Documentaries showcase community recovery and resilience
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Published on 14 June 2023
The resilience of four Baw Baw townships in the face of bushfires and floods has been celebrated in a series of three short documentary films, showcasing local stories of individual and community recovery.
The series, titled Road to Recovery, spotlights Labertouche, Erica, Rawson and Walhalla and showcases the strength and resilience of the individuals, agencies and volunteer groups that keep communities functioning, thriving, and moving forward when disaster strikes.
Film 1, Labertouche, highlights First Nations Elder Aunty Cheryl Drayton and her experiences through the Bunyip Ridge Fire. The film also features a brief community history of Labertouche and how the people who live there have created and maintain meaningful connection.
Film 2, Drawn Together, highlights the townships of Erica and Rawson and their connection to each other via the Erica to Rawson Trail. The film captures the Time Walk Art Project, which was steered by local artist Helen Timbury and saw students of Rawson Primary School and members of the Erica and District Historical Society, create and install signs featuring student drawings and historical facts along the trail between the towns.
Film 3, Hearts of Gold, highlights the volunteers who work tirelessly to keep Walhalla alive. The film features volunteers from the Walhalla Goldfields Railway, Walhalla Cricket Club, Ghost Tours and Post Office.
The three films were recently launched at a preview screening at Moe Library alongside the film makers, The View from Here, members of Council and the volunteers who offered their time and experiences to participate in the films.
“These three documentaries centre on the themes of community resilience and recovery in the face of adversity. It tells the stories of ordinary people who have shown extraordinary courage, compassion, and strength during their darkest hours”, says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe.
“Ultimately, what is shown in these documentaries is a testament to the power of community. It also allows us to acknowledge and celebrate the heroes among us including the first responders and volunteers who show remarkable bravery for their community.”
Road to Recovery was facilitated by Council and supported by the Victorian Government and Emergency Recovery Victoria.
To learn more about Road to Recovery and watch the films please visit: www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/RoadToRecovery.
Image: Preview screening event at Moe Library that was attended by the film makers, The View from Here, members of Council and volunteers who featured in the films.
Image: Preview screening event at Moe Library that was attended by the film makers, The View from Here, members of Council and volunteers who featured in the films.