FILM AUSTRALIA COLLECTION

Title Details

Big Brother of Christmas Island

The controversial life of Gordon Bennett and his role in the survival of Christmas Island and its people.
Year : 1999 | Total Duration : 55 Minutes | Producer : Peter Du Cane, Samantha Kelley
Director : Mathew Kelley |
Good WS of blowhole and coastline in orange sunset/sunrise light. GS ocean pounding jagged cliffs. Tilt to sky seen through canopy of green palms and fade to GS stream running amongst trees reflecting the greenness of leaves. CU of bright red crab walking through water. Tilt down small waterfall. Fade to tilt down trees to temple built in clearing. CU to arrangement of tropical flowers. CU woman lighting incense and GS of her kneeling in prayer in front of incense in pot. VS group of people at temple making symbolic offerings in Chinese tradition of ancestor worship.
Access No. 142449 | 48 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
GS mixed group of people at Chinese temple with Chinese man in foreground making offering and bowing in front of flower arrangement. VS people with incense sticks. CU to beer can and two packets of cigarettes. MS Stephen Tan making speech about Gordon Bennett referring to him as the "saviour" of Christmas Island. CU face of Chinese man crying. MS group of men listening with eyes closed and heads bowed. Opening titles.
Access No. 142450 | 56 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Zoom into Gordon Bennett's grave stone with floral tributes at base with photograph and inscription in stone in both English and Chinese. Narrator talking about Bennett's given name of Tai Ko Seng.
Access No. 142452 | 15 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival colour footage of Chinese dragon ceremony. Fade to footage of Gordon Bennett wearing lei greeting islanders. Man in foreground in large plastic mask.
Access No. 142453 | 14 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
CU interview with Steve Arnaudon talking about Bennett's self perception as leader.
Access No. 142456 | 5 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Colour footage of Gordon Bennett wearing lei greeting islanders during Chinese dragon ceremony.
Access No. 142458 | 6 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Michael Grimes talking about the powerful nature of Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142459 | 11 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Brief CU of archival footage of Gordon Bennett with islanders during festivities.
Access No. 142460 | 4 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Kerry Walker talking about the different sides of Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142461 | 3 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Brief WS of archival colour footage of Gordon Bennett with islanders during Chinese dragon festivities.
Access No. 142462 | 2 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Jacqueline Kerr talking about the persuasive and powerful nature of Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142463 | 6 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Brief WS of archival colour footage of Gordon Bennett addressing workers on megaphone. Pan across crowd of workers.
Access No. 142464 | 8 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
CU to flowers on grave of Gordon Bennett. Fade to CU of two meat pies and can of beer. WS open Chinese temple.
Access No. 142467 | 8 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
CU B&W photograph of Gordon Bennett as a child. slow zoom into Bennett's childhood house in the village of Little Bookham, Dorking England. CU B&W photograph of Bennett's parents. CU B&W photograph of Bennett with his younger brother as children.
Access No. 142468 | 25 secs | 1930s | Dorking, England, UK | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
WS sea pounding rocks on Christmas Island. CU golden Buddhist statue and VS Chinese women chanting and GS people walking in religious procession. VS from temple and dual flags flying. VS Muslim men praying in mosque. WS small islands in sea just off coastline. Fade to graphic maps of Christmas Island then it's position in relation to Australia and Indonesia. WS surf around coastal rocks and cliffs and WS lush forest and escarpment. Pan across forest and MS tilt down forest tree with aerial roots. CU red crab on forest floor and GS young Brown Booby and mother arriving to feed it.
Access No. 142469 | 1 min 20 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
WS coastline of Christmas Island with narration giving history from it's discovery in 1887.
Access No. 142470 | 9 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Track following flight of Golden Bosun (or White-tailed Tropicbird) in flight with long flowing tail and close track of Frigatebird flying over ocean.
Access No. 142471 | 5 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Wild Film Australia | Colour |
Good WS of coastline of Christmas Island at dusk with spray shooting out of blowholes of silhouetted rough sea cliffs and sea reflecting orange light from sun and clouds. WS shaft of orange light on sea.
Access No. 142472 | 12 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W 19th century photograph of Clunies-Ross family with party of Cocos-Malays. B&W shot of Clunies-Ross standing with seated Malays.
