It’s hard to believe that 2.5 years have passed since I embarked on an incredible journey with my new business partner and great mate, Stu McKay. Together, we’ve been working tirelessly to bring “Washed Away” to life – a powerful feature documentary that captures one of the most devastating natural disasters in Australian history.
Our story began after the catastrophic floods that struck the Northern Rivers region on February 28, 2022. As we witnessed the unfolding tragedy, we knew we had to document this pivotal moment in our nation’s history. Unlike anything we’d seen, the flood was a “monster” that defied all expectations, surpassing the projected “1-in-100-year” flood levels and leaving behind a trail of destruction worth over $4 billion.
Working with Stu has been an incredible experience. His passion for storytelling and commitment to honouring the affected communities have been inspiring. Together, we’ve navigated the challenges of filmmaking during a crisis, always keeping in mind the sensitivity required when dealing with such a traumatic event.
“Washed Away” is more than just a documentary; it’s a testament to the human spirit. Through never-before-seen footage, we’ve captured the raw, harrowing experiences of those who found themselves trapped in their homes, cut off from the outside world, and forced to rely on their own ingenuity to survive. Witnessing the resilience of these communities has been both heart-wrenching and awe-inspiring.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project has been highlighting the everyday heroes who emerged during this dark time. Often risking their lives, these individuals stepped up to help their neighbours and strangers. Their stories of courage and selflessness have left an indelible mark on both Stu and me.
While celebrating these acts of heroism, we’ve also been acutely aware of the tragedy that unfolded. “Washed Away” pays tribute to those who died, people who were affected, and those who turned up in this disaster, ensuring their stories are not forgotten.
As we approach the release of “Washed Away,” I can’t help but reflect on this journey with Stu. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions – from the initial shock of the disaster to the countless hours of editing and the anticipation of sharing this important story with the world. Our partnership has grown stronger through our challenges, and I’m grateful for his friendship and professional collaboration.
I’m excited to announce that “Washed Away” will be streaming soon at www.washedaway.com.au. Stu and I hope that this documentary will not only serve as a historical record of this catastrophic event but also as a reminder of the strength and resilience of communities in the face of adversity.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey—from the brave individuals who shared their stories to our dedicated crew. We hope “Washed Away” will inspire conversations about climate change, disaster preparedness, and the importance of community spirit in times of crisis.
This project has been a labour of love, and Stu and I will be proud to share it with you. We invite you to check out our website, WashedAway.com.au, and join us in honouring the Northern Rivers community’s indomitable spirit.
A project of this magnitude has brought together an incredible team of talented individuals. Reflecting on our journey, I’m grateful for the fantastic people who have contributed their expertise and passion to “Washed Away.”
Our success wouldn’t have been possible without Ian Harry, our brilliant CFO, whose financial insight has been invaluable. Lyndall Murray, our Chief Organiser and all-around killer businesswoman has been the backbone of our operations, keeping everything running smoothly. Joel and Rebecca from Social Fuel have been instrumental in the brand, website and story-producing with Washed Away. And I can’t say enough about Luiz from Lit Studios—his creative brilliance has elevated our project to new heights.
We’ve assembled an incredible team with the same passion: to help Australia navigate through its worst issues. We do this through the purpose of storytelling, digital technology, and truth. Their dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to telling this story have been extraordinary. Through their combined efforts, “Washed Away” has become the powerful documentary it is today.
This project marks more than just the completion of a film – it’s the birth of Free Flow Films. As we look to the future, I’m excited about the potential of this new venture and the stories we’ll continue to tell. With such an incredible team by our side, I’m confident that Free Flow Films will significantly impact the world of documentary filmmaking.
Thank you to Stu, our fantastic team, and everyone who has supported us. “Washed Away” is just the beginning of what I hope will be a long and meaningful journey in creating impactful documentaries that matter.
