The story of votes for women in South Australia is one of social justice, of determination in the face of discrimination, and an absolute belief in the value of political rights. South Australia distinguished itself as innovative in the early nineteenth century. Even so, while adult men – including Aboriginal men – gained the right to vote and stand for election in 1856, only three cohorts of society were still denied this right. Prisoners. Lunatics. Women.

Challenge

The Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Office for Women asked Rodeo to produce two films for the Premier’s State Dinner commemorating the 125th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage. The films needed to capture history and feature contemporary voices, reflecting the milestone’s social and cultural significance.

Solution

We defined the narrative, sourced rare archival material, and filmed across key South Australian locations. Featuring interviews with leaders including The Honourable Vickie Chapman MP, Natasha Stott Despoja AM, Maggie Beer AM, and Shirley Peisley AM, Rodeo managed full production, combining storytelling, cinematography, archival integration, voice-over, and visual design to create emotionally resonant films.

Outcomes

The films celebrate South Australia’s pioneering role and amplify contemporary voices advocating ongoing equality. Presented at the State Dinner and included in Activism Now at the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre, they inspire dialogue about activism, rights, and continued progress.

Services
Strategy and narrative development
Archival research and content curation
Pre-production
Film direction and production
Editing and post-production
Visual design and motion graphics
Stakeholder engagement
Project management

Deliverables
Conduct interviews
Commemorative films
Archival content animation
Narrative frameworks
Final mastered films

Created and produced by Rodeo — Producer: Laura Cooper, Director/Camera/Edit: Tobin Lush, Design: Tobin Lush, Steph Morison, Laura Cooper, Voice over: Emma Rebellato, Copy: Pier Stamatogiannis.

Thanks — Department of Premier and Cabinet, Office for Women, State Library of South Australia, South Australian Parliament Research Library, Centre of Democracy and the Art Gallery of South Australia.