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The Whole Truth

Summary:

I've always strived to be honest in my public life; however, there's a lot I've kept private. Now, it's time to tell the whole truth.

Jackie Henderson, known to most as 'Jackie O', has graced Australia's airwaves since 1993. Through hard work and openness with her listeners, she rose from minor on-air roles to form one half of the country's biggest radio programs alongside controversial co-hosts Kyle Sandilands and 'Ugly Phil' O'Neil.

Here, for the first time, Jackie speaks candidly about her life in and out of the spotlight. She takes us behind the scenes of the spectacles and scandals of The Kyle and Jackie O Show and shares stories from thirty years spent working with huge celebrities, big egos and legions of both fans and detractors.

Her body. Her relationships. Her parenting. Her salary. Her health. All have been discussed across gossip pages and on social media, but there are parts of her life Jackie has kept private.

In this brave, no-holds-barred memoir, she is finally telling all. Forget everything you think you know about Jackie O. This is the whole truth.

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Highways and Byways

Summary:

From larger-than-life adventures to vivid and poignant tales of the imagination, Highways and Byways is a collection of stories taking readers on an enthralling tour (complete with the odd detour) through the raucous, well-lived life of one of this country's most successful and beloved artists.

Told with Jimmy's signature verve and flair, and richly coloured by his distinctive voice and wit, Highways and Byways sees him sharing a 1970s Texas stage with a dream line-up of US musicians; flirting with disaster in a Hawaiian high-rise; discovering a life-changing cassette tape; unearthing shattering family secrets in Glasgow; encountering charismatic and not-so-endearing superstars, ghosts of the recent and distant past, superfan traffic cops and shady salesmen; and confronting his own mortality - while pondering the more amusing effects of hospital medication.

Charming, personal and poignant, Highways and Byways is a collection that celebrates Jimmy's Scottish heritage, family, friends, music and the adventure of a grand life.

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The Legend of Albert Jacka

Summary:

Our heroes can come from the most ordinary of places. As a shy lad growing up in country Victoria, no one in the district had any idea the man Albert Jacka would become.

Albert 'Bert' Jacka was 21 when Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914. Bert soon enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force and the young private was assigned to 14th Battalion D Company. By the time they shipped out to Egypt he'd been made a Lance Corporal.

On 26 April 1915, 14th Battalion landed at Gallipoli under the command of Brigadier General Monash's 4th Infantry Brigade. It was here, on 20 May, that Lance Corporal Albert Jacka proved he was 'the bravest of the brave'. The Turks were gaining ground with a full-scale frontal attack and as his comrades lay dead or dying in the trenches around him, Jacka single-handedly held off the enemy onslaught. The Turks retreated.

Jacka's extraordinary efforts saw him awarded the Victoria Cross, the first for an Australian soldier in World War I. He was a national hero, but Jacka's wartime exploits had only just begun: moving on to France, he battled the Germans at Pozieres, earning a Military Cross for what historian Charles Bean called 'the most dramatic and effective act of individual audacity in the history of the AIF'. Then at Bullecourt, his efforts would again turn the tide against the enemy. There would be more accolades and adventures before a sniper's bullet and then gassing at Villers-Bretonneux sent Bert home.

The Legend of Albert Jacka is an unforgettable story of the bravery and sacrifice of one extraordinary soldier that takes us from the shores of Gallipoli to the battlefields of France, all brought to vivid life by Australia's greatest storyteller, Peter FitzSimons.

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Out of the Blue

Summary:

Music is brain food and emotional sustenance for little ones. It's audible beauty. Want to give something special to your kids? Surround them with beauty and inspiration.

Out of the Blue is an utterly compelling memoir that begins with Anthony's childhood and delves into the creation of his first band, the Cockroaches, with two of his brothers while still a teenager. Anthony's university studies in early-childhood education led him to form the extraordinary children's music outfit the Wiggles with fellow students and a former bandmate. Over the years, the Wiggles have experienced incredible successes, unexpected failures and exciting reinventions.

Anthony speaks honestly of his struggles with chronic pain and depression, which have at times almost forced him out of his beloved role as the Blue Wiggle. His thoughts on shaping a safe and imaginative place for our children, nurturing the creativity of others in the band, and on music, originality, entrepreneurship and much more make fascinating reading.

