Not waving but drowning: Cathy McLennan's Saltwater

On his first visit to Palm Island in 1968 the young historian Henry Reynolds had been shocked to find two young girls locked up in a police cell for swearing at a teacher. Some things change slowly in the north. Around a quarter of a century later, 22-year-old barrister, Cathy McLennan was similarly shocked by the discovery of a small girl curled up alone in a Palm Island cell. “Olivia” (most names have been changed in this book) became Cathy’s shadow that day and haunts the pages of Saltwater as she does Cathy’s life. You will not forget her.

This discovery was not the only confronting situation Cathy faced. Back in Townsville the next day she found she was to defend a murder charge against four boys, the youngest only thirteen. Although this book looks disconcertingly like a novel, its narrative stems directly from these and other experiences that Cathy confronted in her new job with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service. Small wonder they stayed vividly in mind.

Saltwater was never going to be a comfortable read and there is trauma, despair, frustration and some truly scary moments ahead. Yet it is a story the reader is compelled to follow as the immediacy of the narrative and dialogue impress on us the reality of the lives being led: their dilemmas, fears, tragedies and fleeting moments of quiet pride, guileless humour or stoical resilience. Cathy’s own qualities of compassion, resolve and physical and professional courage help to steady this roller-coaster ride.

Such was Saltwater’s advance reputation, that it sold out on the day of publication and this was proof at least that Cathy defies the old saying about prophets being without honour in their own country. Not that Cathy would claim to be a prophet – on the contrary, the events and experiences in her book are all too real – but North Queensland is very much her country and honours she has certainly earned. Cathy grew up on Magnetic Island, studied Law at JCU, became the youngest barrister in Queensland and is now a magistrate in Innisfail, making her the first JCU graduate to be appointed to the Bench. She was named the University’s outstanding alumnus of the year in 2015.

In an interview for The Australian, Cathy agreed her book might well raise a few eyebrows in legal circles. Be that as it may, Cathy’s skillful narration will ensure that it reaches an audience far beyond those engaged in the legal, law enforcement or even social work professions – as it should.

Review by Miniata

This post is part of the Special Collections Fossickings Series.



McLennan, Cathy, Saltwater NQ 820A MACLE 1C SAL
Reynolds, Henry, Why weren't we told: a personal search for the truth about history 994.0049915 REY

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