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The Outback Court Reporter
One of Australia's most experienced court reporters goes on a judicial road trip.
Outback Court Reporter is a sometimes funny, sometimes tragic look at the comings and goings on inside the country courtrooms dotted across Australia.
From the case of the stolen cat flap, to missing lollipops and exploding chocolate milk in a country supermarket, to a custody dispute over a camel - Jamelle has seen the lighter and quirky side of outback courts but has also witnessed the harsh, dark, and petty side of outback life - including the high rates of Indigenous incarceration, alcohol-related and domestic violence.
After spending almost twenty years in city courtrooms reporting for the ABC on some of the country's highest profile cases, in Outback Court Reporter, Jamelle Wells takes you into our country courtrooms, from the grand sandstone edifices of Cobar and Grafton to the repurposed community halls and police stations in outback Queensland the Northern Territory - introducing you to the court staff - the solicitors, prosecutors, magistrates, witnesses and the accused, in cases that shock, captivate and divide communities.
Outback Court Reporter is also a timely reminder of the need for reform as country magistrates struggle with massive caseloads and limited resources, the fall-out of failing regional health system and limited bail and sentencing options in a justice system that is under pressure and communities still disadvantaged by the vastness of our continent.
Praise for The Court Reporter (2018):
'Jamelle Wells has put justice in the dock. The Court Reporter raises important questions about the administration of the criminal justice system, not only in NSW but nationwide.' Michael Sexton, The Australian
'Frank reporting.' Steven Carroll, The Sydney Morning Herald
'Vivid and gripping. I had to read it in one go.' Richard Glover, ABC Drive
'The Court Reporter is a great read and will be quickly devoured by anyone with an interest in journalism and true crime.' Dr Rachel Franks, Academia Review
'A brilliant book with amazing stories.' Sarah Harris, Studio Ten
Outback Court Reporter is a sometimes funny, sometimes tragic look at the comings and goings on inside the country courtrooms dotted across Australia.
From the case of the stolen cat flap, to missing lollipops and exploding chocolate milk in a country supermarket, to a custody dispute over a camel - Jamelle has seen the lighter and quirky side of outback courts but has also witnessed the harsh, dark, and petty side of outback life - including the high rates of Indigenous incarceration, alcohol-related and domestic violence.
After spending almost twenty years in city courtrooms reporting for the ABC on some of the country's highest profile cases, in Outback Court Reporter, Jamelle Wells takes you into our country courtrooms, from the grand sandstone edifices of Cobar and Grafton to the repurposed community halls and police stations in outback Queensland the Northern Territory - introducing you to the court staff - the solicitors, prosecutors, magistrates, witnesses and the accused, in cases that shock, captivate and divide communities.
Outback Court Reporter is also a timely reminder of the need for reform as country magistrates struggle with massive caseloads and limited resources, the fall-out of failing regional health system and limited bail and sentencing options in a justice system that is under pressure and communities still disadvantaged by the vastness of our continent.
Praise for The Court Reporter (2018):
'Jamelle Wells has put justice in the dock. The Court Reporter raises important questions about the administration of the criminal justice system, not only in NSW but nationwide.' Michael Sexton, The Australian
'Frank reporting.' Steven Carroll, The Sydney Morning Herald
'Vivid and gripping. I had to read it in one go.' Richard Glover, ABC Drive
'The Court Reporter is a great read and will be quickly devoured by anyone with an interest in journalism and true crime.' Dr Rachel Franks, Academia Review
'A brilliant book with amazing stories.' Sarah Harris, Studio Ten
324 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2024
24 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 25, 2024
I love Jamelle Wells. I used to listen to 702 Abc Radio religiously before I returned to work after having children and she was always there. She just was. I always wondered how she was always reading the news and court reporting, she seemed to be one of the main players. And she was so knowledgeable, of this I could tell.
Then I stopped listening to the radio as audio books became my main reading method. Happily Jamelle wrote her first book, then to be followed up with this one. It is so great hearing all about Jamelle's home town, the harsh outback town of Cobar, NSW. I say this because my family has links to Cobar, and the kids love roughing it for a week or more riding their motorbikes, and helping on the farm. Their clothes come home ORANGE. I could picture the library she spoke of, and the local IGAs (stolen chuppa chups, anyone??).
