Original subtitles

That's the dad with his young ones.

Where's their mum?

Long gone.

It's the dad who looks after them.

You know the old people?

Used to call them Nuri.

Nuri?

Nuri is our animal.

That's what connects us to this land.

Your people.

When I was your age, I used to chase after those Nuris.

I'm one of them feathers.

Too fast for me.

But your uncle Wes, he could run.

I'd better to get one.

Yeah?

You ever tried?

I dare ya.

She haven't got a chance.

Almost.

Maybe next time, eh?

Make sure you're well clear, or it'll snag.

Daddy there.

Take it.

No, bub, you're right.

Quick, grab the bucket.

Grab the bucket.

Look at that yellow belly.

Another form, we'll have dinner.

Shoo!

Shoo!

Mum.

Mum.

Mum, where's your phone?

Gem, you need to go get Dad.

He'll know what to do.

Gem!

Go!

.

.

.

.

Here.

Hey.

Mum, Christ!

Get in the car.

Here!

Here!

Get in the car!

Queenie!

Queenie!

What's going on?

Oh, baby.

Baby, just go.

Hey.

Hey, Queenie.

Hey, come on, darling.

Mum, wake up!

Hey.

Come on.

Hey, Queenie, come on now.

Breathe, baby.

Oh, just breathe now.

Come on now.

Come on, just breathe.

Mum, wake up!

Come on, just breathe.

Mum, please wake up.

I want to go home.

Mum!

What happened?

Val, what happened?

Oh, darling.

Oh, darling.

I don't know what to do.

Mom, wake up!

Mom!

I don't know what to do.

Mom!

I don't know what to do.

Mom!

Oh, darling?

Darling.

Oh my darling.

My darling.

Hey darling.

Awake?

Do you think she could still see me?

She'll always be with us.

Always in our hearts.

Aunty Gloria and Nanny are here.

I think you could get ready if you like.

They need someone that's going to be there for them.

Yes, that I'm going to be there for.

How are you going to do that?

JJ, they need a woman around them.

What are you saying?

I can't look after my kids.

I didn't say that, but you can't do it alone.

And when you start back work, those early starts, what are you going to do then?

Get alright, I get it.

Do you?

I don't reckon you do.

We're all hurting.

Why are you pushing us away?

I'll do anything for them kids.

Anything.

Yeah, I know.

Gem.

Hey Gemma.

Hey bub.

Gem.

Gem, get back here.

Hey darling.

Come here.

Hey Sam.

Gemma girl.

Cap got the tongue?

Your dad know you?

Sending me a vow to live with Aunty Glor.

I'm not going.

Never mention that to me.

Nan and Aunty's only want the best for you.

Come on girl, now you can help me.

Get up the tree and get me some leaves.

Gemma.

Come on Gemma, we need to go.

Hey Gemma.

She's here, safe and sound.

Yeah, thanks Aunty.

Yeah.

Hey bub, what's all this nonsense then?

Come on, everything's staying as it is, okay?

What did Stan want?

Well he's just paying his respects and...

We've just got to get on with it girl.

I know it's tough.

You know there's lots I don't want to be dealing

with right now but I just can't be like that.

Come on bub.

We come Father God to thank you for Darlene, for her life, Father God.

We thank you Lord for the children.

We ask Lord that you'll protect them, watch over them.

And thank you for your goodness, in Jesus' wonderful name.

Amen.

I am going to a city Where the streets of gold are laid Where the tree of life is

blooming And the roses never fade Here they bloom up for a season Soon their

beauties decay I am going to a city Where the roses never fade Where the roses never

fade Oh Jim.

Oh Jim.

Come on, pet.

It's time to be with your family.

Jim!

Did you see it?

What?

The emu.

It came right up to me.

It did.

Okay, I believe you.

I really liked your mum.

She liked you too.

I told your uncle I'd bring you home.

Who's she?

Don't know.

Not from around here, that's for sure.

Hi Dad.

What did she want?

Oh, never you mind.

Where you been?

Went walking.

I'd better be going, Jim.

See you Mr Daniels.

Hey, go give your nana a hand.

She's getting settled into the back room.

She's staying with us for a while.

Mum!

Can I sleep in Mum's bed?

Okay bub.

Go on then.

Hey, it's early.

Go back to sleep.

Mum, Mum, oh no I can't with you.

