Grace Beside Me
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Television |
| Founded | February 16, 2018 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Children's fantasy drama television series |
Grace Beside Me is an Australian children's fantasy drama television series that debuted on NITV on 16 February 2018 and was subsequently broadcast on ABC Me. Adapted from Sue McPherson's novel of the same name, the show was shot in the Scenic Rim Region of South East Queensland. The production featured an entirely female creative team, including Indigenous Australian writers.
The narrative is set in the fictional town of Laurel Dale and centers on Fuzzy Mac, an Indigenous Australian teenager who experiences typical adolescent challenges while also possessing the supernatural ability to communicate with spirits. The series delves into themes such as identity, family bonds, kinship, and belonging within an Indigenous cultural context. It prominently highlights Australian Aboriginal culture and was developed in collaboration with Screen Australia's Indigenous Department alongside the Australian Children's Television Foundation.
Grace Beside Me received acclaim for its portrayal of Aboriginal culture, earning a nomination for Best Children's Program at the 2018 AACTA Awards. Additionally, it garnered two nominations for Most Outstanding Children's Program at the Logie Awards. The series won the 2018 First Nations Media Award for Best Drama or Comedy and secured an Australian Directors' Guild Award in 2019 for the episode titled "Sorry."
Premise
The story follows 13-year-old Fuzzy Mac, an Indigenous Australian girl who uncovers her ability to see and communicate with spirits. Residing in the rural community of Laurel Dale with her grandparents Nan and Pop, she learns about her diverse heritage that includes Aboriginal, Irish, and South Sea Islander roots. Her father Sonny (played by Lasarus Ratuere) works fly-in fly-out shifts in mining, while Fuzzy’s mother passed away during her infancy, prompting Fuzzy to be raised by her paternal grandparents.
As Fuzzy enters adolescence and starts high school alongside friends Tui and Yar, she discovers her spiritual gift on her thirteenth birthday. Under her grandmother’s mentorship, she embraces her role as a seer and guardian of Lola's Forest—a sacred place protected by ancestral spirits. Throughout the series, Fuzzy learns to harness her abilities responsibly by aiding spirits to resolve lingering issues. The storyline also addresses interpersonal conflicts with classmates Cat and Emmy.
Main
- Kyliric Masella portrays Fuzzy Mac, a self-assured thirteen-year-old girl of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander descent who has a talent for art and discovers her spiritual communication powers.
- Tjiirdm McGuire plays Yar, Fuzzy’s dramatic and expressive friend.
- Mairehau Grace appears as Tui, Fuzzy’s closest friend of Māori descent with interests in languages and technology.
- Charles Passi takes on the role of Pop McCardell, Fuzzy’s sharp-witted grandfather of South Sea Islander heritage who enjoys playing bagpipes.
- Tessa Rose plays Nan McCardell, Fuzzy’s grandmother who belongs to the Stolen Generations and possesses a sensitivity to spirits.
Recurring
- Simone Landers is Lola, the spirit of Fuzzy’s great-grandmother who escaped a Christian mission and now protects Lola's Forest.
- Andrew Buchanan features as Mayor Ridgeway, Laurel Dale’s mayor and father to Cat.
- Elaine Crombie appears as Miss Long, Fuzzy’s teacher in seventh grade.
- Emma Cobb portrays Cat Ridgeway, the mayor’s self-centered daughter.
- Lucy Adair plays Emmy Chu, a popular student who struggles with embracing her Chinese background.
- Roxanne McDonald acts as Aunty Min, Nan’s sister and local historian who was also removed from her family during childhood.
- Ginger Dickens is Esther, Fuzzy’s outspoken eleven-year-old cousin living with Aunty Min.
- Jack Henry plays Mr. Steiner, Fuzzy’s German neighbor passionate about gardening who teaches violin to Esther.
- Dylan Drabowicz appears as Jesse, a fourteen-year-old skateboarder interested in Tui.
- Peter Sandy portrays Johnno Buchanan, Fuzzy’s lively next-door neighbor.
- Jada Page is Georgia "George" Buchanan, Johnno’s sister and neighbor.
- Braden Lewis plays Billy Buchanan, the youngest sibling living next door to Fuzzy.
- Michael Fryer takes on the role of Teddy, a thirteen-year-old newcomer to Laurel Dale adjusting after his parents’ divorce.
Guest Appearances
- Lasarus Ratuer portrays Sonny McCardell, who is Fuzzy's father and the offspring of Nan and Pop, employed as a FIFO miner.
- Umema Curtis appears as Grace McCardell, the ethereal presence of Fuzzy's deceased mother who reveals herself to Fuzzy; both share an artistic gift for drawing, with Grace’s totem symbolized by the magpie.
Origins and Development
Sue McPherson, writer of the 2012 novel Grace Beside Me, partnered with producers Lois Randall and Dena Curtis to transform the story into the short film Nan and a Whole Lot of Trouble (2014), backed by the First Nations branches of Screen Australia and the ABC. The book was optioned by Randall’s production company Magpie Pictures. During post-production, conversations with Penny Smallacombe, head of Screen Australia's First Nations division, and Mary-Ellen Mullane from NITV sparked interest in adapting the material into a series. Although initial funding was insufficient at NITV, a partnership with ABC’s Head of Children's and Education Michael Carrington led to co-commissioning support, which later facilitated projects such as Little J & Big Cuz and Thalu. Financial backing was provided by Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, along with a pre-sale agreement with Disney.