Access No. 142473 | 10 secs | 1890s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | B&W |
B&W archival footage of phosphate mine with VS Chinese workers digging and man wheeling phosphate on trolley along rail lines towards camera. VS Chinese Coolie labourers with rail trucks at the mine and GS shovelling.
Access No. 142474 | 28 secs | 1890s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | B&W |
MS Seet Pew on couch looking through album. ECU to faint tattoo on his hand marking him as coolie worker. MS interview with Seet Pew in Chinese with English subtitles where he talks of the tattoo and the conditions he worked in.
Access No. 142475 | 18 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W archival footage Chinese Coolie workers in phosphate mine.
Access No. 142476 | 8 secs | 1890s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | B&W |
WS treed area with stone markers. GS long-term Christmas Island resident Stephen Tan in cemetery talking to camera.
Access No. 142477 | 14 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W archival photograph of Chinese Coolie workers posed for photograph.
Access No. 142479 | 6 secs | 1890s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | B&W |
CU hand of long-term Christmas Island resident Stephen Tan resting on boulder used to mark burial place in Chinese cemetery. GS of Tan talking to camera about the cemetery. CU to example of new slab erected in cemetery.
Access No. 142480 | 24 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W archival photograph of Clunies Ross drinking with other men.
Access No. 142481 | 4 secs | 1890s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | B&W |
B&W archival footage of three European men walking in safari suits, one smoking. MS European man beside car waving to camera.
Access No. 142482 | 7 secs | 1890s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Pan across ferns to cannon now in overgrowth.
Access No. 142483 | 6 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W archival photograph of warship at sea from 1942.
Access No. 142484 | 3 secs | 1940s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | B&W |
Archival colour footage of Indian troops going through military gun display. WS Administrator's residence overlooking sea. Pan to European man walking along track followed by local carrying load on shoulder. MS two European women and man walking down steps of Administrator's residence. VS mining operations with Chinese coolies labouring with railway carts at mine and crane emptying phosphate into cart.
Access No. 142485 | 36 secs | 1940s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W archival photograph of group of schoolgirls and men holding Australian and Malaysian flags as island is transferred from Britain to Australia.
Access No. 142487 | 4 secs | 1950s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | B&W |
Tilt to Australian flag flying on flagpost.
Access No. 142488 | 5 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W photograph of the Royal Oak Hotel in England.
Access No. 142489 | 3 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Contact Film Australia Collection Library | Colour |
B&W photograph of Bennett family with dog on beach.
Access No. 142490 | 5 secs | 1950s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
WS Gordon Bennett's school in England. WS entrance to Howard Opeffingham School. Voice-over of John Bennett talking about his brother Gordon's reasons for dropping out of school at age 15. MS interview with John.
Access No. 142491 | 28 secs | 1990s | UK | © NFSA | Colour |
WS across blue bay on Christmas Island viewed from mine.
Access No. 142492 | 5 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of group of British Phosphate Commissioners (BPC) taking boat trip.
Access No. 142493 | 3 secs | 1950s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W archival photograph of colonial islanders farewelling colleague.
Access No. 142494 | 3 secs | 1950s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | B&W |
Interviews with long-time resident Stephen Tan and BPC Accounts Clerk from the early 1960s Jacqueline Kerr about the colonial days.
Access No. 142495 | 42 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival B&W footage of island workers in canteen with VS Chinese workers (mainly men) eating from bowls and with chopsticks at tables. MS group of Chinese children. Narration talks about forced repatriation of Asian workers considered no longer useful under the Menzies Government.
Access No. 142496 | 29 secs | 1960s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | B&W |
MS Seet Pew on couch looking through album. MS interview with his daughter Seet Choy Lan who was born on Christmas Island, talking about the unfair treatment her father suffered. MS interview with 1960s BPC employee Cheng Hang talking about the grief of the forced departures.
Access No. 142497 | 1 min | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival colour footage of mining operations showing Chinese mine workers operating cranes with large scoops mining phosphate. GS loading trucks at mine with one segment showing woman under parasol watching scoop emptying load into truck. WS trucks and crane at edge of open-cut mine. High angle shot over worker filling phosphate bags. VS workers filling bags and lifting bags off conveyor belt.
Access No. 142498 | 47 secs | 1960s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
High angle WS over empty container ship and barge in harbour. WS row of English terrace houses. Closer shot of bay windows.
Access No. 142499 | 10 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia; UK | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival colour beach footage with seagulls, children surfing and riding body boards and people sunbaking on sand.
