Former ABC radio roving reporter shares more
By Sonia Isaacs
MALENY author Patty Beecham has written a new memoir for adults as a follow-up to her earlier work, Growing up, Rocky. In this continuation of her life story, Patty, now an adult, reflects on the challenges she faced while starting over.
Once a wild and independent girl from Rockhampton, she is now fleeing a violent ex-husband, both scared and excited as she embarks on a new life in a different state, determined to shed her past. Speaking with GC&M News, Patty shared that she felt compelled to continue her story after the success of her first memoir, which became a bestseller in both Central and Southeast Queensland.
“I had many readers reach out to me, wanting to know what happened next,” she explained. “I’ve also written this as a memoir for older women. We’re often overlooked and invisible, but we had lives, supported our partners, raised children, and deserve to be recognized.”
The memoir also recounts how Patty and her husband built their lives together, including the growth of their Holden dealership, and the devastation they faced when General Motors (GM) exited Australia.
“Overnight, our business of three decades was ripped out from under us,” she said. Readers will journey through the highs and lows of Patty’s life, her adventurous spirit shining as she repeatedly embraces new opportunities, often asking, “How hard can it be?”
Along the way, she becomes Australia’s first roving reporter on ABC Radio and later, the country’s first funeral photographer.
Patty hopes her memoir will inspire others to say yes to new opportunities and adventures. “Don’t be afraid of new experiences,” she said. “I’ve had wild adventures— becoming Australia’s first roving reporter and funeral photographer.
Life is what you make of it.” “If you get involved in your community, you’ll discover wonderful people, talents, and memories. When life deals you blows, remember that a sense of humor is often your greatest strength.”
Patty said she was pleased she could continue to share her stories, which she hoped were a good combination of both wit and wisdom. Whether it is her search for purpose, the restless ambitions of young adulthood, or the courage to pivot careers when life demands it. Patty, a long-standing member of the Beerwah Writers Group (BWG), praised the group’s support.
“It’s a wonderful space to share vulnerable words and stories,” she said. “You can develop your creative and technical talents in a safe and inclusive environment.”
Signed copies of Growing Up, Patty are available at Rosetta Books in Maleny and on Amazon.
