Entertainment

In recognition of Australia Day, this month we focus on the movies and documentaries that highlight and celebrate Australia. Starting with the iconic movie - The Castle. ‘The Castle is a sweeping saga that takes the harsh Australian outback, the rugged characters of the ANZAC legend, the spirit of Banjo Patterson and ignores them in favour of a greyhound racing, tow-truck driver who never meant to be a hero.’ Filled with cultural lingo this comedy is a must see.

The Australian Dream is an inspirational documentary of Indigenous AFL legend Adam Goodes. The film tells a story about ‘race, identity and belonging’ written by award-winning writer Stan Grant and BAFTA award-winning director Daniel Gordon.

Sing along to the musical Bran Neu Dae set on Australia’s west coast. With an all-star cast including Jessica Mauboy, Missy Higgins, Ernie Dingo, Magda Szubanski, Rocky McKenzie and Geoffrey Rush. Come on an ‘adventure of finding your way back home.’

Six Australian celebrities go on a personal journey ‘to find the definitive answer to where they come from.’ Uncovering family secrets to tracing their ancestors around the world their journeys unveil the ‘hardships and hurdles their ancestors overcame.’ Celebrities include: Jack Thompson, Kate Ceberano, Geoffrey Robertson, Catherine Freeman, Dennis Cometti and Ita Buttrose.

'Fair Skin Black Fella is the story of Mary, a young girl who lives on a dusty cattle station. When she is shunned by the other girls because of her fair skin, Old Ned, one of the community Elders, speaks up for her. With words of wisdom, he teaches the girls that Aboriginal identity transcends skin colour and that family, community, country, and culture is what being Aboriginal is really about.'

Classic Australian story about a dingo who catches a wombat and decided to cook him in a stew. Wombat’s friends come to the rescue through ‘tricking the dingo into using mud, feathers, flies, bugs and gumnuts in his stew’ instead. An experience dingo will never forget!

Summer in Australia. ‘Sunny days, weekends at the pool, games in the backyard, daylight until late and long, lovely holidays . . . that’s summer, the best season ever.’

Written and illustrated by Shaun Tan ‘follow the journey of two brothers as the younger recounts his summer adventures, experiences and lessons learned.’