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People’s Republic of Mallacoota: A Very Nervous Guinea Pig (S1EP4 ABC TV Tues 26 April 2022)

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2022

A Very Nervous Guinea Pig: One year after bushfires destroyed more than 120 homes in Mallacoota, locals must determine how to commemorate the event. With rehabilitation halted and only five homes rebuilt, the survivors conclude that there isn’t much to celebrate.

The approaching anniversary pushes the fire survivors to relive their ordeal. Artist Don Ashby, environmentalist Bryce Watts-Parker, and teacher Jess Van Swol relate terrible experiences about losing their houses on the night “the gates of hell erupted” in Mallacoota’s front yard, as local fire chief Rod Lewis describes it.

Don Ashby and Rachel Mounsey return to Mallacoota’s community hall, where hundreds of terrified tourists and residents sought refuge as the fire front overwhelmed the town. With smoke filling the structure and blazing embers raining down on them, many of the evacuees were afraid they would be burned alive.

With no formal event to commemorate the anniversary, Mallacoota’s traumatised people organise their own personal vigils of remembering. The Tregellas family remembers a family friend who died of a heart attack while defending his home; artist Justin Brady hosts a low-key party to celebrate his return to his bush block; and local surfers find consolation on the water together at a dawn paddle-out. The survivors hope that the collective character of their shared trauma will bring the community together.

Airdate: Tuesday 26 April 2022 at 8.00pm on ABC TV.

Season 1 Episode 4

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Alastair James

Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.