Dubbed the ‘whale watching capital of Australia’, Hervey Bay is situated on the Queensland coast, 300 kms north of Brisbane. Tourism and commerce is the backbone of this place, and its current population of 50,000 is unrelentlessly growing. Leaving freezing Sydney behind, I arrive in Hervey Bay on 16 August and am greeted by a balmy 24-degree day. This place has it all – fantastic natural features, the world heritage-listed Fraser Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef, not to mention those delightful whales. Pods and pods of them are out there at this time of the year meeting the whale watching vessels.

You cannot mistake the development activities around town; holiday apartments, restaurants, marinas and hotel resorts are being built everywhere. It is after all one of the fastest growing areas in Australia. Cinema owner Derek Struik informs me that where the cinema is now located, within a multiplex of shops and restaurants, was not that long ago just bushland. He also informs me (which is absolute music to my ears) that he’s looking at expanding his five screens to seven; one solely dedicated to arthouse and the other to all Australian films. Has Big Screen had some influence here?

The school screenings that have been going since the day before have been packed out. The students have been thoroughly enjoying the best of the short films from AFTRS graduates, and the features No Worries and Gettin’ Square from the National Film and Sound Archive. The community has made a special request for the latter as it was filmed around the Fraser Coast, so Big Screen makes sure that both the schools and the general public get screenings.

I meet up with Cynthia Macnee, the Council’s Arts and Cultural Officer and an absolute dynamo, who has the whole town buzzing with enthusiasm for the Big Screen event. Meanwhile at the cinema, Brenda, Natalie, Brad and Dan have been working tirelessly promoting the event – decorating the foyer with a wonderful Big Screen display and even fitting blue filters in the lights to add a special touch for our gala opening night.

The opening night reception is just magic. Sponsored by Hervey Bay City Council, the scrumptious food just keeps arriving. Close to 100 people rock up on the night, which was MC’d by ABC Wide Bay radio station manager Ross Peddlesden. Big Screen patron and actor Chris Haywood is guest of honour and introduces Pip Mushin’s film Josh Jarman, which is received with roars and roars of laughter.

On Saturday morning we are met by Channel 7, whose team is there to interview Chris Haywood and record his one-hour cultural presentation about his work in theatre, film and television. It is heartening to see such an array of age groups. An enthusiastic bunch of students studying film and TV at the local high school are in attendance with their teacher, as are young actors and senior arts and culture buffs. The event is again facilitated by Ross Peddlesden. Our fast-talking guest, Chris, has people in stitches before too long. At times there is utter stillness as the audience listens to his mesmeric insider stories of the industry. Then it is open to a Q&A – the questions and the advice abound thick and fast.

The rest of the Big Screen weekend showcases Aussie favourites Strictly Ballroom, Picnic at Hanging Rock and Mad Max. Contemporary films on the bill include Kokoda and The Proposition, with a Sunday session of Little Fish attracting 43 people at 9.30 in the morning.

It’s been a big program, and as the Big Screen posters start coming down I make my way to Brisbane. From there I’m bound for Roma in outback Queensland.

Cinzia Guaraldi – ICD Audience Development Coordinator