(Photo: Supplied)
June 27, 2022
Multi award-winning actress, director, writer and producer – and former Murgon resident – Leah Purcell has been honoured at an outback film festival.
Leah now has her own star on the Winton Walk of Fame.
The star was unveiled on Saturday at the 9th annual Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival.
Leah, who is this year’s festival patron, was celebrated for her remarkable contribution to the Australian film industry.
Her feature film, “The Drover’s Wife” was recently released in Australian cinemas.
Leah’s career has seen her gain leading roles in the TV series Police Rescue (1996), Redfern Now (2012-2013) and Wentworth (2012-2021).
“As a proud Queenslander and Goa, Gunggari, Wakka Wakka Murri woman, receiving this award on home soil means more than words can say; it’s another important step towards giving voice to our people as the truth-tellers on the big screen,” Leah said.
“My hope is that through these shared stories, a beautiful homecoming transpires where unity is found and inspiration triumphs – calling untapped Indigenous talent to believe in the power of film to connect us together as one.”
NB. The Goa people are the traditional owners of the Winton region.
Congratulations Leah on winning your Winton star, you deserve every award which comes your way. Having recently seen The Drover’s Wife in the Kingaroy cinema I was astounded and so impressed with your outstanding acting, directing and scripting skills, so well done. Besides all of that, you are such a lovely, humble person whose feet are firmly on the ground.