In a rollicking account of more than 40 years on the road, he discusses the glory and challenges of his unique fame, and the occasions when he has come perilously close to personal and business disaster. Sports enthusiast, father of three and inspiration to millions, Anthony Field is truly a remarkable Australian.

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From Here to the Great Unknown

Summary:

Born to an American myth and raised in the wilds of Graceland, Lisa Marie Presley tells her whole story for the first time in this raw, riveting, one-of-a-kind memoir faithfully completed by her daughter, Riley Keough.

In 2022, Lisa Marie Presley asked her daughter to help finally finish her long-gestating memoir.

A month later, Lisa Marie was dead, and the world would never know her story in her own words, never know the passionate, joyful, caring, and complicated woman that Riley loved and grieved.

Riley got the tapes that her mother had recorded for the book, laid in her bed, and listened as Lisa Marie told story after story about smashing golf carts together in the yards of Graceland, about the unconditional love she felt from her father, about being upstairs, just the two of them. About getting dragged screaming out of the bathroom as she ran towards his body on the floor.

About living in Los Angeles with her mother, getting sent to school after school, always kicked out, always in trouble.

About her singular, lifelong relationship with Danny Keough, about being married to Michael Jackson, what they shared in common. About motherhood. About deep addiction. About ever-present grief. Riley knew she had to fulfill her mother's wish to reveal these memories, incandescent and painful, to the world.

To make her mother known.

This extraordinary book is composed of both Lisa Marie's and Riley's voice, a mother and daughter communicating across the transom of death as they try to heal each other. Profoundly moving and deeply revealing, From Here to the Great Unknown is a book like no other-the last words of the only child of a true legend.

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Brainstorm

Summary:

A dedicated doctor. A devastating diagnosis. A chance for a medical revolution.

Skin cancer is this country's most common cancer, and melanoma the deadliest form of it. Richard, together with his colleagues at Melanoma Institute Australia, has dedicated years to groundbreaking research and succeeded in transforming even the most advanced forms of melanoma into a largely curable disease, bringing hope and healing to many.

Then in 2023, at the peak of his life, Richard was diagnosed with brain cancer.

As an internationally respected clinician and researcher, Richard was never going to accept the status quo — a medical approach unchanged in nearly two decades and an expectation of little more than a year to live. He instead chose to undertake world-first experimental treatment based on melanoma science.

His brave decision could shorten his life or save it — the only certainty is that it will advance scientific understanding and ultimately help save the lives of others.

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Bake with Brooki

Summary:

100 iconic recipes from the internet's favourite bakery- Brooki Bakehouse.

Step into the kitchen with wildly popular baker Brooke Bellamy, owner of Brooki Bakehouse, and discover how to create the most delectable sweet treats for every craving and occasion.

Since growing up baking with her mum in Tasmania, Brooke's journey to becoming a bakery owner has spanned continents- from patisserie classes in Paris and visiting Swiss chocolate factories, to hunting down the ultimate cookies in New York City and seeking out cardamom buns in snowy Copenhagen. Now, she inspires millions of followers with her day-in-the-life videos from her Brisbane bakery, selling out daily to the queues of fans waiting in line for their Brooki fix.

Brooke's insatiable sweet tooth and passion for creating the very best bakes have driven her through it all, to here- her first cookbook.

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The Voice Inside

Summary:

Growing up in London and Melbourne, music was always part of John Farnham's world. But the young John never dreamed of what was to come. Pop stardom in the 1960s. The release of Whispering Jack, the critically acclaimed and highest-selling Australian album of all time. A decades-long touring career. Twenty-one ARIA awards. Australian of the Year. The list of accolades and achievements is long - so, at first glance, the John Farnham story is one filled with remarkable highs.

It is, however, so much more than that. It is the story of the resilience John found as his stellar career stalled, record companies turned their backs, and he faced financial ruin. John has never shown how hard he fell and how difficult it was to stay true to himself in an industry that can be ruthless. It is the story of family, friendship and finding your voice.

Throughout a lifetime filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, John has remained steadfast, never losing his unique musical talent, creative strength nor his powerful ability to make human connections through his music. After his devastating cancer diagnosis and far too many goodbyes, John is now telling his story, his way.

