About the documentary

Our story.
Our team.

Filmmakers, historians and storytellers with a shared purpose: to bring the human story of Cyclone Tracy’s relief effort to the screen.

Defence forces clean up after Cyclone Tracy

Background

Cyclone Warriors

A Small Screen Productions documentary, Cyclone Warriors explores the people and organisations that helped Darwin recover after Cyclone Tracy.

The film brings together the experiences of Australian Defence Force personnel, emergency responders and local communities. Their accounts reveal the scale of the task—and the personal commitment behind it.

By including perspectives that have received less attention, the documentary builds a fuller picture of how the recovery unfolded.

Alongside the ADF, the story recognises the NT Police Force, St John Ambulance, the Salvation Army and other emergency services involved in evacuation, relief and stabilising the city.

Committed to excellence

Meet the filmmakers.

Ian Richards

Director

Ian Richards

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Ian is a documentary director whose work centres on social issues and underrepresented voices. His experience spans research, writing, production, editing and distribution, with a particular focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in remote Australia.

Jennifer Richards

Producer

Jennifer Richards

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Jennifer guides documentary projects from early research through production and distribution. She brings together the people, logistics and partnerships needed to turn a complex story into a finished film.

Greg Grainger

Co-Host / Co-Producer

Greg Grainger

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A Logie Award-winning broadcaster and producer, Greg was among the first reporters to reach Darwin after Cyclone Tracy. His career across Australian and British media includes more than 350 television specials for international networks.

Dr Tom Lewis OAM

Author / Historian

Dr Tom Lewis OAM

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Tom is a military historian, author and television presenter. His books and screen work explore Australia’s military history, combining historical research with clear, accessible storytelling.

Linda Fazldeen AM

Executive Producer

Linda Fazldeen AM

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Linda brings executive experience and qualifications in international management and internet studies to the production, supporting the planning and oversight behind the film.

Andrew Hyde

Northern Territory based Director of Photography

Andrew Hyde

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Based in Darwin, Andrew is a cinematographer working across documentary and commercial production. His understanding of Northern Australia’s landscapes, cultures and natural light informs the film’s visual storytelling.

Richard Lindsell

Writer

Richard Lindsell

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Richard is an actor, writer and director whose work spans television, film and independent productions. His credits include Fireflies and The Guy Who Killed Paris Hilton.

His experience across performance and filmmaking brings a distinctive perspective to developing character, narrative and the human detail of a story.

Dr Donna Odegaard AM

Larrakia Elder

Dr Donna Odegaard AM

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A respected Larrakia Elder and businesswoman, Donna brings more than 40 years of experience and a deep commitment to Aboriginal protocols. Her academic work includes Aboriginal land rights and the Larrakia Treaty.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols ↗