Access No. 142500 | 7 secs | 1970s | Australia | © Wild Film Australia | Colour |
MS colour photograph of Marion Ramsay, Gordon Bennett's first wife. Photograph of Marion and daughter Tracey in swimming pool. MS photograph of Gordon holding toddler son Mark.
Access No. 142501 | 12 secs | 1970s | Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
WS B&W Perth road. High angle WS of high-rise building. Pan across high-rise buildings in Perth CBD and street scenes.
Access No. 142502 | 15 secs | 1970s | Perth, WS, Australia | © ABC | Colour |
High angle WS over mining area and port on Christmas Island.
Access No. 142503 | 3 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
B&W photograph of 1974 demonstration showing protesters and police. Colour photograph of Teo Boon How who had been wrongly accused in a gambling dispute and expelled from the island at demonstration. VS protest and demonstrators sitting under banner supporting Teo Boon How.
Access No. 142504 | 34 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Teo Boon How, former Chief Interpreter Administrator's Office, talking about the 1974 strike.
Access No. 142505 | 26 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W photograph of 1974 demonstration showing protesters and police. Colour archival footage of Asian worker's house.
Access No. 142506 | 15 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Michael Grimes, teacher arrived on Christmas Island 1975 talking about the Asian workers secretly meeting to discuss forming a union.
Access No. 142507 | 24 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Colour photograph of Christmas Island teacher Michael Grimes posing with his wife and five children.
Access No. 142508 | 6 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Michael Grimes, teacher arrived on Christmas Island 1975 talking about the formation of a union for the island's Asian workers.
Access No. 142509 | 14 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Colour photograph of Christmas Island teacher Michael Grimes posing with union members. Zoom into Grimes and a few other members.
Access No. 142510 | 10 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Teo Boon How, former Chief Interpreter Administrator's Office, talking about the formation of a union.
Access No. 142512 | 13 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
B&W photograph of union meeting with Michael Grimes and union officials in front of mass of members.
Access No. 142513 | 11 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | B&W |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about the reaction to Michael Grime's style of management.
Access No. 142514 | 13 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival aerial over glistening sea with Christmas Island in distance.
Access No. 142515 | 7 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
WS archival B&W footage of busy Perth city street.
Access No. 142516 | 4 secs | 1970s | Perth, WS, Australia | © ABC | Colour |
B&W CU photograph of Gordon Bennett on telephone.
Access No. 142517 | 4 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
MS interview with Michael Grimes, former Christmas Island teacher talking about meeting Gordon Bennett in Perth and ultimately offering him the job of General Secretary on Christmas Island.
Access No. 142518 | 24 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
CU B&W photographs of Gordon Bennett
Access No. 142519 | 7 secs | 1970s | Perth, WS, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
MS interview with Michael Grimes, former Christmas Island teacher talking about meeting Gordon Bennett in Perth and ultimately offering him the job of General Secretary on Christmas Island. Tilt to sea birds flying and WS sea pounding cliffs.
Access No. 142520 | 24 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
WS looking along Asian worker's accommodation on Christmas Island.
Access No. 142521 | 5 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
VS Christmas Island Asian workers with their families. MS man carrying baby.
Access No. 142522 | 9 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
CU colour interview with Gordon Bennett. Asian women sitting on porch of worker's accommodation. Zoom out from washing hanging from poles to WS of run down building. GS inside decrepit toilet block. MS workers cooking in small kitchen and MS workers sitting at table.
Access No. 142523 | 26 secs | 1970s | Perth, WS, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
MS interview with Stephen Tan, Executive Union Christmas Island Workers 1975-84.
Access No. 142524 | 8 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
VS colour photographs of Gordon Bennett addressing workers on megaphone, high angle WS over union members at outdoor meeting and CU Bennett.
Access No. 142525 | 13 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
B&W photograph of ACTU President Bob Hawke with Gordon Bennett and others at union meeting and Zoom into CU of Hawke and Bennett.
Access No. 142526 | 6 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
MS interview with Bob Hawke, President of Australian Council of Trade Unions 1973-78 and former Prime Minister of Australia talking about his involvement with the union activities on Christmas Island, Gordon Bennett and his lack of ability to make much difference.
Access No. 142527 | 17 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
VS colour photographs of Gordon Bennett and Bob Hawke, Hawke and Bennett watching man on megaphone next to them at meeting.