In January 2017, NITV greenlit Grace Beside Me as its inaugural scripted drama series aimed at children aged 8 to 12. The narrative merges modern-day challenges with Australian Aboriginal culture, centering on Fuzzy Mac as she balances two distinct worlds. This fantasy drama was commissioned for 13 episodes, produced under Magpie Pictures, and debuted on NITV. Screen Australia's Indigenous Department highlighted the importance of developing Indigenous and culturally diverse youth programming. The production was spearheaded by an all-female leadership team comprising Aboriginal producers and writers. ABC co-commissioned the series for broadcast on ABC Me, while Disney Channel acquired additional rights for Australia and New Zealand.
Producers Lois Randall and Dena Curtis worked closely with Aboriginal communities throughout production, including engagement with traditional custodians of Mununjali country following the relocation of the storyline to Queensland. The writing team included individuals from Aboriginal, South Sea Islander, and Māori people heritage. Early workshops also featured participation from Shari Sebbens.
Mary-Ellen Mullane fulfilled the role of NITV executive producer; Libbie Doherty served as executive producer representing ABC.
Scriptwriting
The scripts for Grace Beside Me are developed within the magic realism framework to portray modern adolescent experiences. Curtis and Randall appreciated McPherson’s depiction of small regional communities, resonating with their own rural origins. While the original novel targeted teenage readers, the adaptation was tailored for an 8–12-year-old demographic in the television series. Throughout development, writers and producers engaged closely with Aboriginal Healers, Australian South Sea Islanders, and the Mununjali Aboriginal Elders Group from Beaudesert, Queensland. Elements of the Mununjali language are incorporated into episodes inspired by stories shared by Mununjali Elders. Māori author Briar Grace-Smith contributed to scriptwriting to ensure an authentic portrayal of the Māori character Tui, describing her writing style as "snappy and fast-paced." Other contributors included Gina Roncoli, Danielle MacLean, Sue McPherson herself, and Tristan Savage.
Filming
The production commenced in July 2017, with filming spanning eleven weeks within the Scenic Rim Region of South East Queensland. The series was created on the Traditional Territories of the Mununjali and Ugarapul Peoples. The fictional setting of Laurel Dale was crafted by incorporating landmarks from Boonah and Beaudesert. Local community members participated as extras, and cast members were honored with a welcoming ceremony conducted by Elders from Beaudesert. Directional responsibilities were shared among Lynn-Maree Danzey, Nicholas Verso, and Beck Cole. Kyliric Masella took on the lead role as Fuzzy Mac, supported by Mairehau Grac and Tjiirdm McGuire portraying Tui and Yar respectively. Throughout filming, Masella formed strong bonds with fellow actors while managing academic commitments alongside the production schedule.
The opening theme, "Grace Beside Me," was written by Amanda Brown and Emily Wurramara and performed by Wurramara.
The series debuted on NITV on 16 February 2018, followed by broadcasts on ABC Me starting 8 July 2018 and later on Disney Channel from 5 March 2019.
Release and distribution
The show first aired on NITV on 16 February 2018, subsequently appearing on ABC Me. International distribution rights are handled by 9 Story Media Group.
Reception
Grace Beside Me garnered acclaim for its authentic portrayal of Australian Aboriginal culture. Mandy Nolan from Mamamia lauded the Indigenous Australian ensemble, noting its distinctive emphasis on Indigenous narratives in contrast to those centered around "white kids". Melinda Houston praised the scriptwriting in episode six, "Hangi Sleepover," describing it as "fresh, honest and funny," while highlighting the series' ability to engage both young audiences and their parents.
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year | Recipient(s) / Nominee(s) | Category | Outcome | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AACTA Awards | 2018 | Grace Beside Me | Best Children's Program | Template:Nom | |
| Screen Music Awards | 2018 | Amanda Brown and Emily Wurramara (for "Grace Beside Me") | Best Original Song Composed for the Screen | Template:Nom | |
| ATOM Awards | 2018 | Grace Beside Me | Best Children's Television Program | Template:Nom | |
| Australian Directors' Guild Awards | 2019 | Nicholas Verso (for "Sorry") | Best Direction in a Children's TV or SVOD Drama Program | Template:Won | |
| AWGIE Awards | 2018 | Giula Sandler (for "Love Me, Love Me Not") | Children's Television – C Classification (Children's 5–14 Years), Original or Adapted, Animated or Performed | Template:Nom | |
| Chicago International Children's Film Festival | 2018 | Grace Beside Me | Official Selection | Template:Won | |
| First Nations Media Awards | 2018 | Grace Beside Me | Best Drama or Comedy | Template:Won | |
| Logie Awards | 2018 | 'Most Outstanding Children's Program' | Template:Nom | ||
| 2019 | 'Most Outstanding Children's Program' | Template:Nom | |||
| Prix Jeunesse International Awards | 2018 | 'TV – 7–10 Fiction (Children's)' | Template:Nom | ||
| 2018 | 'UNESCO Special Prize' | Template:Nom | |||
| Screen Producers Australia Awards | 2018 | 'Children's Series Production of the Year' | Template:Won |
References
Notes
Citations
Bibliography
- Articles with short description
- National Indigenous Television original programming
- Australian Broadcasting Corporation original programming
- 2018 Australian television series debuts
- Australian teen drama television series
- 2010s Australian drama television series
- Australian English-language television shows
- Australian television series about teenagers
- Television shows set in Queensland