The Voice Inside is like sitting down with an old friend sharing stories that are both deeply personal and wildly entertaining. Written alongside award-winning filmmaker Poppy Stockell, this is a captivating and powerfully honest insight into the man whose music is the soundtrack to so many of our lives.

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The Power of Two

Summary:

Fourteen years of friendship. Eight years of 'trying'. Eighteen rounds of IVF and now, one beautiful baby boy. The Power of Two is a remarkable true story that shows that together we can do more than we ever thought possible.

Lisa and Sarah's journey begins with a working relationship and transforms with a life-changing act of love and friendship, but this book is about so much more – a powerful ode to community, resilience, and the power summoned when we support each other.

From the outside, Lisa Messenger was the consummate success story, a highly respected publishing professional, a shooting star in the entrepreneurial space. But privately, Lisa was struggling with the one thing she could not achieve through hard work and a positive attitude. She had almost given up on having a child, when her dear friend, Sarah Megginson, came to her with an extraordinary offer.

This book is a deeply personal exploration of grief, hope and rebirth, for anyone who has ever been in the trenches. Together we are stronger, more resilient and infinitely more powerful. This is the power of two.

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Ultimate Road Trips

Summary:

There's nothing like hitting the open road and in Ultimate Road Trips, author Lee Atkinson highlights 35 of the best driving holidays around the globe.

Featuring iconic and interesting routes including Outback Australia, Iceland, South Africa, the Canadian Rockies and plenty more, this selection of the ultimate road trips all let you experience these exceptional destinations at your own pace. Each entry includes information on things to see and do, detailed route maps and a handy list of distances to help you plan your trip, as well as lots of useful advice on family-friendly attractions and where to eat along the way. You’ll also find details on the best time of year to visit, driving tips and some destinations that might surprise you, with a focus on fun drives that anyone with a licence and a thirst for adventure can handle.

Keep this book in the car for when you’re out on the road, or curl up with it at home and plan your next journey.

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Never

Summary:

Fame didn't actually make me happy. I was an insecure twenty-year-old and being famous made things worse back then. It was an era all about the way you looked and I still don't know how I squeezed through. I did enjoy myself for a lot of it, but, at some point, you're looking in the mirror and going: 'Is this it, then?' Clichéd as this sounds, success is never going to mend something that is broken. You just have to work that out for yourself. And something was a bit broken in me - I think it is with almost everybody who gets on the stage.'

When 'Never Gonna Give You Up' propelled Rick Astley into the pop stratosphere, it irrevocably altered his life's trajectory. Nothing could have prepared the young, unassuming Lancashire lad for what was in store for him. What followed was a whirlwind of TV appearances, fame, worldwide tours, bestselling albums and media scrutiny. But, after only six years in the business, having sold millions of records globally, Rick made a major life decision to retire, choosing family over fame. Time out of the industry offered him room for much-needed reflection and therapy - and unknowingly helped to set the stage for his triumphant return to music.

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Trigger Warning

Summary:

Trigger Warning is a story of success, triumph, trauma and overcoming. This is the story of a former Special Operations Engineer as he worked relentlessly to rekindle his life after the war. Having worked alongside Australia’s Special Forces, he discusses in great detail, the exploits that he was tasked to perform as an engineer during his multiple tours to Afghanistan, during some of the roughest years of the war. However, this tale is something more, as it is also a human story, of a son chasing his father’s approval, the challenges of growing up in a shadow, and one man’s unrelenting drive to make peace with the demons that followed him home.

Nathan became a Special Operations Engineer and chose to perform one of the most revered job roles during the conflict in Afghanistan, search and clearance of Improvised Explosive Devices. Nathan found himself involved in countless traumatic situations throughout his tours, from when his vehicle struck an IED and exploded, to the fear that he felt having laid on top of a pressure plate with the main explosive charge being underneath 5 of his mates behind him. These hidden bombs were littered all over the battlespace and became so feared, that soldiers were known to refuse to get out of their vehicle until an engineer had checked the ground first. These tours would inevitably take a toll on Nathan, both physically and psychologically, but due to his inability to look inwards, and his negative association towards vulnerability, he was unable to see or accept its impact until it was too late.