Access No. 142528 | 11 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
MS interview with Bob Hawke, President of Australian Council of Trade Unions 1973-78 and former Prime Minister of Australia talking about his involvement with the union activities on Christmas Island, Gordon Bennett and his lack of ability to make much difference.
Access No. 142529 | 12 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
VS colour photograph of Chinese dragon and people at demonstration on Christmas Island.
Access No. 142530 | 5 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
MS interview with Bob Hawke, President of Australian Council of Trade Unions 1973-78 and former Prime Minister of Australia talking about his involvement with the union activities on Christmas Island, Gordon Bennett and his lack of ability to make much difference.
Access No. 142531 | 6 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
High angle tracks following pallets of phosphate sacks being transported by crane on wharf and wharf workers.
Access No. 142532 | 24 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
Aerial over Parliament House and lawns leading to lake. Closer aerial over Parliament House and CU to Australian coat of arms. Fade to high angle shot over lake Burley Griffin and suburbs beyond. High angle WS over the lake, bridge and Captain Cook Memorial jet. Pan across exterior of departmental buildings. WS Parliament House and lawns.
Access No. 142533 | 36 secs | 1990s | Canberra, ACT, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
July 1979 archival WS Parliament House with pan to tent on lawn where Gordon Bennett and five union delegates staged hunger strike for Asian workers on Christmas Island. CUs to protest signs, delegates outside tent and pans across Parliament House.
Access No. 142534 | 43 secs | 1970s | Canberra, ACT, Australia | © Ten Capital | Colour |
GS Islanders at Christmas Island airport holding up Welcome Home sign. Stephen Tan steps from plane and waves followed by others. VS ceremonial welcome for returning workers with performances and Chinese Dragon dance. MS Gordon Bennett wearing lei mingling with well wishers.
Access No. 142535 | 50 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Stephen Tan, Executive Union Christmas Island Workers 1975-84 talking about returning from Parliament House protest.
Access No. 142536 | 7 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS Gordon Bennett at Christmas Island airport addressing people with megaphone. GS Bennett and other union delegates wearing leis flanked by well wishers.
Access No. 142537 | 25 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about how Gordon Bennett came to be known as Tai Ko Seng or Big Brother.
Access No. 142538 | 13 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
VS colour photograph of Gordon Bennett drinking beer with Chinese workers and at party.
Access No. 142539 | 8 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
MS interview with Stephen Tan, Executive Union Christmas Island Workers 1975-84 talking about Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142540 | 6 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
VS colour photographs of Gordon Bennett drinking and partying with Chinese friends.
Access No. 142541 | 15 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about how Gordon Bennett was able to relate to the Chinese Christmas Island community. GS exterior of South Point temple and interior shots of offerings.
Access No. 142542 | 28 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of Gordon Bennett at union meeting and CU Bennett on microphone. Zoom out from workers at meeting. Narration concerning the white community's anger at Bennett's union activity.
Access No. 142543 | 18 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Gordon Bennett's daughter Tracey Bennett where she speaks of the difficulties she had at school and the bullying she experienced because of her father.
Access No. 142544 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
WS of schoolchildren playing on grass in bare feet. GS inside classroom with children raising arms in air to answer questions.
Access No. 142545 | 8 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
MS interview with Gordon Bennett's daughter Tracey Bennett where she speaks of the difficulties she had at school and the bullying she experienced because of her father.
Access No. 142546 | 7 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival WS of Gordon Bennett and others leaving union meeting and GS union members.
Access No. 142547 | 16 secs | 1970s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Teo Boon How, former Chief Interpreter Administrator's Office, talking about the process for calling a union meeting.
Access No. 142548 | 17 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of Gordon Bennett with other union members to meeting. VS outdoor meeting and MS Asian man with microphone. Zoom out to Bennett and others on stage with speaker.
Access No. 142549 | 20 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
MS interview with Kerry Walker, long-term teacher and resident on Christmas Island talking about Gordon Bennett's style of performing at union meetings.
Access No. 142550 | 10 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of Gordon Bennett at microphone during union meeting talking to members.
Access No. 142551 | 9 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
Aerial tracks over mining operations on Christmas Island. Railway tracks at mine shot from POV of train along them. High angle zoom into tractor digging. GS tracks around mine buildings.