The author tells of her regional reporting, her experiences of reporting and observing all over the country from places like Port Augusta, Walgett, Sale, Lightening Ridge and many more. She even got thrown out of Forster Court by an over zealous Sheriff and a magistrate that took umbradge to her typing on her iPad, then writing with a pen on her note pad. This woman is so diplomatic, always respectful.
She tells us about all the various matters heard, majority driving offences, domestic and family violence, drugs charges, and disputes over fencing, animal theft and things like this. I had to laugh as the author at many times remarked on those attending court and how they appeared to dress and present themselves. This does give the reader an idea about what she was trying to say, without precisely saying it.
I had a lot of respect for the many magistrates for their workload, the way they dealt with the majority of offenders who will never have access to drug and alcohol and counselling services. They have to treat each case individually knowing there is not much hope. Many outback magistrates are overworked and overstressed, there are suicides. She interviewed many for this book, which made for interesting reading, and many are making differences to lives and communities. It is hard doing this job in rural towns; everyone knows you, you have to be careful about what you do and what you say, it can be really stressful.
The stories are told by Jamelle matter of factly, she is funny, clever, and serious when she needs to be. She is also an extremely talented and hard worker.
I was saddened to hear of the appalling treatment her 80 year old father received at Cobar hospital. His removal of liberties, and the general poor and terribly managed facility. Lack of basic important medicines, orthopaedic surgery being carried out by a doctor who was different to whom the family was told originally to be carrying out the surgery, and a badly performed operation leading to intensive care and ultimately, death. The staff washed their hands of him, fobbed off the family who were exhausted, and did not carry out any of their duties professionally or humanely.
The author explained the many other examples after locals wrote to her, and ultimately pushed for reform. To best explain this I have taking a quick snip from the outcome of the enquiry which would not have happened if not for Jamelle. Taken from a report 'Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales':
"The committee also heard evidence from journalists Ms Liz Hayes and Ms Jamelle Wells,
appearing in their private capacity to tell the stories of their fathers, both of whom died in tragic
circumstances in rural hospitals.
2.6 Ms Hayes and Ms Wells both gave oral testimony at a public hearing on 10 September 2021. In
their evidence, it was explained that in addition to their families' own personal experiences, many
people and families from around the state had contacted them regarding issues with the health
system."
If I had a problem I would surely go to Jamelle, and if I had a court matter, or I was a magistrate or someone sitting in the dock, I know she would be efficient, reliable and oh so good at her job. This story was told with a remarkable amount of candour, written in plain English, covering many instances being witness to in court. Anyone interested in the legal process, social justice, regional health and reporting would learn a lot from this book which I flew through.
I listened to this book via the BorrowBox platform and my local library.
And Goodreads, it would be helpful if you could please stop gobbling my reviews. It is lucky for me I have a running Word doc, but this just adds to my list of things to do. NOT HELPFUL.
Then I stopped listening to the radio as audio books became my main reading method. Happily Jamelle wrote her first book, then to be followed up with this one. It is so great hearing all about Jamelle's home town, the harsh outback town of Cobar, NSW. I say this because my family has links to Cobar, and the kids love roughing it for a week or more riding their motorbikes, and helping on the farm. Their clothes come home ORANGE. I could picture the library she spoke of, and the local IGAs (stolen chuppa chups, anyone??).
The author tells of her regional reporting, her experiences of reporting and observing all over the country from places like Port Augusta, Walgett, Sale, Lightening Ridge and many more. She even got thrown out of Forster Court by an over zealous Sheriff and a magistrate that took umbradge to her typing on her iPad, then writing with a pen on her note pad. This woman is so diplomatic, always respectful.
She tells us about all the various matters heard, majority driving offences, domestic and family violence, drugs charges, and disputes over fencing, animal theft and things like this. I had to laugh as the author at many times remarked on those attending court and how they appeared to dress and present themselves. This does give the reader an idea about what she was trying to say, without precisely saying it.
