We knew if we stepped out of line we were just as likely to get a clip over the ear and then be marched home for an apology.Īs the youngest of three I was frequently lead astray, but the mischief was benign and more being late for dinner than anything destructive. We knew our neighbours by their last names and called them Mr and Mrs. Adults, as a community, looked out for all of us. Provided we showed up at mealtime we could hang out with our mates on the beach or in the bush, exploring, dreaming and having adventures. There was also an old cinema next door to us, complete with canvas sling-back chairs and a concrete floor.īut best of all? For kids there were no boundaries and we ran wild. The Currumbin Bird Sanctuary was just around the corner from our house, a small wildlife park filled with lorikeets and kangaroos – a far cry from the busy place it is now. It was also the most prized place to work and sadly I wasn’t one of the ‘too cool for school’ locals so I could only dream about that! The snack bar on the beachfront, near the flagged swimming area, was the only place to buy a hamburger or a milkshake. The Currumbin Pub sprawled up the hillside in rickety pink layers overlooking the creek, the high-rise in Surfers a distant line of sticks.

The corner store on Teemangum St provided part time jobs for many of us when we were teenagers. Currumbin Beach was tucked off the two lane highway, nestled behind a hill and a little bit ‘out of sight, out of mind’. Those memories are still very strong.īack then the Gold Coast was a scattering of hamlets that stretched from glitzy Surfers Paradise down to Coolangatta, with its caravan parks and fibro weekenders.

It might seem a strange choice of setting for an author who grew up in inner city Brisbane, in the shadow of the Gabba Cricket Ground, but my family had a holiday cottage at Currumbin Beach and we spent most weekends and school holidays there. Many of my stories are set in small town communities with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies. I’ve always been mystery/crime reader and Helene’s books have it all, so if you’re chasing a book for an Easter read, I can highly recommend Safe Harbour. Today I’m really thrilled she’s popped across to write about her new book, Safe Harbour. Welcome to Helene Young, who is chatting with me today! Helene and I have been talking online for years! I’m not sure, but I think our books came out with a year or so of each other.

Shattered Sky by Helene Young