Access No. 142552 | 19 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
GS inside classroom of Muslim children with Muslim teacher at whiteboard. CUs female teacher and girls wearing hijabs. CUs small boys wearing hats. VS children of mixed race playing on play equipment in playground.
Access No. 142553 | 28 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Contact Film Australia Collection Library | Colour |
Archival footage of bags of phosphate being lowered by crane onto boat. Tilted track along bow and side of container ship 'Baron Forbes'.
Access No. 142554 | 12 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
MS interview with Cheng Hang, President of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1979-89 talking about the Island's jubilation at the collapse of the BPC. WS tilt from Australian flag at top of flagpole down to GS entrance of Parliament House. WS of building. WS pan across mine buildings to giant crane over port with container ship below.
Access No. 142555 | 1 min 14 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island; Canberra, ACT, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival MS mine workers waiting behind fence at airport. GS families standing in car park waving. WS plane taking off from airport.
Access No. 142557 | 10 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
GS colour photographs of Gordon Bennett reclining on bed reading. MS photograph of Bennett drinking and smoking with Asian friends in bar. CU photograph of Bennett's wife Marion looking to camera unsmiling.
Access No. 142558 | 15 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
Flock of seagulls on edge of pond to Perth skyline in background. Perth at night with lights in darkened streets in foreground and LS to city skyline.
Access No. 142559 | 14 secs | 1990s | Perth, WA, Australia | © Wild Film Australia | Colour |
GS green cliffs and palm trees of Christmas Island. Tilt to bird circling in sky.
Access No. 142560 | 5 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Track following Flightways plane coming in to land at Christmas Island and MS of plane landing on tarmac with pilot in cabin visible.
Access No. 142561 | 17 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
Archival footage of mining operations on Christmas Island with phosphate from shute, front end loader digging and loading train trucks.
Access No. 142562 | 13 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
CU colour interview with Gordon Bennett talking about problems with the mining operations on Christmas Island.
Access No. 142563 | 2 secs | 1980s | Australia | © ABC | B&W |
WS entrance to Parliament House. MS interview with Steve Arnaudon, Assistant Secretary Department of Territories 1985-88 talking about the problems between the mine management, the union and the workers and non-workers at Christmas Island at the time he was involved.
Access No. 142564 | 1 min | 1990s | Canberra, ACT, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival colour footage of Gordon Bennett addressing union meeting on stage. VS members coming and going at outdoor meeting. WS members sitting on benches at meeting.
Access No. 142565 | 8 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
MS interview with Steve Arnaudon, Assistant Secretary Department of Territories 1985-88 talking about Gordon Bennett's style of management.
Access No. 142566 | 28 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival colour WS photo of Gordon Bennett posing with fellow Assembly members. Closer shot of Bennett with fellow union members also in the Assembly.
Access No. 142567 | 16 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
Archival CU Gordon Bennett speaking at microphone and WS of seated union members listening. VS of union meeting with Bennett seated at table at front and WS show of hands of members voting.
Access No. 142568 | 15 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Cheryl Wright, teacher and long-term Christmas Island resident talking about Gordon Bennett's ways of coping with stress.
Access No. 142569 | 17 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival WS Gordon Bennett addressing large outdoor crowd of union members from back of ute. CU Bennett walking into hall of union members and taking stage.
Access No. 142570 | 18 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about Gordon Bennett's divorce from his first wife. WS alter in South Point Temple and VS of Tracey Lim, Bennett's second wife, lighting candles.
Access No. 142571 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Slow-motion archival footage of Gordon Bennett and Tracey Lim. MS photograph of Bennett and Lim with arms linked as a couple.
Access No. 142572 | 9 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
MS interview with Steve Arnaudon, Assistant Secretary Department of Territories 1985-88 talking about his views of Tracey Lim-Bennett.
Access No. 142573 | 25 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Cheng Hang, President of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1979-89 adding his version of the animosity between Gordon Bennett and Steve Arnaudon.
Access No. 142574 | 19 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Steve Arnaudon, Assistant Secretary Department of Territories 1985-88 talking about his views of Gordon Bennett and his relationship with him.
Access No. 142575 | 31 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett, wife of Gordon Bennett and former employee of the Department of Territories talking about Steve Arnaudon.
Access No. 142576 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Cheng Hang, President of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1979-89 adding his version of the animosity between Gordon Bennett and Steve Arnaudon.
Access No. 142577 | 31 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of union meeting and CU Asian man in crowd and CU man holding baby.
