The life of Gumbaynggirr Man Colin Jarrett is told in a new book by Tamara McWilliam

LOCAL author Tamara McWilliam officially launched her latest novel, The Final Sunset, in Macksville last week at the Elk on 38 Cafe, with the story of identity, culture and resilience taking centre stage.

Based on the true-life journey of respected Gumbaynggirr man Colin Jarrett, the novel explores a life shaped by both Sioux (Native American) and Koorie bloodlines.

It draws on the internal and external clashes that come with straddling cultures, confronting addiction, and searching for belonging.

Tamara McWilliam, who began her writing journey in 2015, said the project came about after she was approached in 2020 by Lifetime Connect.

“I was asked if I would be interested in sitting with Colin and writing a book based on his life,” she told News Of The Area.

“He was keen to get his story to paper and I feel honoured that Lifetime Connect asked me to be a part of Uncle Colin’s journey.”

After many “yarns” together, Tamara decided the most authentic way to tell his story was through fiction grounded in truth, rather than a straight memoir.

“It became clear the best way to get his story across would be through a fictional format as a “based on a true story”,” she added.

It’s a style she has successfully used before with Beneath the Snow of Gnojnik, another story inspired by a local Nambucca Valley family.

Stacey Munro, Aged, Community and Wellness Manager with Lifetime Connect, told News Of The Area the collaboration was deeply meaningful.

“Lifetime Connect proudly supported the collaboration that brought Colin’s story to life, fostering a powerful connection between Colin and author Tamara through shared voice, trust, and storytelling.

“This was a planned goal under his home care support,” Ms Munro said.

Throughout the book, readers are taken through confronting chapters of Uncle Colin’s life, including struggles with substance abuse and identity.

“During our yarns I asked Uncle Colin what he wanted to achieve by sharing his story,” she said.

“He told me his hope was to inspire young people walking similar paths to trust and believe in themselves.

“There is hope and another path you can walk through life.”

For Tamara, being entrusted with the story of a Gumbaynggirr Elder was both a privilege and a responsibility.

“It’s an honour to tell the story of an Elder, especially around such poignant issues faced by so many people from all walks of life,” she said.

Tamara admits it’s not a project she would have attempted earlier in her career.

“I wouldn’t have had the confidence years ago however, having over a decade of writing experience and already writing one ‘based on a true story’ definitely helped me gain the skills and confidence to write The Final Sunset.”

The Macksville launch drew a strong crowd of family, friends and community members, many there to support Uncle Colin.

Nambucca Valley Mayor Gary Lee was on hand to officially launch the book and suggested that the work would make a very interesting movie or television series.

The mayor’s views were echoed by another attendee at the book launch, Ms Gail Meillon, a woman with over 25 years’ experience in the television industry, who concluded that The Final Sunset was indeed strong material for a screenplay.

Tamara concluded that she hopes that the book gives readers insight into a side of an Elder’s life in the Nambucca Valley that is rarely spoken about.

“The battles, the triumphs and the realities of growing up in times many younger generations may not fully understand,” she said.

The Final Sunset can be purchased at the Elk on 38 Cafe in Macksville.

The book is available in hard copy and as an ebook.

By Mick BIRTLES