May 4th, 2020 by admin
In 1942, three Australian aircrew narrowly escaped death when they crashed in enemy territory. Stranded in the Libyan desert with limited food, water and inadequate clothing, they walked 225 km, until finally 11 days later, they were rescued by a British Long Range Desert patrol. For their remarkable feat, Reginald ‘Mick’ Ey, Pommy Mills and Johnny Hunt, were inducted into the Late Arrivals Club – an exclusive group of Allied aircrew who crashed behind enemy lines during the Western Desert campaign and took more than 48 hours to walk to safety.
To commemorate their bravery and raise awareness about veteran mental health and suicide, Mick Ey’s grandson, Jason Ey, along with three of his veteran mates, attempted their own endurance challenge this March 2020 – running for 11 days and collectively traveling 1100 km across the Nullarbor Plain. Along the way, they raised money for Legacy WA, an organisation which supports the families of deceased and incapacitated veterans.
Faced with heat, flies, heavy rain and increased COVID-19 restrictions, the team kept going until the closure of the SA/WA border forced them to turn around. However, they continued to run, waking at 3 am and running in the dark to avoid the non-essential travel ban and in this way completed their 1100 km in 11 days.
Although the run changed its course and the outcome was ultimately overshadowed by COVID-19, Jason Ey took comfort in the fact the experience echoed the experience of his grandfather, “On this journey we had to overcome our own challenges when everything did not go to plan, which is what we were really commemorating at the end of the day.”
March 18th, 2019 by admin
Short & Curly are a WAMAward nominated country/blues/folk act from Bridgetown.
They really are a couple of talented musicians, and we loved hanging out with them for a few days while they prepared for a national tour which they’re about to embark on.
December 9th, 2018 by admin
Frank is one of the great characters of the area who has lived an adventurous life. Back in the 70’s he traveled the world and saw places that were off the beaten track and which are now too dangerous to visit.
He then decided to settle in Western Australia and now calls Bridgetown home.
November 12th, 2018 by admin
Manjimup is the truffle capital of Australia. Two veterans are pursuing careers in the industry; one, establishing a trufferie and the other, working as a truffle dog trainer. Transitions focuses on Australian veterans post-service that have gone on to be successful in their chosen paths.
Far too often the general public perceives veterans as somewhat damaged and war-fatigued, unable to hold down regular jobs or assimilate into regular life. The purpose of these episodes is to shine a light on some of the success stories and show the public that ex-servicemen and women are skilled, professional and highly employable across many fields.
It also serves as a message to veterans that although your military career is a major part of your life, it doesn’t have to define you.
November 12th, 2018 by admin
Former infantry soldier Shannon French has transitioned from full-time grunt to Coffee Harvester / Roaster and now Cafe Owner. Transitions focuses on Australian veterans post-service that have gone on to be successful in their chosen paths.
Far too often the general public perceives veterans as somewhat damaged and war-fatigued, unable to hold down regular jobs or assimilate into regular life. The purpose of these episodes is to shine a light on some of the success stories and show the public that ex-servicemen and women are skilled, professional and highly employable (across many fields).
It also serves as a message to veterans that although your military career is a major part of your life, it doesn’t have to define you.
wildtimorcoffee.com
rhinohorncoffee.com
November 9th, 2018 by admin
Sean and Norma spent a number of years in Guinea learning to drum and dance whilst living in the remote rural communities. They now run a local drum and dance company Djembemoves based in Bridgetown, WA
September 13th, 2018 by admin
It’s about Derek Knight. The former owner of Bridgetown Aerated Waters. Such a nice guy and a great local story.
His family has been here for generations right back to settlement camps in Manjimup back in the 1920’s. After school he moved into the soda business after working for his father.
December 13th, 2016 by admin
Interview with Tinashe Maoneni from Flying Bantu. Coming out of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, their sound is best described as 21st Century Afro-Fusion with a distinct Zimbabwean signature, along with a characteristic Rock, Reggae, Funk and Jazz influence.
Their tiny rehearsal space in the township proved a challenge to film in, but gave us a genuine, intimate experience.