Post-war, Nathan hit rock bottom, and believed that to leave this world was the only way out. Nathan’s climb out of the darkness was supported by a rather bizarre contraption, where he managed to find purpose through an old, beaten and battered off-road racing sidecar that his dad used to race back in the 80’s. Nathan ultimately made a profound recovery, and although forever scarred by his active service, no longer do his demons define him. Nathan now embraces vulnerability to its utmost and uses his experiences to help inspire others. Vulnerability was never a sign of weakness as Nathan had once believed, but is now the truest test of bravery imaginable, for it took more courage for Nathan to face himself and his demons than it ever did to stand firm on the battlefield. 

City Library

Movie Night at the Library!

Thursday, 7 November 2024 | 6:00PM

Price: FREE

City Library

Author Talk - Peter FitzSimons

Tuesday, 19 November 2024 | 6:30pm

Price: $5

City Library

How to Survive a Shark Attack - Brett Connellan

Tuesday, 3 December | 6:00pm

Price: FREE

Latest news

Have your say on The Waterfront Centre!

This is your opportunity to have your say on The Waterfront Centre including Shellharbour Village Library

Explore our digital programs

Did you know your library has a range of online programs, tutorials and resources ready for you to explore any time, day or night? There’s something for everyone in our Digital Programs Hub. Browse the range and learn something new today.

The Book Eaters

Dress in the Age of Jane Austen

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

Recommended by
Michael 
Team Leader Library Resources

A supernatural tale! An intriguing concept with a human-like species that consumes books and absorbs the information from the books they’ve eaten… a librarian’s dream!

Recommended by
Imma
Branch Supervisor – Albion Park Library

This lively book reveals the clothing and fashion of the world depicted in Jane Austen’s beloved books, focusing on the long Regency between the years 1795 and 1825. Illustrated with paintings, drawings, historic garments, and fashion plates. I found this book fascinating as no matter what page you looked at there was a story attached to the subject.

Recommended by
Matthew
Digital Librarian

Weaving magic and history in early 19th-century England, exploring the rivalry between the cautious Mr. Norrell and the daring Jonathan Strange in a captivating tale of ambition and the darker sides of magic.

Must reads

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

Recommended by
Ellie
Digital Experience Officer

Small but mighty. This moving but joyous novel will have you laughing out loud and crying at the same time.

974

New items

44,323

Items borrowed

$1,019,429

Community money saved by borrowing from the library

Most popular

Richard Osman

We Solve Murders

John Farnham

The Voice Inside

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Warrigal Care to deliver Bee Connected, an intergenerational program aimed at forming meaningful connections between young people and seniors in the community through songs, games, reading, and crafts. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with UOW on a range of Paint Shellharbour REaD initiatives. Paint Shellharbour REaD is part of the Paint the Town REaD network, dedicated to promoting early childhood literacy. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with The Man Walk to deliver the Tall Tales program. This program aims to make connections with local, social, hobby and information organisations who appeal to male audiences and bring them into our library programs space. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Smith Family to promote early childhood literacy through the Paint Shellharbour REaD initiative. Paint Shellharbour REaD organises reading days and kids events throughout the year dedicated to fostering a love of reading. 

QBD

Shellharbour City Libraries have worked with QBD Shellharbour as the preferred bookseller at all of our Author Talk events. 

Shellharbour City Libraries sponsors Project Bucephalus in their facilitation of the Shellharbour Robo Club. The club teaches youth to form robotics teams and particulate in the FIRST LEGO League tournament. 

Shellharbour City Libraries collaborates with Paint the Gong REaD in conjunction with the Paint the Town REaD network. This partnership promotes early childhood literacy across the Illawarra through multiple reading events and activities. 

Shellharbour City Libraries has partnered with NSW Health to facilitate Independent Living Skills sessions aimed at teaching foster children health and wellbeing skills, in collaboration with the William Campbell Foundation.

