Rachael Lucas
Sale, VIC
Rachael has worked as a music video director, documentary maker, writer, rock photographer and mentor and trainer for emerging filmmakers for over 10 years, before joining the ABC in 2010.
She is known for her cult Japanese surfing road film Bondi Tsunami, and for her guerrilla approach to filmmaking, and has developed a keen interest in writing in recent years.
Latest by Rachael Lucas
Fans spot movie star Liam Neeson in Victorian town transformed into Hollywood set
A historic gold mining town that usually has a population of 20 is teeming with tourists and movie production staff as filming starts on action thriller Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky.
Seasonal workers and their Australian dollars are changing the Pacific. But at what cost?
With the nation's growing dependence on a Pacific Islander workforce, especially in regional areas, attention is shifting towards improving worker welfare and wellbeing.
Historical protest poster exhibition highlights environmental fears
With protests seemingly becoming a fixture of contemporary Melbourne life, a new exhibition reflects on a formative era in Victoria's protest history.
The art cubes that are popping up in country towns
Shipping containers have been converted into mini art galleries to give artists in Victoria's South Gippsland a free space to show their work, catching the attention of passers-by.
Island's new cultural landmark funnels diverse creative influences into artistic showcase
An organiser of the first exhibition at a new $30 million cultural centre says Victorian Aboriginal artists "really put themselves out there" with their stories and styles.
'Tired, grumpy, cranky': Hospitality sector desperate for workers plugs roster gaps with existing staff, family members
If you've been to a pub, restaurant, cafe or fast food outlet recently, you've most likely experienced increased wait times accompanied by the apology: "Sorry, we're short staffed".
Accused of being a spy, world-record-breaking adventurer Ted Ryko found refuge in outback Aboriginal communities
After riding 3,000 kilometres from Adelaide to Darwin in 1914, Ted Ryko was lauded as a hero. Then World War I broke out and facing harassment, he fled to Arnhem Land, where he would form a unique connection with Aboriginal people.
Couple become 'vehicles for change' in the Pacific through dedication to faith and humanity
From their adventures bush bashing with Vanuatu's poorest farmers, to dining with the highest echelons of government, Don and Meg MacRaild's connection to the Pacific nation dates back to 1945.
Local museums struggling to stay open as fading interest threatens to consign them to history
High overheads, shifting community priorities and an ageing volunteer base threaten the long-term survival of local historical societies, which hold the stories of the regions.
Fun-seekers rediscovering the joy of board games as 'offline' movement gathers pace
While some adults may fear board games are too analogue and obsolete to share with their technology-absorbed kids, the treasured pastime has been making a return to kitchen tables.
Good vibrations: Could the power of sound help improve your wellbeing?
Meet the people using sound meditation to help relieve stress, relax and feel better.
Australian cheesemakers snatch glory from France and Italy for the first time in 125 years
A boutique outfit from South Gippsland has been named "supreme artisan" on the international stage, cementing Australia's presence as a force to be reckoned with in the world of specialty cheese.
The mushroom deaths have put South Gippsland in the spotlight, but now some in the community want the attention to ease off
The deaths of three people after suspected poisoning has brought a lot of focus on South Gippsland, but there's now an eagerness for the attention to subside.
With only a third of homes lost in the Gippsland bushfires rebuilt, residents are in a race against time
Funding is drying up for the East Gippsland Timber Milling project, with more than 180 property owners still hoping to tap in and salvage their old timber before it deteriorates.
Gas-guzzling grunt and swagger of Aussie cars in the 70s put on display
A new exhibition in regional Victoria takes vintage car lovers on a cruise down memory lane to the automotive hedonism of 1970s Australia.
How a distinctive sound and places to play live music are emerging in regional areas
As more and more creative people move to regional Victoria, new music communities are emerging — and thriving.
'I'd forgive my mother for a lot of things': Art depicts motherhood in all its unspoken mysteries and flaws
Much of Klara Jones's work is indicative of the juggling act of motherhood — the mental load of household, the management of children, the appeasement of partners and a life taken up by the needs of family.
EV uptake, future of AI among 'big ideas' discussed at Gippsland festival
Everything from robotic broccoli harvesting to AI that can guess the shape of a person's face by listening to their voice was up for discussion at Traralgon's recent Festival of Big Ideas.
The travellers 'giving back' to the people and places they visit through 'regenerative tourism'
The pandemic has accentuated a desire for "slow travel" as people re-evaluate their life priorities and relationship with work, with an increasing emphasis on "giving back" to the places visited.
These women chose wellbeing over stressful careers — and they haven't looked back
Exhausted and feeling like her work was "never enough", Jodie Tuckwell-Knight gave away her chief executive position in Melbourne to move to "an untapped treasure", to enjoy beach walks and time to notice the world around her.
Barry guides people through their final stages of life. He says making peace with life is the secret to a good death
Working as a palliative care counsellor has given Barry insight into what happens when someone is at the end of their life.
Generations ago, families were ripped apart in the Pacific. Now, these women are working to reunite them
After thousands of people were taken from islands in the Pacific in the 19th century and brought to Australia to work, their only link home was storytelling and song — now, with the rise of social media and affordable travel, their descendants are working to reunite families that were torn apart.
Veggie patch venture helps boy living with autism connect
What started as a positive outlet for a Victorian family has grown into a successful side hustle that has attracted plenty of interest.
Why these volunteers are helping to steer people in need past fast, cheap comfort food
Staff from businesses and organisations in regional Victoria are donating a day of their time to prepare up to 150 pre-packaged, home-cooked, nutritious meals.
The country town defying cost-of-living pressures with a booming nightlife
The heart of a regional Victorian town beats loudly on Saturday nights despite the rising cost of living.