I had a lot of respect for the many magistrates for their workload, the way they dealt with the majority of offenders who will never have access to drug and alcohol and counselling services. They have to treat each case individually knowing there is not much hope. Many outback magistrates are overworked and overstressed, there are suicides. She interviewed many for this book, which made for interesting reading, and many are making differences to lives and communities. It is hard doing this job in rural towns; everyone knows you, you have to be careful about what you do and what you say, it can be really stressful.
The stories are told by Jamelle matter of factly, she is funny, clever, and serious when she needs to be. She is also an extremely talented and hard worker.
I was saddened to hear of the appalling treatment her 80 year old father received at Cobar hospital. His removal of liberties, and the general poor and terribly managed facility. Lack of basic important medicines, orthopaedic surgery being carried out by a doctor who was different to whom the family was told originally to be carrying out the surgery, and a badly performed operation leading to intensive care and ultimately, death. The staff washed their hands of him, fobbed off the family who were exhausted, and did not carry out any of their duties professionally or humanely.
The author explained the many other examples after locals wrote to her, and ultimately pushed for reform. To best explain this I have taking a quick snip from the outcome of the enquiry which would not have happened if not for Jamelle. Taken from a report 'Health outcomes and access to health and hospital services in rural, regional and remote New South Wales':
"The committee also heard evidence from journalists Ms Liz Hayes and Ms Jamelle Wells,
appearing in their private capacity to tell the stories of their fathers, both of whom died in tragic
circumstances in rural hospitals.
2.6 Ms Hayes and Ms Wells both gave oral testimony at a public hearing on 10 September 2021. In
their evidence, it was explained that in addition to their families' own personal experiences, many
people and families from around the state had contacted them regarding issues with the health
system."
If I had a problem I would surely go to Jamelle, and if I had a court matter, or I was a magistrate or someone sitting in the dock, I know she would be efficient, reliable and oh so good at her job. This story was told with a remarkable amount of candour, written in plain English, covering many instances being witness to in court. Anyone interested in the legal process, social justice, regional health and reporting would learn a lot from this book which I flew through.
I listened to this book via the BorrowBox platform and my local library.
And Goodreads, it would be helpful if you could please stop gobbling my reviews. It is lucky for me I have a running Word doc, but this just adds to my list of things to do. NOT HELPFUL.
March 9, 2024
I loved this book a real page turner as was Jamalles first book.
March 17, 2025
4 Stars = It definitely held my interest.
Jamelle lets us have a look inside the courtrooms of rural New South Wales, Australia. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always interesting. She also tells about her father's death, and the negligent behaviour of the rural health care system.
Jamelle lets us have a look inside the courtrooms of rural New South Wales, Australia. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, but always interesting. She also tells about her father's death, and the negligent behaviour of the rural health care system.
January 23, 2024
A wonderful mix of professional and personal, Jamelle takes the reader on a journey through the everyday proceedings of the courtrooms of rural New South Wales.
This was really an eye-opening read. I have spent very little time in rural Australia, and after reading this book, I feel as though I have gained an appreciation for how different, and often hard, aspects of life are in the Outback.
For those who have domestic violence or drug charges against them, rehabilitation programs and services designed to help break these cycles are few and far between. For those who lose their licence, it quite often means they can not work as public transport just does not exist.
It was fascinating to read about how 'Outback Justice' can often look a bit different, acknowledging that the 'normal' punishments or ways of dealing with crime are just not practical in these areas. It was also heartwarming to see that there are those in the justice system with a passion for genuine change in these communities.
I also appreciated how vulnerable Jamelle was in sharing her father's story in this book. As someone with a chronically unwell father myself, hearing the ways that Jamelle's father was let down by the rural health system had my heart absolutely aching for her. Devastatingly, Jamelle shares that her story is not in isolation, with many others in these areas struggling to receive basic care that results in some pretty severe consequences.
A 5⭐️ read for me, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. There is quite a mix of criminal charges discussed in this book, some quite minor and some quite confronting, so just be aware of that if you decide to pick it up!
Release Date: January 31st, 2024
Big thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia for an advanced copy in exchange for review!
