Mending Michael

Traumatised by horrific experiences in Vietnam,

Michael Johnston is repatriated to Australia and

placed in a psychiatric ward. Eventually discharged

into an uncaring world, the disenchanted soldier

descends into acute depression.

To escape city pressures, Michael finds work on a

cattle property. There he is coerced into partnering

local girl Sarah to the Annual Ball, but an alcoholic

binge causes him to be re-committed.

Released and attempting to put his life in order, he

elects to spend time with a Wiradjuri group where an

aboriginal elder becomes his mentor.

A remorseful Michael is resolved to make amends

and re-kindles his relationship with Sarah. The

couple marry and move to Sydney. However, terrifying

memories continue to haunt him.

In war combatants can suffer physically crippling

injuries. Less obvious is the mental and emotional

damage inflicted, not only on the warriors but also on

those who love them.

Mending Michael tells the tale of two such people.