How Decent Folk Behave

$13.00 $26.99

Free Shipping over $150
30 day returns
Click & Collect Melbourne

A vibrant, thought-provoking collection from the ABIA and Indie award-winning author of The Hate Race and Carrying the World.

we are all just one small disaster
away from sinking,
and sometimes you only realise
when you're gasping for air

On a daylight street in Minneapolis Minnesota, a Black man is asphyxiated - by callous knee of an officer, by cruel might of state, and under crushing weight of colony. In Melbourne the body of another woman has been found - this time, after catching a late tram home.

The Atlantic has run out of the English alphabet, when christening hurricanes this season. The earth is on fire - from the redwoods of California, to Australia's east coast. The sea draws back, and tsunamis lash out in Samoa and Sumatra. Water rises in Sulawesi and Nagasaki. Bloated cod are surfacing, all along the Murray Darling.

The virus arrives, and the virus thrives. Authorities seal the public housing towers up, and truck in one cop to every five residents. Notre Dame is ablaze - the cathedral spire blackened, and teetering.

Out in Biloela, the deportation vans have arrived. Every Friday, in cities all across the world, children are walking out of school. The wolves are circling. The wolves are circling.

These poems speak of the world that is, and sing for a world that may one day be.

Shipping & returns

Shipping Within Australia

Standard Shipping: $12.95 flat rate for orders under $150

Free Shipping: Orders over $150 (Australia only)

Carrier: All parcels are sent via Australia Post

Tracking: Tracking details are emailed once your order is shipped. If you haven’t received them, contact shop@qvwc.org.au

Delivery Time: Orders are processed within 1–2 business days. Delivery takes 1–5 business days depending on your location

Express Shipping: Not available at this time

Multiple Addresses: Each delivery address must be placed as a separate order.

 

International Shipping

International shipping is available. 
Costs are quoted based on your order. For assistance, please contact shop@qvwc.org.au


Returns & Exchanges

We want you to love your purchase. We offer returns for change of mind on all full‑priced items within 30 days of purchase.

Eligibility:

  • Item must be unused, in original condition, and in original packaging

  • Receipt or proof of purchase is required

  • Perishable items (food, cosmetics) cannot be returned

  • Do not send returns directly to the maker/artist/manufacturer

Items returned after 30 days, or not in original condition, may be eligible for a partial refund or store credit at our discretion.

 

How to Return

Visit us in store to process your return or exchange your item(s).

Mail your return to: QVWC SHOP 210 Lonsdale Street Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia

You are responsible for return postage costs. These are non‑refundable and will be deducted from your refund if applicable. For items over $75, we recommend using a trackable service or purchasing shipping insurance.

Please email shop@qvwc.org.au to let us know your return is on its way.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT US:
Such brilliant service! The whole purchase from start to finish was very streamlined. Would highly recommend 👏🏼
— Annie
Best place to shop for a gift and staff are really friendly!
— Marie
Awesome products and super quick delivery to Queensland!
— Yasmin
My favourite place to shop for presents (for me and for others) ❤️
— Sarah
Meaningful, fun and beautiful treasures from top to bottom of the store. Can't recommend QVWC enough, so happy it exists.
— Beck