North East Regional Extra, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 - Page 1
nemedia.com.au
State of the nation
‘I
N the tale of Australia, where does the myth end and the truth begin?” So asks acclaimed actor Rachel Griffiths in the trailer for this landmark four-part series that questions how Australians see themselves and their future. Featuring interviews with dozens of historians, experts and significant public figures, this bold project explores the stories, beliefs and cultural narratives that have shaped our understanding of our land and its people. For Griffiths, the opportunity to reflect on the evolution of our national identity was long overdue. After working overseas for the best part of 20 years and longing for the comforts of her homeland, the Oscar nominee returned in 2012, only to realise
that times had changed. “I was always homesick,” the Six Feet Under star says. “The joy of returning sparked unexpected questions and conversations. My nostalgic view of Australia was challenged by the place I returned to. “I realised that my idea of Australia was perhaps a bit out of date.” The first instalment dives into the idea that we live on the land of a ‘fair go’. It’s a long-held belief that we live in an egalitarian society, but is it actually true when there’s a growing gap between the rich and poor? Among the pioneering Aussies who share their views over the four episodes are GovernorGeneral Sam Mostyn, activist and 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame, filmmaker Rachel Perkins, journalist Ray Martin and former Socceroo and human rights advocate Craig Foster.
THE IDEA OF AUSTRALIA
SBS, Wednesday, October 15, 7.30pm
Karen Viggers & Jayne Tuttle & Ya Reeves Mark Smith & Robert Skinner & Jock Serong Jacinta Parsons & Dani Netherclift & Kate Mildenhall & Sandy Mackinnon & Maggie MacKellar David Lindenmayer & Margaret Hickey Sulari Gentill & Tony Birch & Andrea Barton
11th-12th October 2025 Uniting Church Hall, 66 Highett St, Mansfield
Tickets available at mansfieldreadersandwriters.com