No you can't.

Why?

Because you got school today Jim.

Hey, hey.

I'm not letting go.

Come on, don't do this.

Please don't go.

Jim, just let me go please.

Come on.

Come on bub.

That's enough.

Jim, um.

Go ahead.

Hey, look what I've got!

There you go.

What a nut, we better give it a home.

Yeah, deadly.

Come on.

Here.

Eat them Jim, don't make such a fuss.

I'm not.

What?

What's up?

Mum cooks them so the sunny side ain't all runny.

Easy to fix.

You shouldn't be wearing that.

I don't have to listen to you?

Yes you do, take it off.

No.

Just take it off.

No!

Take it off.

Stop it now.

Sookie baby.

Valerie, just go and get your bag ready for school.

I'm going.

Are you coming?

Why are you going that way?

We've never gone that way before.

I don't care.

I'm going Mum's way.

Suit yourself.

Where's your mum?

Hungry.

That's it my friend.

I'm going.

Step up to the line please.

On your mark.

Get set.

Go!

Can I have eight boys up to the line please?

Up to the line boys.

On your mark.

Get set.

Go!

Jim Keep running like that at the carnival.

And you stand more than a good chance of making it to the regional.

You've got to come see her with your own eyes.

Bet you she'll be there tomorrow too.

Her might be a him.

No it's a her.

How can you tell?

She makes more of her.

And males make more of her.

See her at yours at eight.

See you then.

Hello?

Sorry.

I didn't mean to startle you.

I just...

Where you been all afternoon?

Around.

Around eh?

Val waited so you didn't show.

You missed your auntie.

Cake.

What you got there?

Nothing.

Come on then.

Better have a yarn to your sis.

Where'd you get that?

Aunty Glor.

What you making?

What you care?

Sorry for making you wait.

You can find your own way home from now on.

Val.

What?

You know how Mum told us that birds told her things?

So?

Do you believe it?

Well you saw it didn't you?

The wagtail?

You know what them birds mean?

The wagtail?

They're warning.

A warning of death.

It's close.

Gem I don't want to be late for school.

Relax.

I'm going to school.

You coming?

I'm not going.

Come on Gem.

She's gonna need more food.

So what do I tell Glover?

I don't know make something up.

Hey Val.

What you doing?

This is the last of it.

Thanks Mum.

You wouldn't.

Hey hey don't leave it now.

I don't want to take it.

Come on don't make this hard girl.

I won't let you.

Come on let it go.

No.

Let it go.

No.

Mum I got this.

Okay.

Come on.

Hey.

This isn't easy for all of us.

You know it's no good us keeping your mother's things.

Better we give this stuff to fellas who need it.

Okay?

Okay.

Okay.

Alright.

You know I know what to do.

Alright.

OK.

So what do we do?

We're meeting at the hospital.

Oh.

You know it's late right?

It's late.

I'm a little tired.

A watchful love and I alight The way through rocky shores In crushing tides You

are a beacon in our lives In rough and ready seas

Oh jeez, I wish you wouldn't do that, I nearly wet myself.

Miss me?

Yeah.

What did you tell Glover?

Said you're a crook, coughing up big yellow stuff and saddles catchy.

You're the best.

Can I meet you at the school?

I'll meet you at that place, you know where.

Okay, I'll see you then.

She's not home love.

Can I get a lemonade please?

Busted, big time.

Come.

Sit.

Don't worry, I won't tell Dad, but what you're doing is pretty dumb.

Really dumb.

And you know it.

Trust me, you're gonna get caught.

Have you been waiting long?

Not really.

Hi.

This is my little sister Gemma.

Hi Gemma.

Oh, you didn't tell me you had company.

Go and buy something.

My folks are going away at the end of the month and

I'm having a bit of a get together for my birthday.

Oh.

I've got most things covered.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Geez, I don't know about that one.

Come on James.

I'm not promising anything.

I'll text you later.

Yep.

Are you running around with her?

What's it to you?

She's not right for you.

Is that so?

That's what Mum would have said.

And what Mum would have said about you at Wagons School?

I can't believe you called me.

I caught them under the bridge.

I've never had luck there.

It's them grubs there.

Yeah, Darl used to swear by them too.

Isn't that right girls?

Yeah.

Potatoes are good.

Let's start cooking.

Nah, let's just give Ek a little bit longer.