Access No. 142578 | 7 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Network 10 Perth | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett, wife of Gordon Bennett and former employee of the Department of Territories talking about the constant demands on Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142579 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Cheryl Wright, teacher and long-term Christmas Island resident talking about her views on how Gordon Bennett operated.
Access No. 142580 | 25 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with long-term Christmas Island resident Jacqueline Kerr talking about her views of Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142581 | 21 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival CU Gordon Bennett talking to Asian colleague.
Access No. 142582 | 4 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about Gordon Bennett's drinking problem and the impact it had on his work.
Access No. 142583 | 12 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett, wife of Gordon Bennett and former employee of the Department of Territories talking about Gordon Bennett's problems with alcohol and the effect on their relationship.
Access No. 142584 | 17 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival CU Gordon Bennett sitting with others at table during informal gathering eating and drinking beer. CU of him drinking from can of beer.
Access No. 142586 | 8 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Cheryl Wright, teacher and long-term Christmas Island resident talking about her views on how Gordon Bennett lost his way.
Access No. 142587 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival MS of Gordon Bennett leaving airport being filmed by reporters and GS Island workers waiting for him at airport.
Access No. 142588 | 9 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about how Gordon Bennett's could operate as a trouble maker.
Access No. 142589 | 31 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of Gordon Bennett addressing crowd from back of ute with microphone. Pan to Asian worker's faces in crowd.
Access No. 142590 | 11 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Network 10 Perth | Colour |
Archival CU of Gordon Bennett talking into microphone inciting crowds.
Access No. 142591 | 3 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Steve Arnaudon, Assistant Secretary Department of Territories 1985-88 talking about warning Gordon Bennett against brinkmanship.
Access No. 142592 | 10 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Zoom into Bennett speaking into microphone standing at table at front of union meeting. CU pan of Asian worker's faces in crowd at union meeting.
Access No. 142593 | 18 secs | 1980s | Australia | © Network Ten Perth | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett, wife of Gordon Bennett and former employee of the Department of Territories talking about hearing of the closure of the Christmas Island phosphate mine via short wave radio.
Access No. 142594 | 23 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival GS of mine machinery and CU to padlock on chain gate. Tilt up to mine machinery sitting idle in background. VS around closed mine buildings and zoom in to empty lockers with doors flung open.
Access No. 142595 | 25 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett, wife of Gordon Bennett and former employee of the Department of Territories talking about the shock of the closure of the Christmas Island phosphate mine without consultation and Bob Hawke's role in it.
Access No. 142596 | 37 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Hon. R.J. Hawke, Prime Minister of Australia 1983-91 giving his remembrances on the Christmas Island phosphate mine closure.
Access No. 142597 | 30 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett, wife of Gordon Bennett and former employee of the Department of Territories talking about the immediate reaction to news of the closure of the Christmas Island phosphate mine.
Access No. 142598 | 6 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of former mine workers at airport with boxes and luggage.
Access No. 142599 | 18 secs | 1980s | Australia | © Network Ten Perth | Colour |
MS interview with Steve Arnaudon, Assistant Secretary Department of Territories 1985-88 talking about wanting to reduce the population on Christmas Island.
Access No. 142600 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival CU of Gordon Bennett talking to the media about the mine closure.
Access No. 142601 | 5 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
Archival footage of removalist trucks being loaded on residential streets and VS of locals watching.
Access No. 142602 | 27 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Cheryl Wright, teacher and long-term Christmas Island resident talking about the population dropping on Christmas Island.
Access No. 142603 | 11 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival MS interview with Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142604 | 6 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
Archival WS of Trans Australia jet plane on runway. VS former mine workers and their families leaving to board plane at airport. MS children and families at airport behind wire fence.
Access No. 142605 | 27 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Network Ten Perth | Colour |
MS interview with Cheryl Wright, teacher and long-term Christmas Island resident talking about people leaving the island by stealth.
Access No. 142606 | 10 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival WS of disused mine buildings on hillside. WS across water to mine. ECU of legal document "Union of Christmas Island Workers Phosphate mining Feasibility Study. Report" .
Access No. 142607 | 17 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett, wife of Gordon Bennett and former employee of the Department of Territories talking about analysis of Christmas Island phosphate mine's viability. WS pan along giant crane and mine works stretching over water.
