The Last of the Locals

We are addressing commercialisation and climate change, as well as multiculturalism in regional Australia, touching on immigration and people finding opportunities to make a better life.

The Last of the Locals is more than a film about a ski town – it’s about what happens when a tight-knit community collides with an uncertain future. Through the lens of Thredbo, we explore the impact of environmental shifts on an industry built on snow, the resilience of those who call it home, and the tension between corporate expansion and local identity.
At its core, this is a story of survival – of landscapes, livelihoods, and culture. As climate shifts threaten the very thing Thredbo relies on, the film asks: what does sustainability really look like in a place built on a fading resource? It highlights the drive of immigrants shaping the town’s future, the elders watching their history fade, and the people fighting to keep the balance.
With stunning visuals and an intimate, character-driven approach, The Last of the Locals sparks conversation about adaptation, responsibility, and what we stand to lose if we don’t act now.

We hope to achieve global awareness amongst the world’s ski resorts, and through their actions be able to reach a far greater audience with this message. It’s hoped that by highlighting Thredbo we can show what’s working for the organisation, and what’s not. This can be viewed from a corporate point of view or individual, and the fact there’s no other observational film like this that’s set in a ski resort means it’s a first for the world.

My connection to Thredbo runs deep – my family owned an old lodge there for many years, and from 2010 I lived in the village year-round for about five years, even having my first child there. This history gives me a strong understanding of the village’s culture and the importance of capturing its story with the right tone. This film will showcase Thredbo’s depth – not just as a resort, but as a place shaped by people who genuinely care about its future. I still know many people that live and work there including family members, as well as knowing the geography and hidden quirks of the town.
As the old guard fades and climate change accelerates, now is the time to document this shift – honouring Thredbo’s past while exploring its evolving future. The political dynamics of the village are shifting right now, and it’s important to capture these changes as they’re happening.

We will be engaging local and national environmental charities and would like to prompt audiences to become involved a the end of the film. The local charities may also be mentioned in the film itself through the eyes of our characters. Local charities or organisations could involve Sustainable Snowies, Landcare or Keep It Cool.