Hey, do you got another woman?

Yeah, I heard the same thing.

Gem, tell us about the athletics carnival.

I've got nothing to tell.

Tessa said we have a champ.

Darl doesn't have to tell me.

Good on you Gem.

I'll be there.

Yeah, I think I might come too.

Hold it up Val.

Wow, you're going good there.

How's that wool going?

Got one ball left.

We should get you to Davao so you can choose your colours.

We could all go.

Have a girls weekend.

Hey there.

Hey.

What?

Why don't you think you had enough?

Nah.

Let's get them fish on.

There we go.

Hey Gemma girl.

Tilt your head.

What you been up to Gem?

Nothing.

Sure.

You haven't been at school today.

Haven't been there all week either.

Had a visit from Aunty Joy.

Your dad's not going to be happy about this.

Are you going to tell him?

No.

I've got a good mind too.

I won't do it again.

My word girl, you won't do it again.

Promise?

Promise.

You stay away from Susie.

What's the problem mate?

You're a cocky shit aren't ya?

She's not yours.

And she's not yours yet.

What was that all about?

Nothing.

Susie Peterson eh?

Shut it Gem.

This is a surprise.

Gemma, Miss Goodall and you know Aunty Joy?

They're from social services and they'd like to have a word with you.

I think you've got some explaining to do.

We just want to have a chat.

You're not in trouble.

Joy tells me your nan was unaware of all the school you've been missing.

Must be really hard coming back to school.

I'm sure it makes little sense to how you're feeling.

But this wanderin' the street isn't good for ya?

How's everything at home?

I really feel your father needs to be brought into the picture.

No don't do that.

He'll go bananas too.

I'm sure he'll be more than understanding.

You haven't seen him when he gets really mad.

What do you mean exactly?

Well what father wouldn't get upset?

I'll be good.

It's not about being good.

It's your wellbeing Gemma that concerns me.

Lady.

Call me Heidi.

Heidi?

What?

A spider.

Um, how about we leave it for today?

But I would like to speak to you again, okay?

Have a nice afternoon.

I'm gonna start getting up early.

How early?

Five.

Are you mad or what?

Are you eating or not?

Okay, but you owe me big time.

Come on Gem.

Run!

Not so quick Missy.

She wasn't on her own.

And it's not the first time.

I've had a lot of reports very similar to this.

So now I've got to write a report JJ.

Yeah?

I've got to talk to the social worker now.

So I'll be back.

Now, young lady, next time... There's not gonna be a next time Stan.

Yeah well good.

Hey, hey, hey.

What are you playing at Gem?

Did Tessa put you up to this?

No.

So it was Tessa?

It was my idea.

Well it better be bloody good.

Come on spit it out.

You wouldn't understand.

Try me.

Out with it.

No!

Get back here.

Get back here girl.

Hey, hey.

Come on.

Jay!

Get back here.

Jay!

Hey Gemma.

Gemma.

Gemma.

Gemma.

Gemma.

Come here.

What's all this then?

It's for the emus.

You've been feeding them?

Just one.

Jeez Gem, what are you thinking?

They speak to me.

They're wild animals.

They've got to fend for themselves.

You don't understand.

You've got to stop stealing girl.

We're all missing your mum.

It's always there on my mind.

If I'd just been fast enough.

What are you going on about?

Everything would be so different.

What would be different?

If she was here.

Mum.

Don't.

Just don't.

See you think it too.

We all wish we could have done more Gem.

What do you think they're saying?

I don't know.

All I'm saying is sometimes having the guidance of a professional can really help.

There are experts who just deal with loss and grief.

It would involve some travel of course.

So tell me, have you ever lost a person close to you Miss Goodall?

No.

You wouldn't have a bloody clue what it's like.

JJ.

Christ, the girl lost her mum.

I don't mean any disrespect to you or your family.

But I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't raise my concerns.

Look, I know what's good for my daughter and we're doing the best we can.

Gemma's back at school and she's making amends with all the people she stole from.

I think we've got it sorted.

Look, we appreciate that you want the help.

But just let us have a think about it.

Well you know where to reach me if you want to talk about it some more.

OK dear.

Where are you going?

What about the carnival?

We can come back here tomorrow.

I can't believe it.

What?

You could beat the whole damn school with your time.

So?

Doesn't that mean anything to you?