Access No. 142608 | 21 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival MS interview with Gary Punch, Minister for Territories 1988 talking about doubts on the report commissioned by the Christmas Island Workers Union on their mine. Archival pan across mine to workers outside shed.
Access No. 142610 | 14 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Stephen Tan, Executive Union Christmas Island Workers 1975-84 talking about union members who remained on Christmas Island after the mine closure.
Access No. 142611 | 24 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Lai Ah Hong, Executive Union Christmas Island Workers 1978-93 talking about staying on Christmas Island after the mine closure.
Access No. 142612 | 12 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of Asian women at meeting and VS of other union members. CU interview with Gordon Bennett talking about a successor mining operation.
Access No. 142613 | 28 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about mine unionist's cash contributions to open a successor mining operation.
Access No. 142614 | 4 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival footage of Choy Lan in her office with CUs of her using a calculator, writing figures in book and accepting a cheque from man across counter. CU cheque for $10,000.
Access No. 142615 | 14 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about mine unionist's cash contributions to open a successor mining operation.
Access No. 142616 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Good WS dramatic bright orange sunset filtering through clouds over sea with silhouetted industrial structure to left of screen.
Access No. 142617 | 4 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Slow zoom into interior of temple with candles burning on alter amidst various objects.
Access No. 142618 | 10 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
WS wedding photograph of Gordon Bennett and Tracey Lim. CU wedding photo with Bennett and Lim looking at each other. Photograph of Bennett with his two children at table.
Access No. 142619 | 15 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
MS interview with Gordon Bennett's daughter Tracey talking about how Tracey Lim had helped reunite her and her brother with their father.
Access No. 142620 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS photograph of Tracey Bennett with her father Gordon.
Access No. 142621 | 5 secs | 1980s | Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | Colour |
MS interview with Gordon Bennett's daughter Tracey talking about how Tracey Lim had helped reunite her and her brother with their father.
Access No. 142622 | 7 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
GS sign and banner for Union of Christmas Island Workers on outside of building.
Access No. 142623 | 3 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
VS union meeting with VS of Asian mine workers including CUs of faces as Gordon Bennett addresses them. WS of members clapping.
Access No. 142624 | 17 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Steve Arnaudon, Assistant Secretary Department of Territories 1985-88 talking about the issue of racism on Christmas Island. GS group of young Asian schoolchildren sitting on wall, WS schoolchildren boarding bus and closer shot of boys entering bus. GS young Muslim schoolchildren in hijabs and hats. WS trio of white women in exercise gear, one pushing twins in stroller in street.
Access No. 142625 | 1 min 6 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Low aerial over mine and surrounding landscape and shot over trucks lined up at mine. WS piles of sand and view along trucks lined up.
Access No. 142626 | 13 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
Archival MS interview with Gordon Bennett talking about a new mine.
Access No. 142627 | 6 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
MS of large mine truck and WS static crane on open cut mine. Aerial shot over mine.
Access No. 142628 | 8 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
High angle pan across bay from coastline across water to mine works on other side. MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett talking about losing a court case over the new mine.
Access No. 142635 | 31 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival WS photograph of Gordon Bennett with lawyers and others outside court.
Access No. 142636 | 4 secs | 1980s | Australia | © Network Ten Perth | Colour |
Archival MS of cameramen and reporters outside court and CU interview with Gordon Bennett talking about unfavourable court ruling. CU glum faces of Asian unionists Cheng Hang and Teo Boon How and Tracy Lim-Bennett.
Access No. 142637 | 23 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett talking about the manner in which the court case over the new Christmas Island mine was conducted.
Access No. 142638 | 32 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival pan from street to union headquarters and zoom in to signage on front of building.
Access No. 142639 | 14 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett talking about winning the court court case over the new Christmas Island mine on appeal.
Access No. 142640 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about winning the court court case over the new Christmas Island mine.
Access No. 142641 | 17 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
CU Chinese dragon at celebrations. VS smiling people celebrating, food being served at buffet and CU drums being beaten.
Access No. 142642 | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Contact Film Australia Collection Library | Colour |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett talking about Gordon Bennett's doubts about starting the new mine.
Access No. 142643 | 19 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival CU of Gordon Bennett speaking and MS man at table writing. WS view through doorway of Bennett attending meeting and MS Bennett standing at table.
