AustLit

Alice Simmons' mother was Eliza Barron, a Noongar woman. Her father was Keith Simmons, of Irish descent, who served in the army during World War II. Alice is one of seven children; her mother had two children to Keith Simmons and five after that relationship ended. Alice's older sister went to live with her father and his parents, and Alice never saw that family again. When Alice was five, her mother sent Alice and her younger brother to Sister Kate's Children's Home. She spent nine years in Sister Kate's. For much of her life Alice has cared for others, especially children, and still works as a part-time carer for Aboriginal children in need.