If your mum was here, she would be wanting you to give it a go.

If you want to go so bad, we'll go.

You've got yourself a boyfriend.

Step up to the line please.

Wait!

Quickly, take lane 8.

Hey, we made it.

Where is she?

Hey, there she is.

On your mark.

Get set.

Go Gem.

Go Gem.

Go Gem.

Go Gem.

Go Gemma.

Go.

Go Gem.

Come on.

I've blown it.

You still might make the cut.

Doubt it.

Here she comes.

You did good, girl.

Little water.

Next time, bub.

Your dad's right.

There's plenty more races to win.

And mine are somewhere else today.

Any sign of the emus?

No.

I'm sure they'll be back.

They're gone.

Gemma, just the person I wanted to see.

I've got some good news.

You've been chosen for regional races.

I knew you'd make it.

Jeez Mum, what the hell you got in here?

Do you have the milk cart joined?

Yeah yeah.

Can't change your mind?

Do her good to get away for a while?

Ah, she got her loan.

Hey, there'll be other times.

Just Uncle Wes, then, and we can put all this behind you.

G'day there, girl.

You coming?

I got something to show you.

Sorry for taking your stuff.

No harm done there.

Them emu's are coming into nesting.

This time of day, you can make out the emu in the night sky.

That's how we know it's nesting time.

That's the dad there.

Won't even leave the nest to have a feed.

He'll stay with his young until they're big and strong.

.

.

Your dad's no different.

It's the big love he had for you.

Come, we're making him news.

We'd better leave now.

I hear you got a race coming up.

This is a dooloo stick.

Long ago, our people used dooloo sticks to send messages from one mob to another mob.

Them emu prints are telling them to come quick.

.

Our mob was good runners.

And this running is something special.

.

Eka, dinner.

Off you go, bub.

Get stuck into that.

Hey, I ain't gonna make you work hard, eh?

Hey, have something to eat.

I'm going out.

I'm meeting someone.

Hey, we'll make them wait.

OK, I'll see you guys later.

Hey, Eka.

.

Where's that fella gone?

You got a girlfriend?

Secret.

There he is.

.

Hold on.

.

Ow!

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Hello?

Hey, can you hold on for a sec?

Hey, can you put your shoes on, bub?

We're going in five.

Yeah.

Sorry, mate.

How can I help you?

.

Right.

Well, when did this happen?

.

Right.

.

How are you going?

Fine.

.

Hey, what happened to you?

I don't want to talk about it.

.

Did you go to the police?

Nah.

.

He's got a pretty nasty knock to the head.

He needs to rest for a couple of days.

But I can go if I want to.

It would be my recommendation to just hang around for a little bit.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

We'll be back, okay?

.

Hey, Jim, can you post my bag for me?

I need you to run something up to Susie for me.

Are you running around with her?

Oh, come on.

It's for her birthday.

Okay.

.

I need you to put this in your bag.

And not a word to anyone, you understand me?

.

Why'd somebody do that to Echo?

.

I don't know, bub, but I'm going to find out.

.

Hey, tell your teacher to family matter, okay?

Yeah.

.

Here's some money.

Get yourself a feed.

.

I'm usually good at this.

.

Ring.

.

Beads.

.

Bracelet.

.

No.

.

I couldn't work it out either.

.

She'll know if I opened it.

.

I could come with you.

.

Please let me come.

How much further?

.

You didn't need to come.

.

I know, I know.

.

Knock again.

.

Hi, it's Gemma, isn't it?

.

Yes.

.

And who have we got here?

This is Tessa.

.

Echo told me to give it to you.

.

Isn't he a sweetie?

.

How's he going?

.

He got done real bad.

.

Yeah, it's pretty terrible.

.

Do you want to come in for a cool drink?

.

No, we're good.

.

This is Gem and Tessa.

.

Hi, girls.

.

They ran all the way from town.

.

Well, that's far.

.

People here already.

.

Oh, that's just Simon.

I asked him to come early to rig up the sound system.

.

Well, I better go get changed.

.

.

.

You girls hold yourself to whatever you want.

I'll be back in a second.

Do you want the pink one or the orange one?

Pink.

.

It tastes funny to you?

.

It tastes good to me.

.

You better keep going.

.

Pass me your bag.

.

We need to keep going.

.

What are you doing?

What are you two doing out here?

How about we give you a lift home?

