Whitsunday Author Sandy Clark Launches Inspiring Memoir At Eastwoods Charity Event

Local author and humanitarian Sandy Clark will launch her powerful new memoir, Anyone Can Become a Princess, at Eastwoods in Airlie Beach on June 24. The event, running from 6pm to 9pm, forms part of the “Africa Calls” charity cocktail party supporting Dignity Zambia - Clark’s long-running charitable initiative.

Published by international house Austin Macauley Publishers (London, Cambridge, New York, Sharjah), Anyone Can Become a Princess tells the remarkable true story of Sandy’s unexpected royal honour and the life-changing work she spearheaded in one of Zambia’s most remote regions.

An Australian dreamer turned volunteer, Sandy Clark never imagined her journey would lead her to the Lozi Royal Palace in the rural village of Nalolo, Zambia. Amongst the traditional mud huts and straw roofs, she was invited by a local chief to the palace, and there, made a promise that would change countless lives: to raise the funds needed to build a hospital in a village with no running water, no roads, and no electricity.

That promise led to the opening of the Arthur Wina Memorial Hospital (AWMH) in 2019, named after Zambian freedom fighter and first Cabinet Minister, Arthur Wina.

“The story chronicles the extraordinary collaboration between thousands of volunteers, sponsors and supporters from Australia and Zambia,” Sandy said.

“Zambia’s first President, Dr Kenneth Kaunda, joined the celebration of the opening of the hospital, dancing and singing with joy.”

The book also highlights Clark’s friendship with Zambia’s former Vice President, Inonge Wina - herself a Lozi Princess - whom Clark met during her time working in Zambia in the early 1970s. Back then, she was employed by Arthur Wina’s advertising agency, a role that opened doors to a career in Australian journalism, and today, Clark is still registered with the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), a testament to her long-standing media credentials.

More than a memoir, the book is a call to action.

“This book aims to inspire readers to believe in the power of volunteering, to use their talents to make a difference, and to follow their dreams with confidence,” added Sandy.

“Nothing is impossible for those who believe.”

Sandy's charity, Dignity Zambia, has operated for over a decade. Thanks to her leadership and the support of NewsCorp Adelaide - who ran complimentary advertisements during the charity’s early days - Dignity Zambia has helped bring life-saving services to Nalolo.

“Approximately 3,500 babies have been born at the AWMH with not one loss of life of a mother,” she said.

The Zambian government has since extended vital infrastructure like roads and power to the hospital and wider community, helping transform the once-isolated village into a growing, sustainable township.

All proceeds from the June 24 book launch, including royalties, will be directed towards Stage 3 of the hospital’s development.

Tickets can be purchased through Airlie Events and for further enquiries, contact sandy.clark@dignityzambia.com.

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Local author Sandy Clark launches inspiring memoir and donates proceeds to charity. Photo supplied

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