This was really an eye-opening read. I have spent very little time in rural Australia, and after reading this book, I feel as though I have gained an appreciation for how different, and often hard, aspects of life are in the Outback.
For those who have domestic violence or drug charges against them, rehabilitation programs and services designed to help break these cycles are few and far between. For those who lose their licence, it quite often means they can not work as public transport just does not exist.
It was fascinating to read about how 'Outback Justice' can often look a bit different, acknowledging that the 'normal' punishments or ways of dealing with crime are just not practical in these areas. It was also heartwarming to see that there are those in the justice system with a passion for genuine change in these communities.
I also appreciated how vulnerable Jamelle was in sharing her father's story in this book. As someone with a chronically unwell father myself, hearing the ways that Jamelle's father was let down by the rural health system had my heart absolutely aching for her. Devastatingly, Jamelle shares that her story is not in isolation, with many others in these areas struggling to receive basic care that results in some pretty severe consequences.
A 5⭐️ read for me, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go. There is quite a mix of criminal charges discussed in this book, some quite minor and some quite confronting, so just be aware of that if you decide to pick it up!
Release Date: January 31st, 2024
Big thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia for an advanced copy in exchange for review!
May 9, 2024
It started well and was interesting regarding the processes and community in rural law, but it turned into a bit bitch about rural healthcare.
July 3, 2024
Interesting stories and really good to have a view of what happens in locations I have no experience of but it seemed very disjointed amalgamation of memories and ended very abruptly.
Read
June 20, 2024t's worth taking a close look at the blurb of THE OUTBACK COURT REPORTER, and keeping the second paragraph in mind when you start to read:
"Outback Court Reporter is a sometimes funny, sometimes tragic look at the comings and goings on inside the country courtrooms dotted across Australia."
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
March 8, 2024
Like Janelle, I too have been blessed with family life, and this book serves to remind that many others aren’t so blessed, and every day can be a struggle.
It also spotlights the challenges of those tasked with administering justice, and the urban/rural divide.
It is easily read.
It also spotlights the challenges of those tasked with administering justice, and the urban/rural divide.
It is easily read.
March 26, 2024
Fascinating subject which raises important questions but poorly written with several grammatical errors
March 31, 2024
Interesting anecdotes poorly written.
May 19, 2024
I read her previous book which gave a journalist insight into the operation of Sydney courts and a few well-known court cases. The Outback Court Reporter is a different animal. It is more an incidental, gossipy account of the people who inhabit country and outback courts where the mundane daily chore of minor crime is dealt with. Wells is particularly aware of the sadness and futility of the treatment of indigenous people appearing at the court.
Wells father died under horrible circumstances because of his treatment (or lack of) at Cobar and Dubbo hospitals. I remember reading about her father and Liz Hayes’ father’s similar death. Her account of her father’s death and her subsequent battle to get justice for him is a sad but inspiring read. As I read, I was angry at the National Party which claims it represents country people yet it had been in government, both federally and state, for the last decade, a period when health services declined in the bush. They are such hypocrites more interested in denying climate change and supporting the rich benefactors in the mining industry than in improving the lives of their country constituents.
As I read, I reflected on the type of people who constantly appear in these local courts, the poverty, ignorance, mental illness, drug dependency, depression, pessimism, and powerlessness of so many. They live lives that are alien to me. I might live in the same suburb but for all intents and purposes they are from another planet. Alcohol, the drug ice, and uncontrolled anger lead to so many court appearances.
One case that Wells writes about is the murder of three indigenous children in Bowraville on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales (NSW). Colleen Walker, Evelyn Greenup and Clinton Speedy-Duroux in the early nineties. One of my school parents, was Evelyn’s aunt. For over thirty years the community has tried to achieve justice for these young victims. A man was charged but, as Wells writes, the original police investigation was such a shambles that a conviction was never achieved.
The author explains the role of the magistrates and other court workers with empathy and understanding. Some magistrates are ‘characters’, all appear to be fair and consistent in their judgements. She also touches on the workload and stress that magistrates work under. That got me thinking, that with so many public servant occupations (nurses, junior hospital doctors, teachers, social workers, paramedics) all complain of stress and workload. I wonder under the doctrine of neo-liberal managerialism where money to services is constantly being limited and managers expected to get more out of their workers with less pay that this is a created outcome?
