A busload of kids crashes in the Australian outback. Stranded with no communications they disregard their fears to save lives. 30 years on, survivors & their first responders reunite to share & learn from their stories.
On the 30th anniversary of a devastating bus accident that deeply impacted our lives, we revisit the event and its lasting effects. As survivors, we’ve set out to reconnect with our former classmates, teachers, first responders, and the families affected. Through these interviews, it became clear that the trauma from that day reached far beyond our community, creating lasting ripple effects across many others. This documentary seeks to understand how people cope with tragedy and explores whether it's possible to grow from such profound trauma.
With 70 interviews already filmed, including survivors, responders, and the family of Liz Calcagno (dec.), we share stories of courage, resilience, and the human spirit. One first responder shared, "I haven't stopped thinking about you kids for 30 years... every child I helped was more concerned for the next." These powerful stories remind us of the lasting bonds formed in the wake of disaster, and the search for answers that continues decades later.
Our project will culminate in a reunion of survivors, first responders, and volunteers at the accident site, where we will unveil a memorial plaque in their honor. This three-part series covers the accident, the community response, the widespread impact of trauma, and the path toward healing. While we’ve self-funded the project so far, we are seeking additional support to complete the film, including covering the costs of historical footage, music, animation, and production.
We believe this documentary will resonate on both national and international levels, offering valuable insights into the universality of trauma and the possibility of healing. Profits from the film will support Amber Community, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Coober Pedy Mine Rescue, ensuring the legacy of this event continues to make a difference.
Documentary Trailer
Please be mindful that content in this video may be confronting and viewer discretion is advised.
If anyone in Victoria has been impacted by road trauma would like free counselling, please contact Amber Community.
We need your help to produce this documentary to it’s full potential.
We are reaching out to request your support through our crowdfunding campaign on the Australian Cultural Fund to help us produce an important documentary that honors the memories of those affected by a tragic accident. We plan to revisit the crash site to hold a memorial event, allowing many people involved to reunite and share their stories. This heartfelt gathering will serve as the final scene of our documentary, capturing powerful footage and conversations that truly reflect the impact of the event. The journey to the location will require several days of travel, and we need additional crew to ensure we document everything effectively. Although we have self-funded the project so far, we now seek assistance to cover essential costs, including:
Producer
Additional production crew (Directors of Photography and Sound Recordist)
Post-production crew (Colourist and Sound Engineer)
Licensing of news archive footage
Legal fees
Other production-related expenses
Your support will make a significant difference in bringing this project to life. Please visit our crowdfunding campaign on the Australian Cultural Fund website to learn more and make a donation. Thank you for helping us honor these important stories.
Why the title
The Endless Bend?
The title The Endless Bend holds deep significance for the story we're telling.
First, it reflects the moment of the crash itself—many of us remember the bend in the road seeming to stretch on forever, as if time slowed down just before everything changed.
The bend also symbolises an unexpected turn in life. Everyone involved was traveling along their own path when, suddenly, everything shifted. “Our lives will never be the same again”, is a quote from one of the teachers, shortly after the accident occurred.
Finally, an endless bend eventually forms a circle. For Luke and Simon, this journey is about coming full circle—returning to the site, reuniting with those involved to seek answers, learn, and share the full story.
The filmmakers
Luke and Simon, both survivors of the bus crash, are now using their extensive experience and skills from careers in the production industry to create The Endless Bend, a documentary that aims to share their story 30 years later.
With decades of expertise in directing, editing, and storytelling, Luke and Simon have honed their craft across numerous projects, but this film is deeply personal. Their goal is to revisit the events that changed their lives, while also capturing the emotional journeys of those affected by the crash.
By combining their professional talents with their lived experience, Luke and Simon are uniquely positioned to tell this important story with sensitivity, authenticity, and a profound understanding of the complexities involved. They aim to explore not only their own paths but also those of the other survivors and the community, offering a platform for healing, reflection, and insight into how one tragic event continues to resonate decades later.
Simon Holt
Simon brings over 25 years of experience in the production industry and leads Melbourne-based production company, Visual Culture. Throughout his career, he has created content for a diverse range of businesses and not-for-profit organisations, spanning various platforms. Simon is particularly known for his expertise in crafting documentary-style stories, which has taken him across Australia, the UK, Europe, India, Pakistan, and China.
A true ‘video production all-rounder,’ Simon’s skills as an editor, director, and DP are key to the production of The Endless Bend. His approach to every project emphasises great storytelling, a deep respect for the people whose stories he tells, and a keen understanding of the audience’s perspective.
Luke Stephens
Luke is an actor, writer, producer, and survivor of the bus crash.
For nearly 30 years, Luke has worked in front of and behind the camera, he now uses his diverse skill set to co-produce The Endless Bend, a documentary sharing this deeply personal story.
Luke’s career spans theatre, film, and television, appearing in productions like Mamma Mia!, Shout the Musical!, Home & Away, and Underbelly Files: Chopper. He has also worked extensively as a writer and producer, creating short films such as Courage and Lake Breeze.
While Luke is known for his work in comedy, The Endless Bend marks his first foray into documentary filmmaking, where he brings his passion for storytelling to explore the lasting impact of the crash and the lives it touched. His experience in the industry ensures a thoughtful, authentic approach to this important project.
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