top of page

Non Fiction

looked after.jpg

Australian Gospel

Lech Blaine

2024

Australian Gospel: A Family Saga (2024) by Australian writer Lech Blaine is the story of 2 families.

Lech Blaine is the only biological child of Lenore & Tom Blaine.

Lenore & Tom were the foster carers of 3 Shelley children, Steve, John & Hannah (amongst others).

Michael & Mary Shelley have had all 4 of their children removed by the Queensland state and they have a track record of harassing, trespassing and threatening politicians as well as foster carers – including the Blaines.

Lech Blaine has undertaken hours of research to tell this complicated story. He’s interviewed family members, read case files and his mother’s diary, and reviewed court reports as well as newspapers accounts of Shelley exploits.

Children and young people in social care, and those who have left, are often subject to stigmatisation and discrimination. Being stigmatised and discriminated against can impact negatively on mental health and wellbeing not only during the care experience but often for many years after too. The project aims to contribute towards changing community attitudes towards care experienced people as a group. See glossary HERE


Website set up with support from The Welland Trust 

bottom of page