Val Blackett: Kindness, Valour and Humour features the wartime experiences of a teenage gunner stationed at Newcastle and Stockton. It is the twentieth film produced by the Stories of Our Town team.
The Most Important Job in Australia
Valerie Jean Blackett was one of a number of girls who were stationed at Wave Battery as part of the Newcastle Fortress. On their first day there, a “wonderful sergeant” said:
“You girls have probably got the most important job in the whole of Australia. You have to protect B.H.P. and the Port.”
The Newcastle Fortress
The protection of the B.H.P. Steelworks at Newcastle and the heart of the Australian defence manufacturing heartland was a national priority, named the Newcastle Fortress, one of two places (along with Sydney) to be afforded such importance and prominence.
Val the Storyteller
Valerie first came to attention of film makers Chit Chat von Loopin Stab and Tony Whittaker as the (then) engaging 98-year-old storyteller during the making of the Fortress Newcastle film (2021).
“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.” said Chit Chat
To find a woman alive and well who served in Newcastle in WW2, makes her very special. Her bravery at such an early age, (defending Newcastle behind the guns at the tender age of 17) coupled with her warmth and love of the people in Newcastle and Stockton will make for glorious viewing.
Val spoke of her fervour for winning dance competitions at the Newcastle Town Hall and the generosity of the people of Stockton. She ended the interview with the tale of her working a full shift on guard at Fort Wallace while unaware she had a bullet in her skull!
It’s important to pay tribute to the Women that served to keep us safe. Coupled with personal photos and archival footage, the story of Valerie Blackett is one that all Australians of all ages will come to love and cherish.” he said.
From the Vaults
The film features photographs from Val’s personal archive, with historical footage, re-enactments, and many other historical images sourced from nearly a dozen local historical societies.
The part of young Val in the film is played by Director Chit Chat von Loopin Stab’s (a.k.a. Glenn Dormand) eldest daughter, Coco.
ANZAC Day March 2024 to be her last
Val, now in her one hundredth year, will lead the 2024 Anzac Day March in Sydney.
In so doing she will represent those who served to keep Newcastle and its industries safe during WW2.
Due to her advanced age, she has stated that this will be her last march, and so makes this the best time to celebrate this spectacular human being.
Watch the Film
This is the first story to be released in Series 2 of the Stories of Our Town.
Watch all the films for FREE here
https://www.youtube.com/@storiesofourtown456
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