LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION IN BLUE MOUNTAINS FOR BUS STOP FILMS

It was lights, camera and action in Blackheath, Mt Victoria and Lithgow this month as Bus Stop Films shot its first feature film, Boss Cat.

Bus Stop Films is a female, disability led, not-for-profit social enterprise that uses filmmaking and the film industry to raise the profile of people living with disabilities and other marginalised groups, on both sides of the camera, through education, content creation, advocacy and employment.

Their latest film is supported by the Australian Government, and Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman and Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, went on set to meet the cast and crew.

“Boss Cat was successful in securing funding under the Building Employer Confidence grant for their Inclusive Crewing Project which employs 10 members from Bus Stop Employment on the production,” Ms Templeman said.

Ms Templeman and Ms Plibersek met with the actors and crew in Blackheath, including lead Olivia Hargroder, a proud member of the Down Syndrome community, and Bus Stop Films’ CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett.

“What happens behind the camera is always fascinating, and it was great to get a glimpse of Bus Stop Film’s approach which offers distinctive on-screen and production roles for multiple young adults with disabilities.” Ms Templeman said.

Boss Cat is the story of 23-year-old Sonja, a woman with Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) who, after her mother dies, campaigns against the plans of her estranged grandmother to sell the family home and send her away.

“Inclusive and supportive industry organisations like Bus Stop Films are a gamechanger for people with disability. Not only do they provide amazing employment opportunities but they’re an avenue for people with disability to pursue their passions and express their creativity.

“And as Special Envoy for the Arts, I am always interested in seeing the way a cross section of government departments and funded agencies can help support the arts, as this one does from the Department of Social Services as well as Screen Australia,” she said.

ENDS
MONDAY 14 JULY 2025