The Multicultural Communities Council Illawarra attends Warilla library to utilise the 2528 community room. This is used for exercise and light physio sessions with senior community members.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Living Connected to offer drop-in Tech Help sessions to our customers at Warilla, Albion Park and City Libraries. These short one-on-one sessions are designed to assist customers in their digital skills development. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Legal Aid NSW to bring free community talks across our branches discussing a range of legal topics and how people can access help and resources as a part of the Libraries Law Week celebration.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Kiama Community College to deliver Tech Savvy Seniors sessions at our libraries. Tech Savvy Seniors is a NSW Government and Telstra partnership coordinated by the State Library of NSW. The program aims to teach seniors digital skills and knowledge.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Junior Einsteins to deliver Bee Connected, an intergenerational program aimed at forming meaningful connections between young people and seniors in the community through songs, games, reading, and crafts. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Judi Sandilands-Cincotta to bring Ollie and Shiko the therapy dogs to a range of children’s and youth programs. These programs aim to promote positive mental health and social connection.

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Illawarra Legal Centre to bring free community talks across our branches discussing a range of legal topics and how people can access help and resources as a part of the Libraries Law Week celebration.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with HARS to deliver the Tall Tales program. This program aims to make connections with local social, hobby and information organisations who appeal to male audiences and bring them into our library program space. 

Shellharbour City Libraries organises Sensory Experiences with Greenacres Disability Services at Warilla Library.

Shellharbour City Libraries and the Youth Services team partnered with Fitness Cartel Albion Park to deliver a Youth Fitness program at Warilla Library. This program engaged local youth and taught them about health, personal fitness, and respect.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Ed U Play to facilitate programs and activities that bring young people together. These programs support social and emotional wellbeing amongst youth. The libraries support the Girls Only Project which aims to provide young women with knowledge of and access to positive activities in their own communities. Ed U Play are funded by the Communities for Children Program.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Bunnings to deliver free monthly Craft Workshops at City Library. In these sessions, experts from Bunnings teach our customers a range of crafting skills. These workshops include, Kokedama Balls, Painting Art Canvas and much more!

For Library Lovers Day, Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Belladonna Book Club to produce a series of Book Review videos. 

These reviews were released on the Libraries’ Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as on the Belladonna Book Club’s social media channels.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Barnardos to promote early childhood literacy through the Paint Shellharbour REaD initiative. Paint Shellharbour REaD organises reading days and kids events throughout the year dedicated to fostering a love of reading.

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Aruma Disability Services to deliver Library Links. Library Links is a program that aims to invite disability services groups into their local branches to utilise craft and puzzle kits as well as getting to know our collections. Aruma is the first group at the Warilla branch and comes monthly to utilise space, kits and collections with their joined organisation library card.

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Warrigal Care to deliver Bee Connected, an intergenerational program aimed at forming meaningful connections between young people and seniors in the community through songs, games, reading and crafts. 

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with the William Campbell Foundation to deliver the Independent Living Skills Program. This program involves teaching foster children integral health and wellbeing skills and knowledge. Additionally, the City Library hosts WCF’s fortnightly Homework Club.

Sydney Writers Festival

Every year, Shellharbour City Libraries partners with the Sydney Writers Festival to deliver author panel livestreams and local events as part of the festival’s Live and Local programming. 

Paint the town read

Shellharbour City Libraries leads Paint Shellharbour REaD, which is part of the Paint the Town REaD network. This initiative aims to promote early childhood literacy by connecting local early childhood education stakeholders and providers and collaborating with them to deliver reading events and activities. 

Little Zaks Bee connected

Shellharbour City Libraries partnered with Little Zaks Academy to deliver Bee Connected, an intergenerational program aimed at forming meaningful connections between young people and seniors in the community through songs, games, reading and crafts. 

Frasers Property

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Frasers Property Australia to deliver Toddler Tales, a weekly childhood reading program, at The Waterfront Shell Cove. The libraries have also partnered with Frasers Property Australia to deliver a term of Tech Savvy Seniors at Shell Cove.

Frasers Property

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Frasers Property Australia to deliver Toddler Tales, a weekly childhood reading program, at The Waterfront Shell Cove. The libraries have also partnered with Frasers Property Australia to deliver a term of Tech Savvy Seniors at Shell Cove.

Paint Shellharbour REaD

Shellharbour City Libraries partners with Big Fat Smile to deliver Transition to School programs to prepare pre-schoolers for their move into primary school. Big Fat Smile is also a part of the Paint Shellharbour REaD initiative, which organises events that promote early childhood literacy.