Brenda Matthews: The Last Daughter

A powerful evening of storytelling. A journey of heartbreak, love, and hope, one that shows a way forward for all Australians. 

 
At the age of two, Brenda Matthews and her six siblings were taken from their parents. Subsequently adopted by a loving White family, Brenda spent six years knowing nothing of her Aboriginal identity and the family desperately fighting for her return. Without warning, Brenda’s life was thrown into turmoil again when Child Welfare made the decision to separate her from her White parents, the only parents she knew, and reunite her with her Aboriginal family, who were now strangers. 
 

The Last Daughter is Brenda’ Matthews' journey to discover the truth about her past and to unite her two families. Through sharing her story, Brenda invites people to walk together with deeper connection and understanding. 

 
Brenda Matthews is a proud Wiradjuri woman, a mother, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter, an aunty, a storyteller, and a presenter. She is the author of The Last Daughter (Text Publishing) and co-director of the feature film of the same name, a documentary of her life. Brenda lives with her husband, Mark, in Bundjalung country, Queensland. 
 
In celebration of NAIDOC Week Waverley Council invites attendees to make an optional donation or $5, $10 or $15 to the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation when booking ticketing to this exclusive event.  
 
The Aboriginal Literacy Foundation works in collaboration with local communities and partners to develop literacy skills with Indigenous children so that they can succeed in school and beyond. As an independent, not-for-profit, charitable organisation, the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation relies on the generous support of the community to achieve its work. 
 
Copies of The Last Daughter will be available for purchase and signing, thanks to Gertrude & Alice Bookstore Café Bondi. 

 
Drinks and snacks are available at the Theatre Bar from 5pm. Visit early to enjoy the exclusive view from the Nandiri Balcony before the event.  

Please note that tickets are general admission. Seats are not allocated. 
Theatre doors open at 6.15pm.    

There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations in the Bondi Pavilion Theatre. 
To book accessible seating, please complete the Accessibility Requirements section when registering for your ticket.