Rosie for Hindmarsh, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times

On Tuesday evening a number of community members and Hindmarsh Shire Councillors attended the premiere of Shared Table: Regional Heroes at Hoyts Melbourne Central.

Hindmarsh Shire Councillor’s Rosie Barker and Chan Uoy on the red carpet; Russell Hardacre from Luv-a-Duck with Councillors Rosie Barker and Chan Uoy; Tracey Deckert, Annette Creek, Thablay Khinshwe and Paw Meit. Photos: Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times

This powerful documentary, created by CALD Community Voices, shines a light on regional stories of refugee settlement — including those from Nhill. I was especially moved by the interviews with Karen refugees, particularly Thablay Khinshwe, and her mentor, former Councillor and Deputy Mayor Wendy Bywaters, whose dedication and compassion have helped shape such an inspiring chapter in our town’s journey.

We know that the Karen refugee journey was really the brain child of John and Margaret Millington who were keen to support the resettlement of the Myanmar refugees and fulfil the employment needs of our Luv-a-Duck processing plant in Nhill. It was a win win idea.

The film also highlighted the Karen women now working at the cooperative Paw Po retail store, still supported by Tracey Deckert and Annette Creek, which continues to support Karen refugees from Myanmar who supply handmade materials for unique products enjoyed by tourists visiting Nhill and our Nhill residents!

Our current Councillor, Chan Uoy, former Deputy Mayor, also featured in the documentary, sharing his journey as a Cambodian refugee.

To see Nhill and Dimboola represented alongside other regional voices on the big screen was a proud and emotional moment. The film reminds us that when communities open their hearts, extraordinary resilience and connection can flourish.

We are working with the producers to bring this film to Nhill so that everyone can share in its message of hope and community.

What is Shared Table?

Shared Table: Regional Heroes is a poetic documentary that highlights the Karen community in Nhill. It follows Thablay Khinshwe and the Karen women who moved from work at the abattoirs into Paw Po, the local social enterprise creating handmade goods, and their long friendship with local mentor Wendy Bywaters. The film also features Councillor Chan Uoy reflecting on his own refugee journey. Through shared meals and conversations, Shared Table shows how Nhill opened its heart to new neighbours and how food helps create a sense of home and belonging. 

This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 10 December 2025.