A look at the island in Queensland where the WikiLeaks publisher, now free and returned home to Australia, grew up.
George Hirst, former editor of the Magnetic Times, speaks to CN Live! about Julian Assange’s early life on Yunbenun, aka Magnetic Island, and the island’s history. Assange was born in Townsville, Queensland just opposite the island, which is part of Townsville.
With great sorrow we learned of the loss of someone in this film, Alison Mason. Alison was a tireless supporter of freedom of information and for the release of her fellow Australian journalist, Assange. As a resident of Townsville she petitioned for a public sculpture in his honour. Alison spoke to CN Live! about Assange last year. In her lifetime, she saw him freed and returned home to Australia.
Interviewers: Joe Lauria & Cathy Vogan. Images: Cathy Vogan & George Hirst/Penelope Sheridan from Cranky Curlew Films. Extra footage courtesy of Dr. Andy Lewis and David Peart.