I have often wondered about the career paths of magistrates. How are they appointed? Do they ever get promoted to be judges? Where do they lie in the legal hierarchy?
I lived in the NSW North Coast town of Kempsey and reading the court reports in the ‘Macleay Argus’ was always a literary high light of my week. Being a small town, I often knew the participants.
I had a poverty plus student whose mother was a scrawny, alcohol and drug ravaged, hard faced woman. She was a habitual attendee at Kempsey Magistrate Court. The immutable magistrate once observed, “Miss, there are too many men in your life, Johnny, Jim, and Jack: Walker, Beam and Daniels.”
Jamelle Wells is a fine journalist, and she has a comforting yet dispassionate writing style when she reports on the huge range of court cases described in this memoir. It was easy and enjoyable read.
Wells father died under horrible circumstances because of his treatment (or lack of) at Cobar and Dubbo hospitals. I remember reading about her father and Liz Hayes’ father’s similar death. Her account of her father’s death and her subsequent battle to get justice for him is a sad but inspiring read. As I read, I was angry at the National Party which claims it represents country people yet it had been in government, both federally and state, for the last decade, a period when health services declined in the bush. They are such hypocrites more interested in denying climate change and supporting the rich benefactors in the mining industry than in improving the lives of their country constituents.
As I read, I reflected on the type of people who constantly appear in these local courts, the poverty, ignorance, mental illness, drug dependency, depression, pessimism, and powerlessness of so many. They live lives that are alien to me. I might live in the same suburb but for all intents and purposes they are from another planet. Alcohol, the drug ice, and uncontrolled anger lead to so many court appearances.
One case that Wells writes about is the murder of three indigenous children in Bowraville on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales (NSW). Colleen Walker, Evelyn Greenup and Clinton Speedy-Duroux in the early nineties. One of my school parents, was Evelyn’s aunt. For over thirty years the community has tried to achieve justice for these young victims. A man was charged but, as Wells writes, the original police investigation was such a shambles that a conviction was never achieved.
The author explains the role of the magistrates and other court workers with empathy and understanding. Some magistrates are ‘characters’, all appear to be fair and consistent in their judgements. She also touches on the workload and stress that magistrates work under. That got me thinking, that with so many public servant occupations (nurses, junior hospital doctors, teachers, social workers, paramedics) all complain of stress and workload. I wonder under the doctrine of neo-liberal managerialism where money to services is constantly being limited and managers expected to get more out of their workers with less pay that this is a created outcome?
I have often wondered about the career paths of magistrates. How are they appointed? Do they ever get promoted to be judges? Where do they lie in the legal hierarchy?
I lived in the NSW North Coast town of Kempsey and reading the court reports in the ‘Macleay Argus’ was always a literary high light of my week. Being a small town, I often knew the participants.
I had a poverty plus student whose mother was a scrawny, alcohol and drug ravaged, hard faced woman. She was a habitual attendee at Kempsey Magistrate Court. The immutable magistrate once observed, “Miss, there are too many men in your life, Johnny, Jim, and Jack: Walker, Beam and Daniels.”
Jamelle Wells is a fine journalist, and she has a comforting yet dispassionate writing style when she reports on the huge range of court cases described in this memoir. It was easy and enjoyable read.
February 16, 2025
I really enjoyed the moments of anecdote in this book. Parts of my life are closely connected to some of the people and places in this book and it was fun reading the writers experiences of these people and places.
The most difficult and frustrating thing in reading this was how condescending it felt towards the people she observed in court at times. The way she described individuals was clearly an attempt at painting a certain picture (representative of their vulnerabilities etc) but came off as though she clearly thought she was better than many of them. I found it difficult at times to read. It was also tricky for me to navigate how she interpreted, or I felt misinterpreted, some of the moments in Court but that’s probably not an issue most readers would have.
Nonetheless, anyone curious about the nature and workings of a local court would get some nice little snapshots reading this. It really is a whole different world in there!!
