A Room at the Top

A Room at the Top

'If anyone imagines that childhood experiences of poverty and disadvantages are merely a part of Australia's past history, Heath Ducker's story conveys a strikingly different reality'- The Honourable Kevin Rudd MP, Prime Minister of Australia.

Heath Ducker grew up in abject poverty, one in ten children conceived by several different fathers. They lived crowded in a rundown Housing Commission home in which, despite her love for her children, Health's mother was unable to create functioning life for them. Heath spent the first years of his life eating virtually nothing but Weet-Bix; the house was rarely cleaned, laundry seldom done and garbage simply piled up; and the children, some only toddlers, were left to fend for themselves.

At the age of twelve Heath was sexually abused by his best friend's father. The experience shattered him and a little later he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. He became involved with a support organisation called Youth Insearch, determined to improve his circumstances. He was soon their youngest-ever leader, and his immersion in the organisation made him realise that education could be his ticket out of the cycle of deprivation. He grew so determined to do well at school that he would crawl onto the roof of the house to find a quiet place to study.

Heath is now a lawyer at a prestigious law firm in Sydney. In 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd presented him with one of only 26 Leadership Awards for his work with young Australians. Passionate about improving the lives of underprivileged children in Australia. Heath frequently speaks on the subject, volunteers on his weekends to work with under-privileged young people, and has been involved in committees advising to the government on the subject.

A Room at the Top is his story- told for the first time in his own words.

Youth Insearch: for over 23 years Youth Insearch has been providing the opportunity for young people to change their lives. The Youth Insearch program caters for young people between 12-18 years from differing backgrounds and lifestyles. An atmosphere of trust and support is created allowing young people the opportunity to discuss issues of emotional nature. Youth Insearch is about empowering young people to establish new goals and directions for their lives so that they become positive contributios to society.

Heath Ducker is a lawyer at Gadens in Sydney; a trek leader on the Kokoda Track with Adventure Kokoda; a patron of Butterfly Day (children in war); a leader of the Youth Insearch Foundation and director of the Aunties and Uncles Co-Operative Family Project. In 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd presented him with ADC'S Australian Leadership Award.

Samantha Trenoweth has written and edited books of biography and fiction. Her work as a journalist and editor has spanned much of Australian media, appearing in The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australia, Rolling Stones, Juice, Vogue Australia, HQ, in ABC Magazines and on ABC Radio.

A Room at the Top
Random House Australia
Author: Heath Ducker
Author: Samantha Trenoweth
Price: $34.95