RAN Remote Area Nurse
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | January 5, 2006 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Television drama series |
RAN (Remote Area Nurse) is a drama series from Australia that premiered on SBS on 5 January 2006. The entire production was shot on Masig Island (Yorke Island), situated in the Torres Strait, Queensland, close to the Papua New Guinea border. It explores the cultural interactions between Torres Strait Islanders and Indigenous Australians from the mainland. The cast prominently includes Islander actors and numerous local extras.
The series became available on DVD as of 20 February 2006.
Outline
Debuting in early 2006 on SBS, the storyline follows Helen Tremain (Susie Porter), a Remote Area Nurse delivering healthcare services within a remote Torres Strait Islander community.
Drama
The plot focuses on Helen’s relationship with Russ Gaibui (Charles Passi), the island’s Chairman, and his intricate family life involving his wife Ina and their children Eddie, Solomon, Paul (adopted), Nancy, and Faith (adopted). Across six episodes, the show delves into issues such as the assimilation of white Australians into Islander society; problems related to alcohol abuse and smuggling; family relationships; external influences; and how tropical weather patterns affect daily life and interpersonal connections within the community.
Accuracy
Rooted in authentic experiences, the series incorporates numerous idiomatic expressions reflecting local circumstances. Islanders communicate in their native language, accompanied by subtitles for wider comprehension. The involvement of Islanders as extras and contributors was extensive throughout production.
Cast
- Susie Porter - Helen Tremain (Remote Area Nurse) - recipient of the 2007 Logie for Best Actress
- Charles Passi - Russ Gaibui (Chairman of the island)
- Billy Mitchell - Robert Henry Hoffman (Robbo), operator of a barge
- Luke Carroll - Paul Gaibui (Russ and Ina’s adopted son)
- Margaret Harvey - Nancy Gaibui (daughter of Russ and Ina; mother to Faith)
- Merwez Whaleboat - Bernadette (Paul Gaibui’s partner; mother to two daughters)
- Jimi Bani - Solomon Gaibui (second son of Russ and Ina; serves as island quarantine officer)
- Aaron Fa'aoso - Eddie Gaibui (eldest son; Christian minister; resides off-island but returns frequently)
- Serai Zaro - Ina Gaibui (Russ’s wife; matriarch of the clan)
- Peta Brady - Lindy Gaibui (Solomon’s white spouse; mother of Grace)
- Belford Lui - Mick Gaibui (Russ’s brother; serves as island policeman and church deacon)
- Louisa Taylor - Myrtle (community member with cognitive challenges)
- Santa Marina Rodgers - Mrs Augustus (community elder and former midwife)
- Moses Kaddy - Doug Augustus (community member diagnosed with schizophrenia)
- Norah Bagiri - Lucy (healthcare worker assisting the Remote Area Nurse)
- Fred Kebisu - Amos (child from the island community)
- Bruce Spence - Vince (white businessman; owner of a bar)
- John Brumpton - George (Vince’s brother; also owns a bar)
- Felix Williamson - Dr John Bourke (fly-in medical practitioner)
- Gabriel Ingui - Tuuks (islander)
Crew
- Penny Chapman - Producer
- David Caesar & Catriona McKenzie - Directors
- Helen Pankhurst - Co-Producer
- John Alsop, Alice Addison, Sue Smith - Screenwriters
- George Mye - Cultural Advisor (Islander and local government representative)
- Robyn White - Medical Advisor (experienced remote area nurse since 1992)
- David Bridie - Music Producer
- Ian Jones - Director of Photography
- Jon Rohde - Production Designer
- Greg Apps - Casting Director
- Shawn Seet - Film Editor
Episodes
Awards
The series and its performers have been honored with several accolades and nominations.
- During the 2006 Australian Film Institute Awards, it secured three awards
- Best Screenplay awarded to Sue Smith for the fifth episode
- Best Actress in a Drama awarded to Susie Porter
- Best Series
- At the 2007 Logies, it achieved
- Most Outstanding Actress awarded to Susie Porter
- Additional nominations comprised
- Most Outstanding Drama Series, Miniseries or Telemovie
- Most Outstanding New Talent for Aaron Fa'aoso