The lesser-known history of beloved local landmark Fort Scratchley has been brough to life in a Newcastle-made short film.

Aptly-named after the ex-WWII army post, the piece was written and directed by Novocastrian filmmaker Thomas Howlett.

The 10-minute short is based on a true event, which took place six days after the Japanese bombed Newcastle Harbour on 8 June 1942.

It follows two searchlight operators, Lily and Jo, on their final night shift together, where they appear to spot a mysterious object in the water.

Howlett, who studied communication at the University of Newcastle (UoN) before moving on to the Australian Film Television and Radio School, said the idea for the film came to him during a visit to the 2023 Sculptures at Scratchley exhibition.

“I heard two people say, ‘I’ve

See Full Page