Classics
Hilda Schell
Goomalling, WA
1900 - 1963
Hillie’s is a story of humour, humility and humanity; how a young blind girl grew up to be a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, neighbour and local icon who inspired her community together with her dog, her greatest gift, Cleo.
Hillie’s Gift is a collection of memories collected over decades by Jenny Byatt from friends, family, Goomalling locals and those involved with guide dogs about Hillie’s tough but rewarding life in the Australian bush.
Enjoy reading over 40 contributors reminisce, not only about the adventurous and tenacious spirit of Hillie, but of a time in Western Australia now long past.
Quotes from the Book
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About The Author
Jenny Byatt grew up on her family’s farm near Narrogin in the wheatbelt. For most of her career Jenny has enjoyed teaching English to international students in Australia and overseas, and she has also worked briefly in journalism. After travelling widely, she now lives in Bunbury, Western Australia, working as a high school education assistant while enjoying the good life with her husband David, son Austin, daughter Melita and two overly-affectionate pet dogs.
Jenny’s granny Ivy had always wanted to write a book about her cousin Hillie, and having Hillie’s Gift published after twenty-six years of research fulfilled her late grandmother’s dream as well as her own.
"Did you know that Perth, Western Australia, was the first place in the southern hemisphere to train guide dogs for clients? And, the first rural client was my relative, Ms Hilda Schell (1900-1963), who was born and raised on a farm at Oak Park on the outskirts of the Whealtbelt town of Goomalling. Her guide dog was Cleo, lovingly trained in Perth by Ms Betty Bridge. This is their story" - Jenny Byatt