On Saturday 18 January 2003, four people lost their lives and 500 homes were destroyed when out-of-control bushfires combined and descended on Canberra’s south-western suburbs in a day that gave new and painful meaning to the ‘Bush Capital’.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the people behind the headlines?

In Tears, Laughter, Champagne, nine women recount their fifteen year journey from the day the fires changed their lives. These are the Singed Sisters.

From tea and tears in the months following the fires to champagne and laughter as they moved into newly built homes, this book is the story of that journey and the recipes that helped along the way.

As devastating bushfires become part of life for so many communities around Australia this book will serve as a reminder of the enduring nature of friendship, good food and great champagne in tough times.

This book is also a chance for the Singed Sisters to pay forward the charity and kindness they received in the aftermath of the fires. All profits from the continued sale of this book will go to YWCA Canberra – chosen by the Singed Sisters because of their work in housing support, early learning education and family counselling, as well as their advocacy on gender equity and women in leadership.