Congratulations to Miranda and Leonie, two more of our alumnae who have recently published books.

We are always keen to share news of alumnae book publications, so please let Melinda know if you have authored a book.

Miranda Young (Macdonald 1982)

Alumna Miranda Young is a passionate music lover, and now a serious admirer of Olivia Newton-John, joining the legions of fans who are hopelessly devoted to her. She is a Melbourne music writer and researcher who was lucky enough to have worked with Molly Meldrum for over 25 years, and with Michael Gudinski at Mushroom Records’ White Label.

Miranda started off writing for Inpress Street Magazine in the 90s and ended up with her husband as co-owner of iconic rock and roll venues the Cherry Bar and late nightclub Yah Yahs.

In May this year, her book Olivia: Grace and Gratitude was published to enthusiastic reviews

No matter how far she roamed, Olivia always called Australia home.

From the UK to Melbourne and all around the world, Grease superstar Olivia Newton-John is one of the most beloved musical and acting icons in the world.

The book covers Olivia’s journey as a dedicated woman in music who conquered the international entertainment world as well as being a mother, a wife and a relentless charity advocate who fought against the cancer that sadly took her from the world in August of 2022.

With over twenty years of music and film research under her belt, author Miranda Young celebrates Olivia’s achievements while also paying tribute to the incredible woman she has become beyond her fame. With tributes from famous celebrities and public figures and exclusive insights from some of Australia’s biggest names in music, Olivia: Grace and Gratitude is the perfect tribute to an Australian and world-beloved icon.

Olivia: Grace and Gratitude

Miranda Young $29.99

Wilkinson Publishing

Leonie Rastas (Killeen 1973)

Leonie is a nurse, midwife, author, educator, and innovator. Over her 40 year nursing and midwife career, she has cared for thousands of women who were giving birth.

Her own birthing experiences have given her a great sense of empathy for women recovering after caesarean birth, which is what led her to establish ‘Caesarcare’, an online childbirth education service helping women understand and self-manage the postpartum period.

She has recently published the C-Section Recovery Manual.

The C-Section Recovery Manual is for all women who birth by caesarean section, to discover facts about C-section birth, the postnatal period and learn all the essential information about recovery from major surgery.

The knowledge is designed to empower women to feel strong and confident, to enhance recovery and fast track return to normal activities, exercise and driving.

The book was written by two midwives with over eighty-five years of maternity services experience as a legacy for women to accompany them on their individual recovery journeys.

C-Section Recovery Manual - Your Body Your Recovery brings a virtual midwife to the home, wrapped in a three-part manual, written with empathy, wisdom, wit and professionalism.

C-Section Recovery Manual - Your Body Your Recovery

Leonie Rastas $39.45

Leonie also designed and manufactured a splint to assist with post-operation rehabilitation, helping to revolutionise abdominal surgery recovery.

The surgical after-care splint, SACsplint, provides an alternative to the current practice of using a rolled towel across the surgery site during movement, deep breathing and coughing. The name was inspired by her days at Sacré-Cœur!

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