The most difficult and frustrating thing in reading this was how condescending it felt towards the people she observed in court at times. The way she described individuals was clearly an attempt at painting a certain picture (representative of their vulnerabilities etc) but came off as though she clearly thought she was better than many of them. I found it difficult at times to read. It was also tricky for me to navigate how she interpreted, or I felt misinterpreted, some of the moments in Court but that’s probably not an issue most readers would have.
Nonetheless, anyone curious about the nature and workings of a local court would get some nice little snapshots reading this. It really is a whole different world in there!!
June 10, 2024
A nonfiction book, Outback Court Reporter (2024) by Jamelle Wells is her account of court cases she reported on as a journalist. A folksy narrative of unusual cases and characters and their dealings with the local Magistrate Court throughout regional and remote Australia. Wells recounts some interesting cases from the odd ones, like the stealing of chupa chups to well-known ones like the William Turrell and Kath Folberg cases. The everyday workings of the judicial system with the lawyers, judges, accused and victims quest for the truth and some sense of justice is clearly on display. Overall, a somewhat disappointing read given the plethora of similar criminal matters which made for a somewhat repetitive feel and a three stars read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
October 8, 2024
I am a keen court watcher so this book was of great interest to me.
However there is a big BUT. How did this book get through to publication with so many mistakes? I am shocked that ABC books could put it out without decent proofreading (any proofreading?).
Towns in NSW are misspelled: Glenn Innis and Foster come to mind, William Tyrrell's name misspelled at one point, words are repeated, apostrophes used wrongly, sentences like 'can regional health it ever be fixed'.
These errors occurring so frequently put me off the stories I must admit, but the core stories would make a good book better written. Some are tragic, some funny, just such a pity that the author didn't engage a good editor.
However there is a big BUT. How did this book get through to publication with so many mistakes? I am shocked that ABC books could put it out without decent proofreading (any proofreading?).
Towns in NSW are misspelled: Glenn Innis and Foster come to mind, William Tyrrell's name misspelled at one point, words are repeated, apostrophes used wrongly, sentences like 'can regional health it ever be fixed'.
These errors occurring so frequently put me off the stories I must admit, but the core stories would make a good book better written. Some are tragic, some funny, just such a pity that the author didn't engage a good editor.
March 25, 2025
I’m not sure that it’s worth 4 stars but 3 seems a bit mean. I really enjoyed some chapters but was a bit lukewarm about others. It certainly gives a warts and all picture of country justice. The lack of services and options for people in the country is thoroughly explored. Jamelle’s own story reveals a broken and stressed system. The book is quite accessible. Jamelle is a keen observer of people but does not judge them harshly. She captures the range of characters in country towns. She notes that while people commit crimes a one size fits all dispensing of consequences is never appropriate. One valuable aspect of this book is it captures “how the other half lives”. Perhaps it should be read for this aspect if nothing else.
June 6, 2024
I've long enjoyed Jamelle Wells reporting on ABC. This is a really interesting book, one you can dip in and out of. As some critical reviews has mentioned, Jamelle is quite vocal on the lack of mental health and drug rehabilitation in regional and remote areas. The impact of multi generational poverty, drug use, ill health and family violence screams from almost every page. Jamelle weaves funny and humorous incidents along with the truly confronting cases that appear before hard working magistrates. If only those who could make changes would read this book. More indigenous court staff and magistrates would be an excellent beginning.
May 26, 2024
This was a good book about the realities of court life in the outback.
Wells' own story included around the parliamentary enquiry into health care in rural and regional areas was heart-wrenching.
The book was well referenced, but I could not get past the grammatical errors and poor editing. For some of the stories and chapters, it was just reported facts with no 'so what' factor. I understand this was a book by a journalist, but in parts I wanted a bit more.
It's still worth a read to understand and reinforce the unrelenting situation in the bush.
Wells' own story included around the parliamentary enquiry into health care in rural and regional areas was heart-wrenching.
The book was well referenced, but I could not get past the grammatical errors and poor editing. For some of the stories and chapters, it was just reported facts with no 'so what' factor. I understand this was a book by a journalist, but in parts I wanted a bit more.
