JUKE, Valerie

ISBN 978-1-923214-02-06
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Two Doors

 

The secrets behind closed doors

Alongside their mother, the Reverend’s four adult children watch him as he preaches. But whose words is he preaching?

To the world, Minister Gallagher is a hard-working, caring community leader. But who is really caring?

Who does the hard work and who holds the hands of the members of the congregation in their times of need?

And whose hands are not being held?

His silent children’s yearnings betray
the expectations of their mother and the
congregation. Can they ever be revealed?

Will their secrets remain forever behind closed doors?

Vivienne Jolliffe author photo

About the Author

 

VALERIE JUKES was born on 29th March 1935 in the small town of Monmouth by the Monnow River
in Wales to where she lived out her childhood.

21 years later she was to marry the love of her life James Jukes on 19th August 1956 taking James’ last name as her own.

Valerie and James lived a fulfilling life starting their family in Wales and taking the brave move with their children to Australia. James and Valerie stuck to their vows and spent the rest of their lives together.

BELL, Alan

ISBN 978-1-923214-91-0
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The Bells of Gulf Station

 

Pioneer farmers in the Yarra Valley 1850 – 1950

 

This book tells the story of the author’s Scottish ancestors who, in 1839, arrived at Port Phillip on the David Clark as part of the first shipload of free settlers to migrate directly from Britain to the new settlement. It follows their early pioneering of the Scottish farming community at Kangaroo Ground, and later expansion to become the owners of Gulf Station, a large pastoral run in the Yarra Valley, in the 1850s.

 

There, most of the third generation of Bell descendants would live out their lives without having children of their own, until, after a century, the property passed into other hands. In the 1970s, it was bought by the State of Victoria, to be managed by the National Trust. The unusual diversity and state of preservation of the original
buildings and infrastructure at Gulf Station make it perhaps the best example of a mid-19th century farmstead in Australia.

About the Author

 

ALAN BELL is a retired agricultural scientist who grew up at Pine Grove, Kongwak, the farm to which his grandfather, Frank Bell, relocated from Gulf Station in 1911. He, his sister and several older cousins are now the only direct descendants of the Gulf Station Bells who remember visiting the old property and its residents in the 1940s and early 1950s.

DOWNES, Michael

ISBN 978-1-923214-87-3
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The Introspective Detective

 

Unravelling the murder requires him to confront his own past and future

INTROSPECTIVE. characterised by the examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings: thoughtfully reflective: too often considered a sign of weakness when it should be an indication of strength.

A man found murdered on the last Melbourne Metro train to Hurstbridge. Detective Inspector Robin Lazelle, a thirty-year homicide veteran, leads the investigation.

Lazelle has grown up in a dysfunctional family and for the whole of his life has a voided crowds and noises and is more at home in solitude. He is not in any way gregarious. At the same time, he is admired by his colleagues and considered almost indispensable because of his amazing skills as a detective. He may not be a ‘people person’, but he certainly can find the ‘bad guy’.

This difficult case with its twists and turns challenges Lazelle and his team. For the man himself, now near retirement, it causes him to reexamine his life, his future, and his feelings about himself and for others.

The murder investigation, the unusual weapon, and the person involved, many within the medical fraternity at St. Bart’s Hospital, uncovers more victims than only the deceased. It is full of intrigue, emotional abuse and sexual impropriety that affects the livers of the people involved, both among the investigators and the investigated.

From the Author

Although this is an intriguing murder mystery, I wrote this book about the man… the introspective detective. His story is the focus.

It deals with many issues that many men near retirement or having already retired might identify with. It is a reflection about life and living when we get older. In this case, the detective, Robin Lazelle, has many issues because of his past childhood, the death of a sister when he was just a teenager, becoming a very good detective and learning to get on as best he could with other people.

I guess when you are an author in your eighties, a lot of what you write is from personally knowing people in such positions and having experienced many feelings yourself. The work is pure fiction, but personal feelings obviously influence an author when writing a book.