.

Question.

Police back up on the main street.

.

Stop.

The fight's broken out at the Royal.

.

That's my dad.

.

It's Heidi again.

I really need to speak with you.

Can you please give me a call as soon as you get this message?

.

I'm going to be back in a minute, okay?

.

.

Should you find anyone?

.

I can't get the grandmother or the aunt.

.

.

There's no one else.

.

What about the father?

.

Oh, that's out of the question.

I've got him locked up here.

.

What for?

A fray resisting arrest.

.

And from your perspective, how about neglecting his daughter?

.

Who, by the way, we've discovered was doing a drug delivery for a brother.

.

What exactly am I supposed to do?

.

You know, from my perspective, it's perfectly clear what's got to happen next.

.

It's going to be okay.

.

It's going to be okay.

It's just a temporary measure till we sort this out, that's all.

How long?

I'm not sure.

It could be a couple of hours, could be longer.

There's been a truck rollover up the road.

Yeah, you can always go the back road.

Thanks.

Yeah, and driving this little car wouldn't suggest that.

Hey, you should have a drink.

Please take it.

Can I call my dad?

There's no service.

But we'll try them as soon as we get in, okay?

Honey, watch out!

Gemma, please come away from the middle of the road.

It's not safe.

Come on, please, get back in the car.

Gemma!

Gemma, where are you going?

Going to be dark soon.

Come on, someone will be along soon.

There won't be anyone.

Gemma!

I want you to come back to the car right now.

We're going to need something to burn.

Wait for me.

Shit!

Oh, my God.

Don't be long.

I won't.

Gemma?

Oh, it's you.

My God.

Did you get the matches?

You've obviously done this before.

There's not much.

Better than nothing.

I know you go without food.

It's not right.

I saw you at the supermarket bin, Gem.

Why are you laughing?

The food that I was getting was for the emus I was feeding.

Emus?

You'd be surprised how much emus eat.

Where are you mob from?

Sydney.

You're a long way from home.

Why'd you come out all the way out here?

I guess I wanted to do something challenging

and I thought I could really make a difference.

Couldn't you make a difference down there?

I can't stand being away from home.

The smells are wrong and you can't see none of these.

See the cloud next to the southern cross?

That's the emu, its

All our different mobs got them something

that ties them back to their mother's country.

Mine was the Nui.

My mum knew all about this country.

The stars, the trees, the animals, everything.

You must really miss her.

You still got a mum?

Yeah.

Do you talk to her?

Not enough.

My mum's a bit full on.

But she's your mum, eh?

Yeah.

Yeah, she is.

And I do love her.

Gem, I'm going to put things right again.

Okay.

I'm going to get us out of this mess.

Dad!

Where'd you get here?

I ran.

From where?

By Rock Road.

Heidi's still out there and the car broke down.

Alright, let's go.

Come on, let's go.

I'm so glad to see you.

It's quite an adventure you've had, Miss Goodall.

I'm fine.

Your daughter is remarkable.

That was quite a feat, young lady.

You're very lucky.

Plain stupid and reckless if you ask me.

JJ, I feel terrible.

Is that the best you can do?

Yeah, I know it wasn't just you.

What is it with you people?

You're so quick to judge.

Why can't you just open your eyes?

Your hearts?

Come on, Gemma, let's go.

JJ.

We'll work this out.

You have my word.

How much longer?

Shouldn't be too long.

They won't send him to jail, will they?

Ah, Mum.

Come here.

Come on, you fellas.

Come on, people.

We've got to hit the road.

Let's go.

Who's riding with me?

You've got all us old folks.

I'll take the young ones, Mum.

Cool.

Cool.

Cool.

Gem?

Hey, Gemma?

Gem?

Hi.

Hi.

Gemma.

Hi, Mrs Wright.

I had a race today and I was wondering if Tessa could come.

OK.

Come on, you two fellas.

We've got a race to catch.

Let's go.

Giddy up.

Put all of them on and you're all good.

On your mark.

Set.

There's a campfire blazing on the banks of the river.

They're telling stories on the banks of the river.

About the old ways.

About the old days.

When you run like the wind.

Don't you ever look back.

Don't you ever look back now.

Don't you ever look back now.

When you run like the wind.

Don't you ever look back.

A little pause... and we are back.

A little pause... and we are back.

A little pause... and we are back.