‘You’re never gonna get out of this place’ (2002)
Lena (Dannielle Hall) is sitting in a bus shelter. Her brother Liam (Mundurra Weldon) skids to a halt on his bike. Liam asks for money. A police car drives by. All eyes are on the vehicle. Lena is talking to ... [read more]
Shaking hands with the enemy (1982)
After only a few weeks at Gallipoli, the overwhelming stench of the dead soldiers strewn around the rocky coast triggered a most unusual event. A ceasefire in order to allow each side to bury their dead. [read more]
Unprotected forests in danger (1991)
Over footage of a beautiful old growth forest, narrator Noni Hazlehurst explains that, at the current rate of deforestation, Australia’s unprotected forests could no longer exist in 250 years’ time. The forest’s native animals are shown as the narrator explains ... [read more]
‘They start life’s race with a handicap’ (1939)
This clip shows the conditions of those living in low income areas of inner city Sydney. The children living in this environment, according to the narration, ‘start life’s race with a handicap’ placing a responsibility on the community whose duty ... [read more]
Police Boys’ Club (1939)
A young boy is taken to the Police Boys Club. Its aim, according to the narration, is to ‘keep boys off the streets’. It shows the boys working in the gym, boxing, and socialising in a safe environment. Later, a ... [read more]
The Australian cricket team in Ceylon and Naples (1930)
The Australian cricket team walks onto the field in Colombo, Sri Lanka, captained by Bill Woodfull. The next shot is of the players – formally dressed in three-piece suits and hats – on the streets of Port Said mingling with ... [read more]
They know about you (1992)
Governments collect and process data for a range of reasons, including law enforcement, ascertaining voting trends and surveillance of citizens. Databanks exchange information to refine that information. The narration suggests that this may be a danger to our democratic society. [read more]
A major medical emergency (2006)
A group of senior lifeguards just happen to be standing at the edge of the water for a photo shoot when they’re told there’s been a man found floating lifeless in the surf. The lifeguards swing into action to bring ... [read more]
‘They can see Australia!’ (1946)
Kingsford Smith and co-pilot Charles Ulm (John Tate) are nearing the Australian coastline, after a history-making flight across the Pacific from San Francisco. A violent storm has engulfed their plane, the converted Fokker now known as the Southern Cross. In ... [read more]
Taxing the diggers (1983)
Bill Peach tells the story of the diggers’ frustrations that led eventually to the Eureka Stockade. The police, called Traps, would harry the hard-working miners, demanding to sight their mining licences and menacing them at every opportunity. [read more]
‘The most tempest-ridden spot’ (1963)
The SY Aurora probes the coastline of Antarctica looking for a suitable site for a winter base. In a sheltered section of Commonwealth Bay, they find an ice-free inlet, which they call Cape Denison. With fine weather, the unloading proceeds ... [read more]
Flying friar (1994)
Saint Joseph of Cupertino levitated regularly while praying, occasionally requiring the use of ropes to anchor him. [read more]
‘Long live human rights’ (2002)
Dissident writer Mario is interviewed in the street where pro and anti Fidel protestors gather and argue. Mario is facing an eighteen-month prison sentence for criticising the government. Some of the gathered crowd shout 'Long live Fidel’, while a man ... [read more]
How to be a country music star (1995)
Music professionals give advice about succeeding as a country music star. [read more]
Day nine (1984)
Wollongong miners are on a sit-in strike after retrenchments. They have been down the mine for nine days. We see them visit the pit-top, where their families greet them. Miner’s wife, Ngaire Wiltshire, talks about the effect it is having ... [read more]
Australia’s constitution (1998)
The 'separation of powers’ means that Australia is administered by the Parliament, the Executive comprising the Department of the Prime Minister and other departments, separate to the Judiciary. [read more]
Desert Rats (2006)
Aaron reads the paper while Vinnie mows the lawn. Over family stills and clips showing Aaron performing in Dead Heart and Water Rats, Aaron describes how Vinnie always turned to him to be looked after, and how, with a lack ... [read more]
Fighting a fire (1920)
The whole family joins a desperate battle to save the fencing around the crops, to no avail. Youngest son Joe (Arthur Wilson) thinks the fire is a splendid sight. Dad (Percy Walshe) sees it as potential ruin. Mrs Rudd (Beatrice ... [read more]
A very close friendship (1976)
Penny (Briony Behets) and Dee (Judy Morris) have gone to a house by the sea for a weekend alone but a succession of men passes through, including two men whose car has broken down. When they leave, Penny assumes that ... [read more]
Myths, stereotypes and prejudice (1999)
In their fifth meeting, the group discusses stereotypes and expose their own prejudices. One participant wants to define what an Aboriginal person is, then expresses a strong resentment towards the 'benefits’ offered to 'welfare groups’. [read more]
