Creating & Presenting - Unit 2

VCE ENGLISH UNIT 1&2 1

By Chris Lilley

ABOUT ‘We Can Be Heroes’ is the internationally acclaimed hit comedy series created and written by Chris Lilley. This

groundbreaking mockumentary follows the daily lives of five very special individuals who are among the thousands of

citizens nominated for the prestigious title of Australian of the Year. As portrayed by Lilley, the five nominees are from

different parts of the country and represent the full spectrum of Australian society: young and old, male and female,

urban and rural; native and emigrant.

The cutting edge, hilarious and sometimes shocking series has taken both Australia and the world by storm, winning

two Logie Awards, a Rose d’Or for Best Male Comedy Performance and nominations for four AFI Awards and the Banff

World Television Award for Best Comedy.

The Nominees

AGE: 37

LOCATION: Brisbane, QLD

NOMINATED FOR: Phil put his life on the line when he bravely rescued nine children from an unsecured jumping castle that blew into overhead power lines.

HOBBIES: Drafting autobiography, script writing, remote control helicopter, bonsai.

AMBITION: Using my experience of survival and bravery to inspire others through motivational speaking and a range of merchandise.

BACKGROUND: Former policeman Phil Olivetti's, life changed on a windy day when he rescued nine children from an unsecured jumping castle. The castle subsequently blew into overhead power lines, where Phil spent three days with his life in jeopardy. His eventual rescue made headline news and Phil became a household name. Since then, Phil has tried to exploit his celebrity status with a variety of spin-off projects. He has a line of merchandise, an autobiography, a proposal for a mini-series and plans to launch a motivational speaking career.

"I laughed at the suggestion when I nominated myself."

 

Phil Olivetti

Creating & Presenting - Unit 2

VCE ENGLISH UNIT 1&2 2

AGE: 23

LOCATION: Melbourne, Vic

NOMINATED FOR: Ricky received international acclaim for developing a high efficiency solar panel.

HOBBIES: Chinese Musical Theatre Group

AMBITION: Physicist or film actor

BACKGROUND: Ricky is a Melbourne University Physics student who has achieved international acclaim for his work in solar energy. However, Ricky leads a double life. He is heavily involved in the Chinese Musical Theatre Group and has recently landed a leading role, playing an Aboriginal man in the musical, 'Indigeridoo'. Ricky comes from a strict

family who have high expectations for his career as a scientist. But Ricky's secret ambition is to become a film actor.

"I don't know where my talent came from. My dad sometimes whistles, but that's about it."

AGE: 16

LOCATION: Sydney, NSW

NOMINATED FOR: Ja'mie holds the national record for sponsoring 85 Sudanese children. She does the 40 Hour Famine every week to raise money.

HOBBIES: Boys, dancing, hockey, flute, choir, modeling

AMBITION: United Nations Ambassador or International Supermodel

BACKGROUND: Ja'mie is in Year 11 at a private school in a wealthy Sydney suburb. She is an all-rounder, excelling in academics and extracurricular activities and is very popular with her schoolmates. Ja'mie

prides herself on her looks and claims to have been a finalist in the 'Dolly Covergirl of the Year' competition. Ja'mie sponsors 85 Sudanese children, and raises the money by doing the 40-hour famine every week. Her dedication to saving lives is what inspired her principal to nominate her for the Australian of the Year award.

"Two days a week without food keeps me looking hot."

 

 

Ja’mie King

Ricky Wong

Creating & Presenting - Unit 2

VCE ENGLISH UNIT 1&2 3

AGE: 17

LOCATION: Dunt, SA

NOMINATED FOR:: Daniel generously donated his eardrum to his hearing impaired twin brother in a world first transplant operation.

HOBBIES: Chicks, beat boxing, rapping, motocross, X-box, dam surfing

AMBITION: Professional rapper or sheep farmer

BACKGROUND: Daniel and Nathan are twin brothers, and live with their family on a farm near the town of Dunt in South Australia. Nathan is mildly intellectually handicapped and hearing impaired. He lost his hearing at the age of 11 while playing with a homemade

explosives device. In a world first surgery, Daniel will be donating his eardrum to allow his brother to hear again.

"Chicks are more attracted to blokes with spastic qualities."

AGE: 47

LOCATION: Perth, WA

NOMINATED FOR: Pioneering the sport of rolling on her side, and completing a record breaking roll from Perth to Fremantle.

HOBBIES: Girls nights out, Jenga, walks along the beach, d and m's, emailing sons

AMBITION: To roll on her side from Perth to Uluru

BACKGROUND: Pat was born with a disability. One of her legs is shorter than the other. As a result, she developed the ability to roll on her

side at incredible speeds. Pat was nominated for her endurance roll from Perth to Fremantle, and now plans to take on her biggest challenge yet. With her beloved husband Terry as coach, Pat plans to roll on her side from Perth to Uluru.

"Yes I'm disabled... but I can roll."

 

Daniel Sims

 

Pat Mullins