Ep 4. Stand Up

In Redfern Now season 1 episode 4, titled "Stand Up," we follow the lives of a group of individuals living in the Redfern community. The show, which is an anthology series, sheds light on the challenges faced by Indigenous Australians and the issues that they encounter in their everyday lives. The episode is set against the backdrop of the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service (RAMS), a key institution that provides healthcare to the Indigenous community.

The episode opens with the story of an elderly man named Frank (played by David Field), who is suffering from an unknown illness. Frank is a former union activist who has dedicated his entire life to fighting for the rights of Indigenous Australians. As he gets sicker, he is forced to confront the reality of his declining health and mortality. He is visited by his estranged son, Ray (played by Ernie Dingo), who has come to Redfern to reconcile with his father. Ray, who has spent most of his life living away from home, is struggling to come to terms with his own failures and regrets. The pair finds solace and reconciliation in each other's company as they reminisce about old times and come to terms with their past.

Elsewhere in the episode, we meet the character of Steve (played by Wayne Blair), a father who is battling alcoholism and trying to stay sober. Steve is the coach of a local football team and has made it his mission to inspire the kids in the community. He is a beloved figure who has earned the respect of his peers, but his own personal demons are threatening to take over his life. As he strives to stay sober and rebuild his life, he encounters a new challenge in the form of a group of Indigenous activists who are protesting against the government's decision to close down the RAMS. Steve is torn between his loyalty to the community and his personal struggle to stay sober.

The episode also introduces us to the character of Debbie (played by Leah Purcell), a young mother who is struggling to make ends meet. Debbie is a single mother who is trying to provide for her two children and keep a roof over their heads. She works long hours at a local factory and is barely able to make enough money to pay her bills. She is faced with the daunting task of having to find a new home for her family when she is evicted from her current apartment. With few options available to her, Debbie is forced to confront the harsh reality of poverty and systemic inequality that has plagued the Indigenous community for generations.

Finally, the episode delves into the story of Lola (played by Deborah Mailman), a successful businesswoman who has built a successful career for herself. Lola has left her life in Redfern behind and now lives in the city, where she is a high-powered executive. However, she is forced to confront her past when she returns to Redfern to attend the funeral of her grandmother. As she reconnects with her family and her roots, she is forced to confront the traumas of her childhood and come to terms with the person she has become.

Overall, Redfern Now season 1 episode 4 is a powerful and moving exploration of the challenges faced by Indigenous Australians and the resilience and strength of the community. It is an eye-opening look at the issues of poverty, inequality, and discrimination that continue to hold back this vulnerable population. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice and human rights issues in Australia.