In Conversation with Jamelle Wells

Join us at Five Dock Library for an Author Talk with Jamelle Wells, as she talks about her new book The Outback Court Reporter.

After spending almost 20 years in city courtrooms reporting for the ABC on some of Australia's highest profile cases, in her new book Jamelle 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 and the Northern Territory, she introduces you to the court staff – the solicitors, prosecutors, magistrates, witnesses and the accused – in cases that shock, captivate and divide communities.

Jamelle has seen the lighter and quirky side of outback courts – from the case of the stolen cat flap, and exploding chocolate milk in a country supermarket, to a custody dispute over a camel. However, she has also witnessed the dark side of outback life, including the high rates of Indigenous incarceration, alcohol-related crime and domestic violence. Come along to her talk to hear more.

Light refreshments will be served.