The appallingness of the Aborigines Act 1905 is at the heart of Roleystone author Linda Bettenay’s second novel 'Wishes For Starlight'. The Act saw a chief protector appointed as legal guardian to all Aborigines in WA and it spelled the end of civil rights for Aborigines with discrimination, segregation and the loss of the right to move around the state freely. Bettenay tells the fictionised story of Starlight, a mysterious deaf mute Aboriginal boy rescued from abhorrent living conditions by three children, who vow to make it their life’s journey to look after his welfare. His greatest ally is Mary, a strong willed white girl, battered by her philandering father, but determined not to let each and every hurdle life throws at her keep her down. Mary and Starlight’s lives entwine as they endure life without parents, war, depression, death, discrimination and separation from each other. With her acceptance of Starlight, her attempt to run a business alone when estranged by war and her friendships with men who are not her husband, Mary’s life defies what is expected of women of the day. She shows that injustices towards women ran parallel with those of Aborigines. An array of lovable and evil characters join Starlight and Mary to bring the hills of Canning Mills, Karragullen and Roleystone in the 1900s alive with prejudices, sexism, racism and rich discussions about what is right and wrong in their world. Through it all Mary and Starlight give breath to loyalty, strength of character, overcoming adversity and challenging the conventions of the day.