Castle Hill RSL Club Supports: Local Youth Filmmakers
The powerful short film Bubblegum and Bunyips made waves after being accepted into the Academy Qualifying FlickerUp Shorts Competition at the 34th Flickerfest International Short Film Festival, which was held at Bondi Beach from January 17-26, 2025.
Bubblegum and Bunyips tells the moving story of a middle-aged Indigenous Australian woman reflecting on her youth during the Stolen Generation. A pivotal scene blends childhood innocence with harsh reality, as she and her friends mistake the splashing sounds of welfare officers approaching for the mythical bunyip. What followed was the devastating separation from her family and community—an emotional truth captured beautifully in this short film.
In support of creative storytelling, CHRG (Castle Hill RSL Group) is proud to have provided funding through the ClubGRANTS program to Kellyville High School. This funding has enabled students to take their filmmaking to the next level and continue telling important Australian stories.
The talented students are now working on their next short film, set to begin production in 2025. While details remain under wraps, the film will be mostly shot onsite at Castle Hill RSL Club, showcasing the Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting young creatives and the arts.
A CHRG representative said, “Films like Bubblegum and Bunyips remind us of storytelling’s ability to educate, inspire, and create connection. We’re proud to support Kellyville High School students and are excited to see their next project come to life here at Castle Hill RSL Club.”
Castle Hill RSL Club continues to champion local youth initiatives, helping aspiring filmmakers share stories that resonate both locally and nationally.
Be sure to support Bubblegum and Bunyips at Flickerfest 2025 and celebrate the incredible talent emerging from our community.
