After decades of deception, a protracted police investigation and a very public trial, Shanelle Dawson reclaims her story, sharing the betrayal of losing her mum at the hands of her own father.
Emergency warnings are in place for fires burning near Tenterfield and Tabulam, NSW; Stanthorpe, NSW; and south of Bundaberg, QLD.For most of Shanelle Dawson's childhood, she grew up without her mother's loving guidance, living in a home run by her father, Chris Dawson.
But now, after 40 years of deception, a protracted police investigation and a very public trial, Shanelle's father is serving aShanelle spoke to Sarah Kanowski on ABC Conversations about the years of grief, confusion and trauma she has felt as she's processed the betrayal of losing her mum at the hands of her own father.
As time went on, he suggested she had joined a religious cult or had moved to New Zealand or the Central Coast of NSW."He mostly said to me, in more recent years, 'I don't know what happened to your mum,'" she says.Shanelle grew up being told her mum had chosen not to be present in her life.Shanelle says there were no photos of her mum in the house growing up, and her father, a teacher, didn't share his memories of her.
"I would hold it together and play the game of ... happy families, and then fall apart when I would leave," she says. "I was constantly weighing up how I would do it and how it would be gentlest for everyone else, as well as myself," she says.Shanelle says she is grateful to her mum's family for allowing her to come to the realisation about her dad herself.
"A lot of people feel very strongly about my father being a monster and that still hurts — even though I understand where they're coming from," she says." see my dad taken off in handcuffs was really heartbreaking, too," she says.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wife-killer Chris Dawson’s move to be freedFormer teacher Chris Dawson has launched a bid to be freed from prison and have his conviction quashed after he was found guilty of murdering his wife to make way for his teenage babysitter.
Read more »
Almost a year after devastating floods, NSW Premier Chris Minns commits $50 million to Central West recoveryAlmost a year after the NSW region endured some of its worst floods, including the Eugowra disaster, the state government has put $50 million 'on the table'.
Read more »
Ex-NSW premier's facist uniform scandal cited to defend alleged Nazi saluteAccused man&x27;s lawyer claims &x27;unfairness&x27; over Chris Minns&x27; threat that the full extent of the law should be applied to trio.
Read more »
Councils Call for Permanent Affordable Housing in NSWCouncils in New South Wales are urging the government to ensure that affordable housing remains available for low to moderate-income individuals on a long-term or permanent basis. The proposed reforms would allow affordable homes to revert to market rates after 15 years, which the councils argue is inadequate given the housing crisis. Premier Chris Minns' plan to provide bonuses to developers for including affordable housing in their projects has also been criticized.
Read more »
Feta and prosecco: The product names causing a breakdown in major trade talksAustralia's attempts to strike a free-trade deal with the EU have come up empty handed once again.
Read more »
Cricket Australia float major WBBL rule change after string of controversial decisions7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »