Archive for the ‘Albany and the South Coasts’ Category

Form, Shape and Finish

Posted: July 25, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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It’s all about the story.

I love making these five minute videos. I love the filming process, the editing and the audio but most of all it’s about the story.

I knew Howard Heerey had a great story to tell about his time in British motor racing in the 60’s and 70’s, but I didn’t know what to expect when he asked to meet me at a pottery workshop.

It turned out that these days Howard spends most of his time at the workshop as the kiln manager and enjoys the artistic side of clay work. But it also turned out that there are some great similarities between pottery and car design, something that was once a part of Howard’s motor racing experience.

I loved making this video and watching the way the concept of form, shape and finish brought together what most people would think are vastly different disciplines: Motor racing and pottery. And for that, I say, thankyou Howard Heerey.

Miniature Mariners

Posted: July 11, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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This month Albany is celebrating the Mariner’s Festival, so it seemed appropriate to talk to a boat builder. Norm McQuade has been making model boats on and off since childhood, so it was great to spend time hearing his story and looking at his collection of model boats.

I was fascinated at the degree of intricacy that was evident in these model boats, testament to Norm’s patience and commitment to the task. It is also a walk back in history to see boats from the 19th and early 20th century and to hear their story.

Norm’s model of the Brig Amity, a boat with special links to Albany, is one of a kind. He undertook extensive research, including doing measurements from the replica that stands near Albany port. Then there’s the Endeavour, a Newfoundland Whaling Boat, and the amazing ornate hull of the frigate, HMS Fly.

This video tells the story of one man’s personal hobby, but it also opens up a wealth of maritime history.

Music Makers Celebrate

Posted: May 23, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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A community orchestra provides opportunities for people to come together to make beautiful music. These were the words of Roger Hey, the conductor for the Albany Sinfonia’s special 30th anniversary concert.

In this video I drop in on a rehearsal and see how Roger seeks to bring the best out of a diverse range of musicians of all ages and skill levels playing the full range of orchestral instruments. It is a joy to watch him leading this group and to see the way in which the musicians respond to his leadership.

It is another brilliant example of communities at work providing opportunities for people to discover and express their their interests and talents, and to meet like-minded people in a joyous celebration.

Steel and Spirit

Posted: May 8, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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Those of us of “a certain age” will reminisce from time to time about the trades and crafts that were common in years, and sometimes centuries, past, but no longer seem to exist.

One such trade is that of blacksmithing, so when I met 17-year-old Calvin Ullrich selling his wares at a market stall and discovered he was a blacksmith, I knew this was a story that had to be told.

I love this story and enjoy hearing Calvin’s enthusiasm for this ancient trade. It was inspiring just to watch him at work on his home-made forge and to be reminded that with patience, enthusiasm and a “can-do” spirit, what is old can become new again.

Padre White: A legacy

Posted: April 23, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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ANZAC Day is just about upon us, and throughout Australia, New Zealand, and for that matter, all over the world, the ANZAC Day dawn service is a beloved tradition.

What is not so well known is how the Dawn Service started. In preparing this video, I scoured the many websites, specifically those that speak of the legend of Padre White.

With the help of a local historian, Malcolm Traill, the Albany sub-branch of the Returned Services’ League (RSL) and the Priest-in-charge of St John’s Anglican Church in Albany, I have sought to faithfully bring the Padre White story to life.

This is a story of a World War 1 chaplain who brought his experiences back to Australia and led his congregation in a memorial service that gave birth to an important tradition for Australians and New Zealanders.

We thank Padre White for his part in remembering those who had given their lives for their country and contributing to the heritage of our two nations.

It’s a Small World

Posted: April 4, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts, Uncategorized
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Clubs that support hobbies and special interests are an important part of society. The model railway club in Albany is an example of how clubs like this can contribute to the mental health and wellbeing of its members, can create memories, build skills and expertise, and provide interest for both visitors and locals alike.

This video explores some of these things and provides the opportunity to enter into the miniature world of model railways.

In fact, I was so keen to enter this miniature world, that the video starts with me doing just that – along with the help of some video magic. I hope you like it.

Whispers of the Kalgan

Posted: March 21, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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Meet Captain Jack, riverboat captain, pelican whisperer, tour guide and poet. The Kalgan River is an ancient waterway that is more than just a river for Captain Jack who plies the Kalgan Queen up and down the Kalgan every day of the year.

It was great to meet Jack, to hear his stories, and to observe the close family ties that make the Kalgan so special for him and his passengers. Then there is the wildlife, Jack’s connection with Pelicans and his knowledge of the various birds that frequent the banks and skies of the Kalgan.

Then, there’s Captain Jack’s poetry …

Secrets of the Forest

Posted: March 10, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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Yakamia Forest is just down the road from where we live and from the time before we moved there I knew there was something I needed to investigate.

There was a dispute between those who wanted development and those who wanted to protect the forest so I needed to go and find out what made it so special. The outcome was a possum spotting expedition with a couple of representatives of “Friends of Yakamia Forest”.

Not only was it fun trying to get good quality video of possums at night, but it was particularly enjoyable to understand more about the secrets of the forest. It’s a unique location and I hope that this video provides people with a better picture of why this forest needs to be protected for the future.

Making a Difference, one fish at a time

Posted: March 10, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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There are many wonderful services around local communities, but when I heard about Fishability I knew I needed to give them a visit.

Of course, it was more than just a visit. I met the team on the jetty at Albany’s Emu Point, and I went out in the boat with them, to see first-hand how Fishability was making a difference in the lives of people who wouldn’t otherwise have such opportunities.

It’s all about providing real opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy some of the activities that many people take for granted. What a great team, and a wonderful opportunity to join them in this regular weekly activity.

A Man on the Land

Posted: March 10, 2025 in Albany and the South Coasts
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It was a privilege to meet Howard Shapland. He took me to Torbay, west of Albany, to his former farm property. The current owners graciously let us film there and allow Howard to tell his story.

A pioneer in the artificial insemination of cattle, Howard spent many years working alongside farmers around the southern parts of Western Australia. He also had his own farm and his experience with growing vegetables led him and others to start the Albany Farmers’ Market.

It’s people like Howard that are the backbone of rural communities and he has made a substantial contribution to community life in and around Albany and the south coast.

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