Her first book, Is That You, Ruthie?, is based on her experiences in the Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission where she lived until the age of 14.
[1] Her second novel, Bittersweet Journey is the story of her early married life, her dealings with the Native Affairs Department, and her work in community politics and Indigenous organisations.
[3] Hegarty and her mother, Ruby, were initially housed together in the dormitories at the Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission.
[5] For more than 30 years, Hegarty has volunteered on community projects in the areas of youth and aged services.
[6] She is a founding member of Koobara Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Resource Centre.