient and intimate. Above all, they fill the gap in our understanding of people pursuing protection in a conflict-ridden world.

Join Christine at the following libraries as she recounts these truly moving stories of ordinary people seeking a safe new life:

• Gisborne Library  - Tuesday 18 June, 2-3pm
• Bendigo Library - Tuesday 18 June, 5.30-6.30pm
• Castlemaine Library  - Friday 21 June, 4.30-5.30pm

Book sales and signings will be available.

All sessions are free, but bookings are essential via www.goldfieldslibraries.com