Bats, Balls and Bigotry

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In the remote outback settlement of Greenfield Plains, newly appointed schoolteacher Kevin Bell faces entrenched sexism and racism when he tries to register his pupils for a school cricket tournament. Determined to create a team, Kevin includes girls and local Aboriginal children, only to have his submission rejected by the education department’s outdated policies.

Undeterred, Kevin rallies the support of the entire district, sparking a movement that draws in the local Member of Parliament and garners attention from the national radio network. Together, the small community challenges systemic prejudice and wins the right for their team to compete.

Though their performance on the cricket field falls short of victory, the diverse group of children from Greenfield Plains earns admiration for their sportsmanship, resilience, and courage, leaving an indelible mark far beyond the game itself.

Terry Richardson spent his youth in the Australian outback, first on huge cattle stations, then in the little town of Brewarrina. In 1971, after leaving school at age 15, he boarded the slow train to the big city, carrying one suitcase and his prized guitar. In Sydney, he tried many occupations, including railway, labouring and even a two-year stint in law enforcement as a constable.

He trained as a mechanic, then joined NSW Fire/Rescue.

He spent thirty years as a fireman, retiring in 2012.

Soon after arriving in Sydney, 16 y/o Terry met 14 y/o Linda. They were married in 1975 and are still together. They have two sons, a daughter, and eleven grandchildren.

After moving around the vast state of NSW, they are now settled in the coastal town of Macksville.