Watch Country Town Rescue

Country Town Rescue is a documentary-style television series that premiered on Aspire TV in 2012. The show follows the journey of Brendan Cowell, an actor and director, as he tries to revive struggling rural communities across Australia. Each episode of the series focuses on a different town and the specific challenges that it faces. Cowell and his team immerse themselves in the local community, meeting with business owners, farmers, and other residents to identify the root causes of the town's decline. From there, they work to develop a plan to help the town get back on its feet.

One of the key features of Country Town Rescue is its focus on community involvement. Unlike many other shows that feature a top-down approach to problem-solving, Cowell and his team prioritize collaboration with local leaders and residents. They organize town hall meetings and other forums for community input, as well as work with local businesses to create sustainable economic opportunities.

Throughout the series, viewers get to witness the highs and lows of community development work. Some of the towns that Cowell and his team work with are able to make significant progress, while others continue to struggle despite their efforts. In each case, the show provides an insightful look into the challenges facing rural communities in Australia, as well as the creative solutions that are being developed to address them.

One of the standout aspects of Country Town Rescue is the sense of empathy and compassion that Cowell brings to his work. He approaches each town with a deep understanding of the unique features that make it special, as well as an openness to learning from the people who call it home. Throughout the series, he develops a genuine connection with the residents of each town, and viewers can feel the impact that his work has on both him and them.

Another strength of the show is its ability to balance serious topics with moments of humor and levity. While the challenges facing rural communities are often severe, Cowell and his team also recognize the importance of celebrating local culture and spirit. Each episode features scenes of community events, such as fairs and festivals, which serve as a reminder of the joy and resilience that can be found even in the most difficult circumstances.

Overall, Country Town Rescue is a compelling and inspiring series that sheds light on the vital work being done to support struggling rural communities in Australia. With its emphasis on community involvement, empathy, and creativity, it provides a refreshing alternative to the top-down approach that is often taken in development work. For anyone interested in learning more about the challenges facing rural areas, as well as the innovative solutions that are being developed to address them, it is well worth a watch.