Let me introduce myself…

I grew up in Coburg in the 1950s in mortal fear of being tortured by the communists when they came to take over Australia. I failed my Leaving Certificate at St Aloysius College for Young Ladies because I read under the desk. I then worked in the city as a clerk. I was the second probationer in the history of the Head Office of the Bank of NSW to get the sack. The kicker here is that the first girl was a prostitute: apparently she would dash out to one of the day/night clubs that were about then in the city. I think she forgot to change out of her uniform or maybe she was running late. This was a time in my life when I made myself sick every morning by listening to the Beatles, smoking Marlboro cigarettes and drinking black coffee for breakfast. After matriculating from night school, I went to Coburg Teachers’ College and then taught in various country towns. I did a BA by correspondence. Yes, there is a pattern here: if there is a long, hard road, I will find it. 

In 1990, I had my third child with my third husband and left teaching to write full-time. I have since forged a successful career as a freelance journalist, specialising in literary and regional journalism, writing for metropolitan as well as regional newspapers and magazines. I have also been a newsroom reporter. As a scriptwriter, I have written for Neighbours (Reg Grundy) and Altogether Now (Clive Packer). I made Gorilla Girls (Film Victoria), and Shredded (the Victorian Women’s Trust). 

I almost forgot to mention my books, Girls in Our Town, When He Came Home, and most recently, Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield Jack. I live in Bendigo, in the shadow of the Cathedral. It’s a beautiful town. It’s where my family comes from and I love it here.

I hope you enjoy this story of our city’s revered Chinese elder, Russell Louey Jack.

Latest Release

Saving Dragons

I’m proud to introduce my latest book, Saving Dragons, probably the most gratifying project of my career.

Russell Jack, the visionary founder of the internationally renowned Golden Dragon Museum, spent his life breaking barriers and preserving the history of the Chinese Australian community. Growing up in the shadow of the White Australia Policy, he turned adversity into strength, using the vibrant traditions of Chinese dragon processions as a bridge between cultures. Through the power of storytelling and historical insight, Dempsey paints a vivid portrait of a man who replaced fear with knowledge and ignorance with beauty.

This compelling biography explores Jack’s humble beginnings, family legacy, athletic achievements, community leadership, and the extraordinary creation of the Golden Dragon Museum—a cultural institution that transformed Bendigo’s understanding of its Chinese heritage.

Told with verve, compassion, and illuminating vignettes, Saving Dragons offers a unique slice of Australian social history and a testament to the resilience of a Chinese community that has shaped the nation’s identity.

In Bendigo, Saving Dragons can be ordered from Bookish phone 5406 0596 or online via Australian Scholarly Publishing.