Bridge Andrews was struck by a pang of hurt as another Elder in his care died a lonely death, taking their many stories and insights to the grave – unheard.
In his role coordinating housing support for some of Redfern and Waterloo’s most disadvantaged elderly, he’d experienced this before. But, this time he was moved to action.
He approached the City of Sydney and secured funds. He then found storyteller Simon Dikkenberg and together they created the documentary ‘The Last Hundred Yards’.
This clip is an exert to promote the screening.
As part of Older & Wiser Week, the 30-minute documentary is being screened on the green between Turanga and Matavai buildings (1-3 Phillip St, Waterloo) at sunset (5:30pm) on Friday September 4.
“The screening is a unique opportunity for people to visit a part of their city they would never otherwise connect to”, said Simon.
“The stars of this story will inspire you to look at older people and this part of the city with fresh eyes and a fresh heart.
“We’re using the term Elders very deliberately, to refer to all elderly people. There’s a respect and dignity that comes with that word and they’re attributes often missing in the way we see, treat and speak of the oldest among us.
“To celebrate the screening of this documentary, photographer Toby Burrows has produced a
series of portraits of the film’s heroes, which will be exhibited on the night.
“We’d love people to bring Elders from their own lives along to the screening. Or drop by after work. Just come in a spirit of respect.”
For those that can’t make Friday there’s a 2nd screening Wed 2 September, 5:30pm at Redfern Town Hall.
Contact: Simon Dikkenberg. 0422 175 549. simon@siberg.net