Gilbert Van Hoeydonck
Writing is my passion and this page is my platform for engaging with readers. I was born in Belgium and migrated to Melbourne (Australia) in my early twenties.
I have worked in education, child protection and public mental health. In retirement I have worked as an independent writer, a consultant to mental health services and a part-time volunteer, teaching English to recently arrived migrants and refugees. My debut novel, The Best of Intentions (2018), is a tale about young people at risk. Set in Melbourne in 2009, it tells the story of Kurt, a disillus
02/08/2023
There has been renewed interest in my 2019 novel about child protection and youth mental health.
*The Best of Intentions* tells the story of Kurt Edelman, a well-meaning social worker. Haunted by the tragic loss of a former client, Kurt resolves to do everything in his power to ensure the safety of Gecko, a sixteen-year-old in foster care…
Thank you to Tricia Ziemer at Radio Eastern FM 98.1 for the opportunity to showcase my novel in an interview on Monday 31 July.
Thank you Yarrunga Community Centre for featuring my novel about child protection in Victoria in your July newsletter!
One Writer’s Story
I was born in Belgium and migrated to Melbourne (Australia) in 1978. I have worked in education, child protection and public mental health.
The Best of Intentions, my first novel, is a contemporary drama set in Melbourne. It shows how vulnerable young people with mental health problems or in foster care can fall 'through the net' in spite of the best efforts of those charged with their care. It is available as a paperback and as an e-book – check my author site for details: http://bit.ly/gvh2018BI
The short stories I have published so far explore events from my youth in Belgium. I wanted to revisit and restore energy to family tragedies that had become shallow from frequent re-telling. I am interested in how stories can be vitalised or constricted by memory and language.
I am married and have two adult daughters. My interests include humour, walking, reading, history, Buddhism, drawing, music, photography and sustainability. I hate leaf blowers and love animals, especially cats and goats.