Access No. 142644 | 13 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | Colour |
Good WS mine structures and smoking chimney silhouetted against golden sunset and clouds. Various WS against sunset and cantilever. GS UCIW monument in park. CU to scales hanging from top of monument.
Access No. 142646 | 26 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
CU B&W photographs of Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142647 | 5 secs | 1980s | Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | B&W |
Archival B&W photograph of Gordon Bennett with megaphone.
Access No. 142648 | 2 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
MS B&W photograph of Gordon Bennett with arm around Cheng Hang and another man.
Access No. 142649 | 1 sec | 1980s | Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | B&W |
CU B&W photograph of Gordon Bennett laughing with Bob Hawke.
Access No. 142650 | 13 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | B&W |
MS B&W photograph of Gordon Bennett standing with others in front of Parliament House, Canberra. WS Bennett holding small child amongst group. CUs of Bennett.
Access No. 142651 | 10 secs | 1980s | Australia | © Tracey Lim-Bennett | B&W |
Archival B&W CU photographs of Gordon Bennett.
Access No. 142652 | 12 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
Archival CU series of B&W photographs of Gordon Bennett with and without microphone showing his physical deterioration.
Access No. 142653 | 10 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Nine Network Australia | B&W |
Archival B&W CU photographs of Gordon Bennett showing signs of physical deterioration.
Access No. 142654 | 5 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
MS interview with Tracey Lim-Bennett talking about Gordon Bennett's physical collapse and becoming visibly distressed.
Access No. 142656 | 59 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Seet Choy Lan, Secretary of the Union of Christmas Island Workers 1978-91 talking about the island's reaction to Gordon Bennett's death.
Access No. 142658 | 11 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS interview with Gordon Bennett's daughter Tracey talking about the immediate reaction after her father's death.
Access No. 142659 | 9 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
CU paper being held over candle flame and CU paper burning as part of religious ritual.
Access No. 142660 | 7 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
WS photograph of funeral cortege for Gordon Bennett and closer shot of same. GS Tracey Lim-Bennett beside coffin. VS of funeral and MS Tracey with handful of earth. CU of Bennett's two children. WS mourners sitting on chairs during outdoor service.
Access No. 142661 | 25 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Tan Kim Chuan | Colour |
CU statue and candle in temple and fade to CU lion head statue. WS and GS resort casino overlooking coastline.
Access No. 142662 | 11 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
MS private jet on airport tarmac. MS valet opening car door. ECU roulette wheel and zoom out to wheel and table in casino. ECU cards being laid down on table and VS croupier at blackjack table and CUs gambling chips.
Access No. 142663 | 19 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Network Ten Perth | Colour |
VS protests on Christmas Island during the currency crisis of 1997 with GS men holding banner, protesters with megaphones and protesters closing in on casino. Pan along protest banners.
Access No. 142664 | 20 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
Lai Ah Hong, CEO Christmas Island Phosphates addressing friends on the latest crisis to face the islanders. CUs faces in crowd. CUs faces of people mourning for Gordon Bennett during memorial service for him. CUs Tracey Lim-Bennett.
Access No. 142665 | 1 min 2 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Contact Film Australia Collection Library | Colour |
B&W archival footage of early mine workers. VS Chinese Coolie labourers with rail trucks at the mine and GS shovelling.
Access No. 142666 | 8 secs | 1890s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | B&W |
Archival MS of surveyor in sunglasses, CU Asian worker and GS men unloading sacks from conveyor belt. Voice-over of Tracey Lim-Bennett.
Access No. 142668 | 9 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Commonwealth Department of Transport & Regional Services (Pacific and Indian Ocean Territories) | Colour |
B&W photograph of workers' protest. MS colour photographs of Teo Boon How and CU Teo with microphone.
Access No. 142669 | 7 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © Stephen Tan | Colour |
CU interview with a tearful Tracey Lim-Bennett talking about Gordon Bennett's legacy.
Access No. 142671 | 8 secs | 1990s | Australia | © NFSA | Colour |
Archival CU photographs of Gordon Bennett's face.
Access No. 142672 | 7 secs | 1980s | Christmas Island, Australia | © ABC | B&W |
Good WS bright orange sunset with golden shafts of light over ocean, clouds in sky and silhouetted foliage in foreground. Fade to night shot with WS full moon in sky. Fade to flag fluttering with moon in background. Closing credits.
Access No. 142673 | 1 min 36 secs | 1990s | Christmas Island, Australia | © NFSA | Colour |