Under a blanket of Kimberley stars last night, Tuesday 18 November, the Kununurra community watched their home star alongside some of Australia’s biggest names, at the world premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s epic Australia.Held at the Kununurra Picture Gardens, in the east Kimberley region of Western Australia, the premiere was a thank you to the community members who contributed to the film, including more than 100 members of the local Miriuwung Gajerrong people, the traditional owners of the land.
Everyone there had a story to tell, like Teddy Carlton who was born on Carlton Hill Station (the location of Lady Sarah Ashley’s Faraway Downs homestead) and Frauke Bolten-Boshammer who had Baz Luhrmann stay in her home whilst filming in the Kimberley.
All 250 audience members shared a sense of pride and excitement to see their own backyard showcased to the world in such a beautiful way, capturing the magic of the Kimberley that they know so well.
The crowd cheered and whistled every time the Kimberley came on screen, with the Cockburn Range, the Bungle Bungle Range, the King George Falls, El Questro Wilderness Park, the Pentecost River and Carlton Hill Station (the location of Lady Sarah Ashley’s Faraway Downs Homestead) all having starring roles.
Kimberley local, eleven year old Brandon Walters, was outstanding in his role as Nullah – a local Indigenous boy who is central to the storyline of Australia.
Local musical act, The Pigrim Brothers from Broome, treated the crowd to some fantastic pre-screening entertainment before featuring on the sound track to the film alongside music master Elton John.
Australia will be released in Australia and the US on November 26, then to more than 60 countries globally.
To find out more about Australia the movie or the Kimberley as a holiday destination go to: www.westernaustralia.com/kimberley