Michael Downes

STEVENS, Anthony

ISBN 978-1-923214-49-1
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AI and the Future of GRC

 

A Guide for Cybersecurity Risk & Compliance Leaders

IN TODAY’S RAPIDLY EVOLVING BUSINESS LANDSCAPE, USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IS NO LONGER A LUXURY—IT’S A NECESSITY.

As organizations grapple with the complexities of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC), AI emerges as a powerful ally, offering unprecedented efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making prowess.

AI and the Future of GRC: A Guide for Risk and Compliance Leaders serves as a comprehensive roadmap for embracing this transformative technology. Author Anthony Stevens, a seasoned expert in AI and GRC, draws upon his extensive experience to guide readers through the intricate web of opportunities and challenges that AI presents.

Whether you’re a seasoned risk and compliance professional or a forward-thinking leader seeking to stay ahead of the curve, AI and the Future of GRC is an indispensable guide. Unlock the power of AI, drive innovation, and fortify your organization’s resilience in an everchanging business environment.

This groundbreaking book is divided into three comprehensive sections:

  1. The AI Revolution in GRC: Explore the paradigm shift AI brings to governance, risk, and compliance processes, unveiling its game changing potential.
  2. Practical Applications of AI in GRC: Delve into real-world case studies and tangible strategies for leveraging AI to enhance decision-making, streamline operations, and mitigate risks.
  3. Accelerating Change and Building Trust: Discover frameworks for fostering organizational buy-in, navigating ethical considerations, and cultivating trust in AI driven GRC initiatives.

About the Author

Anthony Stevens

Anthony Stevens is a visionary leader in the world of AI and enterprise software. As the CEO and co-founder of 6clicks, a groundbreaking AI-powered GRC platform, he has established himself as a pioneer in the industry.

His first book, “Chasing Digital: A Playbook for the New Economy,” reflects his deep understanding of digital transformation and the application of advanced technologies. With a career overseeing over $750 million in IT procurement and numerous shifts in the enterprise software market, Anthony brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Prior to founding 6clicks, Anthony held several high-profile executive roles. Notably, he was a Partner and Chief Digital Officer at KPMG, where he was instrumental in digitally transforming the firm’s business model. He also served as a CIO Adviser for Zoom.

Anthony holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Bachelor of Information Systems, and a Masters of Commercial Law from the University of Melbourne. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was recognized as the Young Executive of the Year in 2011 by AFR BOSS.

Anthony’s passion for technology and his commitment to leveraging AI for enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness has made him a respected figure in driving digital transformation. Under his leadership, 6clicks has become a trusted platform for global businesses, revolutionizing their risk and compliance programs with the power of AI.

SHARMA, Terri-lee

ISBN 978-1-923214-55-2
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Citrus Hues

 

Can fate preclude destiny?

The girls listened tentatively as Maatla told them about the tangelo, the clementine and his favourite, the honeybell, which is a mix of a sweet tangerine flavour and the sour flavour of the tart grapefruit.

“The honeybell is like life,” he said, “a mix of sweet and sour. We can feel hope and love, yet sometimes we experience hate and despair.”

Rows of citrus trees laden with colourful fruit create the perfect playground for Janco and Naledi, two young children who are inseparable friends. But Piet, Janco’s father and the owner of the South African estate, does not want his son mingling with the farm workers’ children. Piet’s upbringing and deeply ingrained prejudice lead him to make it clear that a lion and a zebra do not drink from the same waterhole.

But over the years, the children’s friendship blossoms into forbidden love. Janco explains to Naledi that every snowflake is unique and destined to fall where it is meant to: they are meant to be together. Then a series of events changes everything. Naledi ends up far away in Australia, a land filled with opportunities and new connections. She refuses to let her past shackle her and is determined to live her life to the fullest. Along the way, she learns that sometimes decisions are taken away from you, but you need to keep moving forward in life to discover what can be. And the choices you make and the chances you take will lead you in the direction in which you need to go.