Born and raised in Melbourne, after 32 years I thought it was time for a change and headed west with my wife and family. The Pilbara was the perfect place for us to raise our two children but after 18 years we yearned for greener pastures so retired in 2010 to the undulating hills of Mount George on the banks of the Manning River.
This is not a well-known area, so I wanted to promote the region and felt I could do this by making a film. At the same time, by using local actors and producers, it could help promote some fledgling careers. I’ve had absolutely fantastic support from the locals and could not have completed this project without them.
This is the first script I’ve written and the first film I’ve been involved with. It just goes to show, that you’re never too old to start. This film is a credit to all who have been involved with it.
I was born in Mount George. My family have always lived here; my Dad and his Mum too. I really enjoyed being in this movie and it’s something I want to do more of. I like acting and singing, and two years ago I was in the musical ‘Crystal Dreaming’. Math is my favourite subject at school and when I’m at home I love doing scale modelling. I’ve got a younger sister called Elizabeth who is also in the movie. Normally we get along!
I was born in Bourke but grew up in the Taree area. After leaving school I learnt the art of brick laying but it wasn’t for me so I dropped out of society for a while because I needed to find my true self spiritually. That’s when I learnt to play the guitar and do vocals. I have been in a few live shows; ‘God Spell’, ‘Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat’ and most recently ‘The Full Monty’. I also enjoy doing open mic nights. This was the first movie I have been in and I really enjoyed it. Currently I coach women’s soccer and have had success with two grand final teams. I also teach martial arts. I believe the future takes care of itself. You’ve got to be in the right spot at the right time and make the most of opportunities that come your way.
Originally from Coventry, England, I moved to Australia in the mid-90s and rarely go back to visit. The lifestyle and weather here suit me better. I’ve been involved in stage shows, most recently ‘Les Misérables’ and ‘The Full Monty’. Also, I’ve been an ‘extra’ in films and done a few TV and internet adverts but this was my first major role. The hardest thing was staying in character for so long as it took around 6 months to film, not to mention being outside at 2 am under a rain machine on a cold winter’s night! All this is quite different from my day job as a primary school teacher. I tell my students that, in life you should do what you enjoy.
I have lived in the Manning Valley for 10 years having moved from Melbourne to chase sunshine and the forest. I did all of my schooling in Melbourne but still enjoy pursuing different interests. Currently I’m studying to become a civil celebrant. In a local play a few years ago I played the part of Isabella Mary Kelly, a single lady from England who in 1839 took up residence in Mount George. I feel very attached to her and to the area. I would love to do another movie if the chance ever arose – I’d love to play a baddie! I have two children that I adore and hope for them to follow their dreams and be happy.
I am 13 years old and have lived in the Manning Valley for the past 8 years. Before that I lived in Newcastle but we moved here for Dad’s job. I’m home-schooled as are my four sisters. James Archinal and I are good friends so it made acting with him a lot of fun. I would love to do more acting as I grow up. Other things I enjoy doing are woodwork, mechanical stuff, archery, motor bike riding and listening to music.
I’m James’s sister and I too have lived here all my life with my family. I really enjoyed doing the film but I’m not so keen on watching myself on the big screen. At school my favourite subject is writing. In my spare time I love to horse ride and have my own horse called Lacey.
My wife and I moved to the area in 2010. Prior to that we lived in Perth then did a year of travelling around Australia before we settled in Wingham, in the Manning Valley. We already had relatives who own a property in nearby Mount George so it was the perfect place for us to enjoy our retirement and a lovely area for our two grown up children to visit. I have some prior acting experience in plays and I’ve just done a season of ‘Les Misérables’, however this is my first film and it was very exciting for me to be a part of this community project.
I was a resident of Mount George from 1963 through till 1970 and still go back there to teach Aboriginal culture to the school children on a regular basis. In 1988 my husband and I moved to Mudgee. I am an Aboriginal Elder from the stolen generation and was in Kevin Rudd’s Apology video in 2008. I like to get involved in the community and help where I can. Since becoming legally blind I have been made a guide dog ambassador and starred in a DVD to raise awareness of guide dogs and diabetes. I have also worked with TAFE students to make a video called “Working together” which is all about childcare. I love acting, I would consider myself ‘a natural’.
This was my first film and I loved being part of it. I’d happily do it all over again. In particular, I’m looking forward to showing it to my three children. Doing the film was great as it made me explore a bit more of my neighbourhood. I’ve lived in the area most of my life and work for the Education Department looking after grounds and maintenance at the local schools. Before that I was a grave digger, so I also know the locations of all the cemeteries!