While making our Fortress Newcastle film, we (Stories of Our Town) had the honour of meeting and interviewing the fabulous Val Blackett, an engaging (then) 98-year-old storyteller with the voice of an old Hollywood actress. For over an hour she stunned us with jaw dropping stories about Newcastle and Stockton during World War 2, most of which was too much for us to include in the Fortress Newcastle film. Her story was so incredible we had to go back, expand on it, and give her the spotlight. Her bravery at such an early age, (defending Newcastle behind the guns at 18) coupled with her warmth and love of the people in Newcastle and Stockton makes for glorious viewing. Val, now in her one hundredth year, will lead the 2024 Anzac March in Sydney. In doing so, she will represent those who served to keep Newcastle and its industries safe during WW2. Due to her age, she has stated that this will be her last march. This is the perfect time to celebrate this spectacular human being. We thank Val and all those who served. We also thank Heritage NSW for helping us to make this film happen. About the project The Stories of Our Town Film Project has made 19 documentaries about Newcastle and the Hunter Region over the past 4 years.

Five of these films have made it on streaming services (Foxtel/Binge/SBS/NITV). Stories of Our Town see Local stories as being important National and in 2022 they were Highly Commended at The National Trust Heritage Awards for services to Education. Our slogan is “The History of Newcastle told by those who lived it”. The full set of all these films are freely available at storiesofourtown.com.