It's still worth a read to understand and reinforce the unrelenting situation in the bush.
August 5, 2024
I really enjoyed listening to this book. And it really touched my heart when she spoke about her father. We have had the same response from hospital when we questioned the care.. they always seem to have an opposite story to what you experienced.
I also loved hearing about the other court stuff.. it has always interested me in why they got what they got..
The book just stops.. and I wonder if there will be more!
I also loved hearing about the other court stuff.. it has always interested me in why they got what they got..
The book just stops.. and I wonder if there will be more!
September 19, 2024
This audiobook read by the author takes a detailed look at the activities of courts in outback parts of Australia. It is a very interesting look at the range of court matters as well as providing local anecdotes and information. This is a book which locations mentioned in it should consider for their local studies collections. It includes family experiences with health services in more remote areas too.
December 18, 2024
An insight into the failing justice and health systems in rural Australia. One half of the book recounts cases she sat in on throughout rural NSW and the magistrates and officials she met there. The other part deals with her own experience of inadequate care given to her father in rural hospitals and her efforts to launch a public inquiry which enabled others to recount their own experiences. A far from idyllic portrayal of life beyond Australia’s urban coastline.
June 22, 2025
I picked this book and put it down a number of times as I found it slow reading and sometimes events were recorded as snippets of information not necessarily linked to anything in particular.
However I realised I was reading the story of Australia through the court system in primarily NSW regions i.e beyond the capital city limits.
Then I read The story of her Father’s death. That changed my focus and attention to the purpose of the book and I soon finished it.
It’s a book that tells a story differently. My awareness of the regional districts courts and magistrates care in managing regional justice increased significantly.
The book and the author are awarded 5 stars and well deserved.
It’s a good read for certain. Enjoy.
.
However I realised I was reading the story of Australia through the court system in primarily NSW regions i.e beyond the capital city limits.
Then I read The story of her Father’s death. That changed my focus and attention to the purpose of the book and I soon finished it.
It’s a book that tells a story differently. My awareness of the regional districts courts and magistrates care in managing regional justice increased significantly.
The book and the author are awarded 5 stars and well deserved.
It’s a good read for certain. Enjoy.
.
April 10, 2024
This was a strange book.
At times it was funny, at times it was heartbreaking.
It felt like this book could have been split into 3 different books
1 - Aboriginal issues and representation within the Australian Court System
2 - the regional health and hospital enquiry
3 - funny and odd court cases in regional Australia
that way she could have expanded each topic and given us more.
At times it was funny, at times it was heartbreaking.
It felt like this book could have been split into 3 different books
1 - Aboriginal issues and representation within the Australian Court System
2 - the regional health and hospital enquiry
3 - funny and odd court cases in regional Australia
that way she could have expanded each topic and given us more.
August 25, 2024
An interesting read that gave great insight into how rural courts work, but a lot of the cases were very similar which made the book feel long. The writing was also stiff and unemotional at times, perhaps due to the writers reporting experience
February 18, 2025
Fun stories, nice writing. A bit rambly, and here, there, and everywhere. touched on some important topics like indigenous incarceration rates, and issues with regional health care but did not elaborate on them with any depth.
July 24, 2025
I enjoyed the stories, very entertaining. But what is with the ending? Talking about poodles and then nothing. No conclusion. Am I missing something? Geez it was odd.
I saw a lot of reviews about the grammar and spelling mistakes, my saving grace was that I listened to it.
I saw a lot of reviews about the grammar and spelling mistakes, my saving grace was that I listened to it.
April 14, 2024
Quite interesting and decided the best way to read it was one chapter every now and then.
May 25, 2024
This book wasn't quite what I expected, but having grown up near one of the small towns that Jamelle visited, I found the stories relatable.
June 5, 2024
Very enjoyable and enlightening. Humour. Gave you a sense of what people in the bush have to put up with, or without more so.
June 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this collection of true life stories. As a wife of a country policeman I really connected with the stories. I thought Jamelle depicted the stories with sensitivity and fairness.
July 9, 2024
A hilarious, yet moving collection of short stories. Witty, and well-told. I loved every moment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews