1 00:00:18,700 --> 00:00:21,740 What can we see? See if there's any little tadpoles or fish. 2 00:00:21,740 --> 00:00:24,260 LEIGH SALES: When Australian Story first met Quaden Bayles, 3 00:00:24,260 --> 00:00:28,980 he was a nine-year-old whose life had been made hell by bullying. 4 00:00:28,980 --> 00:00:32,420 Millions of people had seen him in his darkest hour, 5 00:00:32,420 --> 00:00:32,660 Millions of people had seen him thanks to a social media post, 6 00:00:32,660 --> 00:00:34,380 thanks to a social media post, 7 00:00:34,380 --> 00:00:34,620 and one of those who noticed was the Mad Max director George Miller. thanks to a social media post, 8 00:00:34,620 --> 00:00:38,940 and one of those who noticed was the Mad Max director George Miller. 9 00:00:38,940 --> 00:00:43,300 Now, four years on, Quaden stands triumphant. 10 00:00:43,300 --> 00:00:44,700 A warning to our Indigenous viewers, 11 00:00:44,700 --> 00:00:47,260 this story contains images of people who've died 12 00:00:47,260 --> 00:00:47,500 this story contains images and also references suicide. 13 00:00:47,500 --> 00:00:49,740 and also references suicide. 14 00:00:55,020 --> 00:00:58,660 I got my premiere coming up next, so, like, I need a new suit. 15 00:01:00,180 --> 00:01:01,420 I had to wait a bit 16 00:01:01,420 --> 00:01:01,660 I had to wait a bit because I had to get a custom, like, size and that. 17 00:01:01,660 --> 00:01:04,340 because I had to get a custom, like, size and that. 18 00:01:04,340 --> 00:01:04,580 because I had to get Yeah, it's gonna be good. 19 00:01:04,580 --> 00:01:06,060 Yeah, it's gonna be good. 20 00:01:07,060 --> 00:01:09,420 Being an Aboriginal kid with a disability, 21 00:01:09,420 --> 00:01:12,940 he's never had one invite to no parties, he doesn't do sleepovers. 22 00:01:12,940 --> 00:01:16,940 So to get invited to all of these events now, 23 00:01:16,940 --> 00:01:20,820 he's having these experiences that a lot of people never have. 24 00:01:20,820 --> 00:01:23,340 Which one do you like best? WOMAN: I like the red one. 25 00:01:23,340 --> 00:01:25,980 You like black? Really? Yeah. 26 00:01:26,940 --> 00:01:30,020 I like the black 'cause it's just basic and classic. 27 00:01:30,020 --> 00:01:30,260 I like the black 'cause And it just flows with my flavour. 28 00:01:30,260 --> 00:01:32,820 And it just flows with my flavour. 29 00:01:33,980 --> 00:01:37,100 I didn't even know what Mad Max was, and then one day I was like, 30 00:01:37,100 --> 00:01:39,900 come home, told my brother, "I'm in the Mad Max movie, brah." 31 00:01:39,900 --> 00:01:40,140 come home, told my brother, Do you know what that is? 32 00:01:40,140 --> 00:01:41,180 Do you know what that is? 33 00:01:41,180 --> 00:01:43,660 And brah, he was, like, going off like, "How did you..." 34 00:01:43,660 --> 00:01:46,660 Like, you know what I mean? I was, like, I didn't know what it even was. 35 00:01:47,940 --> 00:01:49,860 Walk nicely, like this is the red carpet. 36 00:01:53,620 --> 00:01:55,860 I might wear the Crocs. No, you are not. 37 00:01:55,860 --> 00:01:56,700 But they... 38 00:01:56,700 --> 00:01:56,940 MAN: Something in Quaden But they... 39 00:01:56,940 --> 00:02:00,100 MAN: Something in Quaden really resonated. 40 00:02:01,300 --> 00:02:04,540 I was struck by his demeanour from the get-go. 41 00:02:04,540 --> 00:02:07,420 There's a definite charisma about him. 42 00:02:07,420 --> 00:02:07,660 There's a definite charisma Oh, that's the way. 43 00:02:07,660 --> 00:02:09,340 Oh, that's the way. 44 00:02:09,340 --> 00:02:09,580 Go, War Pup. Let's go, War Pup. Oh, that's the way. 45 00:02:09,580 --> 00:02:12,660 Go, War Pup. Let's go, War Pup. (LAUGHS) 46 00:02:12,660 --> 00:02:12,900 Go, War Pup. Let's go, War Pup. So proud of you. (LAUGHS) 47 00:02:12,900 --> 00:02:14,940 So proud of you. (LAUGHS) 48 00:02:14,940 --> 00:02:18,100 It's gonna be so good. I can't wait. 49 00:02:19,380 --> 00:02:22,740 I know, I've got to be mindful that he's 13 now, and... 50 00:02:22,740 --> 00:02:23,540 Yeah, I'm not a baby. 51 00:02:23,540 --> 00:02:25,820 I know, I'm sorry, I just get so excited and... 52 00:02:25,820 --> 00:02:26,060 I know, I'm sorry, I'll try and tone it down. 53 00:02:26,060 --> 00:02:28,020 I'll try and tone it down. 54 00:02:28,020 --> 00:02:30,220 You would think, being a young kid like me, 55 00:02:30,220 --> 00:02:30,460 You would think, just going through stuff in life, 56 00:02:30,460 --> 00:02:33,340 just going through stuff in life, 57 00:02:33,340 --> 00:02:34,980 wouldn't really make it. 58 00:02:34,980 --> 00:02:37,460 But one day I just had this one thing, 59 00:02:37,460 --> 00:02:40,900 and my whole life just changed like that. 60 00:02:40,900 --> 00:02:42,060 It's just crazy. 61 00:02:42,060 --> 00:02:44,300 Yay! 62 00:02:49,220 --> 00:02:50,980 Ooh, very nice. 63 00:02:52,500 --> 00:02:54,300 Oh, shake a leg. Yes. 64 00:03:03,220 --> 00:03:08,060 Hi, my name is Quaden Bayles, and I want to be TikTok famous. 65 00:03:09,620 --> 00:03:12,340 I'm 9, almost turning 10. 66 00:03:12,340 --> 00:03:16,620 People think I'm 18, but I'm really not, trust me. 67 00:03:16,620 --> 00:03:16,860 People think I'm 18, I'm really 10. 68 00:03:16,860 --> 00:03:17,980 I'm really 10. 69 00:03:19,380 --> 00:03:23,220 1 and zero, I'll be turning that soon. 70 00:03:27,940 --> 00:03:29,180 How old are you now? 71 00:03:29,180 --> 00:03:31,100 18. No, joking. 72 00:03:31,100 --> 00:03:33,500 I'm 13, not 18. 73 00:03:37,060 --> 00:03:39,820 What do you think 9-year-old Quaden would think 74 00:03:39,820 --> 00:03:40,060 What do you think of 13-year-old Quaden? 75 00:03:40,060 --> 00:03:42,100 of 13-year-old Quaden? 76 00:03:42,100 --> 00:03:43,980 Very, very proud of myself. 77 00:03:43,980 --> 00:03:46,220 Um, very proud. 78 00:03:48,380 --> 00:03:50,660 Quaden's not your average kid. 79 00:03:50,660 --> 00:03:53,620 He's definitely matured a lot through the whole experience 80 00:03:53,620 --> 00:03:53,860 He's definitely matured a lot over the last few years. 81 00:03:53,860 --> 00:03:56,100 over the last few years. 82 00:03:56,100 --> 00:03:58,620 He's becoming more strong and confident 83 00:03:58,620 --> 00:03:58,860 He's becoming more strong and comfortable within himself. 84 00:03:58,860 --> 00:04:00,620 and comfortable within himself. 85 00:04:00,620 --> 00:04:00,860 and comfortable within himself. So, he's been able to overcome all of that adversity. 86 00:04:00,860 --> 00:04:03,940 So, he's been able to overcome all of that adversity. 87 00:04:05,300 --> 00:04:07,620 This is the effect that bullying has. 88 00:04:07,620 --> 00:04:10,740 I wanna kill myself. This is what bullying does. 89 00:04:10,740 --> 00:04:13,940 I just wanna bang my head into a glass. 90 00:04:15,740 --> 00:04:19,780 The video, it's really hard for me to look at it and watch. 91 00:04:19,780 --> 00:04:20,020 The video, it's really hard for me I don't really like to watch it, 92 00:04:20,020 --> 00:04:21,980 I don't really like to watch it, 93 00:04:21,980 --> 00:04:22,220 I don't really like to watch it, but, um, I'm happy that we got it out there. 94 00:04:22,220 --> 00:04:25,820 but, um, I'm happy that we got it out there. 95 00:04:25,820 --> 00:04:26,060 but, um, I'm happy that If Mum maybe never posted that video, 96 00:04:26,060 --> 00:04:28,100 If Mum maybe never posted that video, 97 00:04:28,100 --> 00:04:28,340 I probably wouldn't be in the movie If Mum maybe never posted that video, 98 00:04:28,340 --> 00:04:32,620 I probably wouldn't be in the movie things and, like, Mad Max and that. 99 00:04:35,060 --> 00:04:36,420 MAN: This Mad Max world, 100 00:04:36,420 --> 00:04:36,660 it's all about conflict MAN: This Mad Max world, 101 00:04:36,660 --> 00:04:40,460 it's all about conflict and what conflict reveals. 102 00:04:40,460 --> 00:04:45,020 It reveals some essence of the human being, 103 00:04:45,020 --> 00:04:45,300 and everybody has to endure the darkness in a way It reveals some essence of the human being, 104 00:04:45,300 --> 00:04:50,460 and everybody has to endure the darkness in a way 105 00:04:50,460 --> 00:04:52,700 for there to be change and light. 106 00:04:52,700 --> 00:04:55,020 And I think Quaden's story 107 00:04:55,020 --> 00:04:57,660 is a little mini version of that, in a way. 108 00:05:01,500 --> 00:05:04,260 YARRAKA: Quaden was a healthy nine-pound baby. 109 00:05:04,260 --> 00:05:06,260 His father cut the cord, he was so happy. 110 00:05:06,260 --> 00:05:08,900 Those first three days were just bliss. 111 00:05:11,060 --> 00:05:12,620 MAN: Everyone was elated, you know? 112 00:05:12,620 --> 00:05:12,860 But, um, I didn't let on, but there was something wrong. MAN: Everyone was elated, you know? 113 00:05:12,860 --> 00:05:16,820 But, um, I didn't let on, but there was something wrong. 114 00:05:18,460 --> 00:05:21,940 And I just quietly said to one of the nurses, "What is this?" 115 00:05:21,940 --> 00:05:22,180 And I just quietly said to And I showed her Quaden's fingers, 116 00:05:22,180 --> 00:05:24,180 And I showed her Quaden's fingers, 117 00:05:24,180 --> 00:05:26,940 and she goes, "We call that trident fingers." 118 00:05:28,540 --> 00:05:31,740 I went home and I jumped on the internet, 119 00:05:31,740 --> 00:05:31,980 I went home and I typed in "trident fingers", 120 00:05:31,980 --> 00:05:33,740 and I typed in "trident fingers", 121 00:05:33,740 --> 00:05:38,260 and the very first image that came up was a person with dwarfism. 122 00:05:39,860 --> 00:05:45,020 On day three, we got the diagnosis, and that's when my world changed. 123 00:05:45,020 --> 00:05:48,500 Like, it just felt like everything came crashing down. 124 00:05:52,700 --> 00:05:54,020 BOY: Look over here. 125 00:05:54,020 --> 00:05:58,820 I think the fear of the unknown was definitely my biggest issue. 126 00:06:00,220 --> 00:06:05,020 No-one was allowed to say or repeat his diagnosis. 127 00:06:05,020 --> 00:06:07,020 I didn't want anyone asking, so I just shut down, 128 00:06:07,020 --> 00:06:09,180 I pretended like everything was fine. 129 00:06:09,180 --> 00:06:11,700 I don't really get to see him that much. 130 00:06:11,700 --> 00:06:14,500 I just wanted to get on with it, you know what I mean? 131 00:06:14,500 --> 00:06:14,740 I just wanted to get on with it, But I just...I just... 132 00:06:14,740 --> 00:06:17,020 But I just...I just... 133 00:06:17,020 --> 00:06:17,260 There was just this deep, you know, But I just...I just... 134 00:06:17,260 --> 00:06:22,220 There was just this deep, you know, sadness I felt with inside Yarraka. 135 00:06:24,580 --> 00:06:29,980 And it affected my relationship with her a great deal, I think, yeah. 136 00:06:29,980 --> 00:06:30,220 And it affected my relationship with (CHATTERS) 137 00:06:30,220 --> 00:06:31,700 (CHATTERS) 138 00:06:31,700 --> 00:06:35,060 And eventually it was too much pressure on the family, 139 00:06:35,060 --> 00:06:35,820 it tore us apart. 140 00:06:35,820 --> 00:06:38,460 Our relationship ended when Quaden was around 2.5. 141 00:06:40,620 --> 00:06:42,140 Sing a song. 142 00:06:42,140 --> 00:06:44,620 I couldn't see what other people saw. 143 00:06:44,620 --> 00:06:44,860 I couldn't see What are you doing? 144 00:06:44,860 --> 00:06:45,780 What are you doing? 145 00:06:45,780 --> 00:06:46,020 I saw a perfectly healthy, What are you doing? 146 00:06:46,020 --> 00:06:49,740 I saw a perfectly healthy, beautiful, happy, cheeky, 147 00:06:49,740 --> 00:06:49,980 I saw a perfectly healthy, smart, intelligent baby boy. 148 00:06:49,980 --> 00:06:51,940 smart, intelligent baby boy. 149 00:06:51,940 --> 00:06:53,460 Go on, then. (CHATTERS) 150 00:06:53,460 --> 00:06:53,700 Go on, then. OK, ring her up, then. 151 00:06:53,700 --> 00:06:55,020 OK, ring her up, then. 152 00:06:55,020 --> 00:06:56,500 OK. 153 00:06:56,500 --> 00:06:58,140 (CHATTERS) 154 00:06:58,140 --> 00:07:01,060 And then we started, you know, going out more in public 155 00:07:01,060 --> 00:07:04,620 and people would make comments or stare. 156 00:07:04,620 --> 00:07:06,820 And I was like, OK, people know he's different, 157 00:07:06,820 --> 00:07:07,060 And I was like, OK, people obviously can see. 158 00:07:07,060 --> 00:07:08,700 people obviously can see. 159 00:07:08,700 --> 00:07:09,620 Like, I can't see it. 160 00:07:15,540 --> 00:07:19,300 It's so rude the way that people will just look at Quaden 161 00:07:19,300 --> 00:07:22,620 and as soon as they see him, maybe even bring out their phone 162 00:07:22,620 --> 00:07:22,900 and as soon as they see him, maybe even bring out their phone and start recording him, start taking photos. 163 00:07:22,900 --> 00:07:24,860 and start recording him, start taking photos. 164 00:07:27,940 --> 00:07:32,020 I was taking Quaden for his OT, his physio, his speech pathology, 165 00:07:32,020 --> 00:07:33,780 all of these appointments on the one day, 166 00:07:33,780 --> 00:07:35,540 and then for the first time in my life, 167 00:07:35,540 --> 00:07:38,180 I saw other families with children with dwarfism. 168 00:07:42,100 --> 00:07:46,180 WOMAN: She started to acknowledge, OK, my son has dwarfism. 169 00:07:46,180 --> 00:07:46,460 She started to reach out to get support, WOMAN: She started to acknowledge, OK, my son has dwarfism. 170 00:07:46,460 --> 00:07:48,100 She started to reach out to get support, 171 00:07:48,100 --> 00:07:50,820 she started connecting with other families that had 172 00:07:50,820 --> 00:07:51,100 she started connecting with other families that had children with dwarfism or they had dwarfism themselves. 173 00:07:51,100 --> 00:07:53,780 children with dwarfism or they had dwarfism themselves. 174 00:07:55,940 --> 00:07:59,300 It was really good for us to understand what Quaden had 175 00:07:59,300 --> 00:08:01,820 and what life would look like in the future for him. 176 00:08:03,420 --> 00:08:05,900 YARRAKA: There are amazing people in the dwarfism community 177 00:08:05,900 --> 00:08:09,700 around the world that are living their best life, that are excelling. 178 00:08:09,700 --> 00:08:11,460 So, once I started seeing that, 179 00:08:11,460 --> 00:08:14,220 I was like...it was a huge weight lifted off my shoulder. 180 00:08:14,220 --> 00:08:14,500 We've been able to get great advice and support I was like...it was a huge weight lifted off my shoulder. 181 00:08:14,500 --> 00:08:16,460 We've been able to get great advice and support 182 00:08:16,460 --> 00:08:19,100 from people with dwarfism all around the world. 183 00:08:19,100 --> 00:08:19,340 from people with dwarfism all around the world. It was almost like I found my tribe. 184 00:08:19,340 --> 00:08:21,700 It was almost like I found my tribe. 185 00:08:23,620 --> 00:08:26,900 I want to teach my children what my parents taught me - 186 00:08:26,900 --> 00:08:30,340 stand up and speak your mind, fight for what you believe in. 187 00:08:34,060 --> 00:08:37,140 I'm from a very big, diverse background. 188 00:08:37,140 --> 00:08:39,860 We were raised in a very strong, politically active, 189 00:08:39,860 --> 00:08:42,500 proud Aboriginal family in Sydney in the '80s. 190 00:08:42,500 --> 00:08:46,380 Mundanara, do you want Coco Pops or Rice Bubbles or Corn Flakes? 191 00:08:46,380 --> 00:08:48,540 MUNDANARA: We've been raised by some deadly people. 192 00:08:48,540 --> 00:08:52,180 They taught us that as an Aboriginal kid, 193 00:08:52,180 --> 00:08:53,580 we're no different to anyone else. 194 00:08:53,580 --> 00:08:55,860 Don't let anyone tell you you can't do that. 195 00:08:55,860 --> 00:08:56,100 Don't let anyone tell you You can achieve whatever. 196 00:08:56,100 --> 00:08:57,180 You can achieve whatever. 197 00:08:57,180 --> 00:08:59,700 Do you want to go and see all the Kooris? Yeah. 198 00:08:59,700 --> 00:09:01,980 Hey, wait. Hey, wait till you finish your breakfast. 199 00:09:01,980 --> 00:09:04,220 You gotta finish your breakfast first. 200 00:09:04,220 --> 00:09:06,460 Yarraka's father, Tiga Bayles, 201 00:09:06,460 --> 00:09:10,820 was a prominent activist, well known for his work in the community. 202 00:09:13,500 --> 00:09:16,060 MUNDANARA: The relationship my dad and Quaden had 203 00:09:16,060 --> 00:09:18,300 was a bond like no other, 204 00:09:18,300 --> 00:09:20,140 and you would think coming from a big family 205 00:09:20,140 --> 00:09:20,380 and you would think and lots of grandchildren, 206 00:09:20,380 --> 00:09:21,900 and lots of grandchildren, 207 00:09:21,900 --> 00:09:22,140 that you don't favour any kid and lots of grandchildren, 208 00:09:22,140 --> 00:09:24,980 that you don't favour any kid and they're all equal. 209 00:09:24,980 --> 00:09:25,220 that you don't favour any kid Pop knows how to do it. 210 00:09:25,220 --> 00:09:27,220 Pop knows how to do it. 211 00:09:27,220 --> 00:09:29,100 Boom. 212 00:09:29,100 --> 00:09:29,980 No. 213 00:09:29,980 --> 00:09:33,740 MUNDANARA: But Quaden was special. It was a beautiful bond. 214 00:09:33,740 --> 00:09:37,100 Boom. Boom. 215 00:09:37,100 --> 00:09:40,060 I guess my dad just made him feel like... 216 00:09:41,260 --> 00:09:43,860 ..you know, like Superman, 217 00:09:43,860 --> 00:09:45,780 like he was untouchable. 218 00:09:45,780 --> 00:09:45,980 (CHATTERS) like he was untouchable. 219 00:09:45,980 --> 00:09:50,540 (CHATTERS) 220 00:09:50,540 --> 00:09:50,780 (CHATTERS) GUYALA: Quaden would always be quite upset about why he looked different, 221 00:09:50,780 --> 00:09:54,740 GUYALA: Quaden would always be quite upset about why he looked different, 222 00:09:54,740 --> 00:09:58,260 and Pop would always say, "You know, you're going to get a little bit 223 00:09:58,260 --> 00:10:02,220 "taller, but you're not going to get tall like your sisters or like me." 224 00:10:05,380 --> 00:10:08,740 I keep saying to him, "You will grow bigger and you will be able 225 00:10:08,740 --> 00:10:14,940 "to drive a car, play soccer or football, or ride a motorbike. 226 00:10:14,940 --> 00:10:17,940 "You will be able to do those things. 227 00:10:17,940 --> 00:10:19,980 "It's just that you're going to be a little bit shorter 228 00:10:19,980 --> 00:10:20,220 "It's just that you're going "in the arms and legs." 229 00:10:20,220 --> 00:10:21,380 "in the arms and legs." 230 00:10:22,940 --> 00:10:27,500 QUADEN: He taught me how to hunt, taught me how to swim, 231 00:10:27,500 --> 00:10:27,740 QUADEN: He taught me how to hunt, and... 232 00:10:27,740 --> 00:10:28,780 and... 233 00:10:30,780 --> 00:10:34,340 ..um, taught me a lot of things. 234 00:10:38,820 --> 00:10:42,860 YARRAKA: Quaden was six years old when my dad passed away from cancer. 235 00:10:42,860 --> 00:10:43,100 YARRAKA: Quaden was six years old I noticed a huge shift. 236 00:10:43,100 --> 00:10:46,500 I noticed a huge shift. 237 00:10:46,500 --> 00:10:51,860 That's when I noticed the suicidal tendencies, um, creeping in. 238 00:10:51,860 --> 00:10:54,540 And I think he just thought as soon as he dies, 239 00:10:54,540 --> 00:10:54,780 And I think he just thought he can go to heaven and be with Pop. 240 00:10:54,780 --> 00:10:56,740 he can go to heaven and be with Pop. 241 00:10:56,740 --> 00:10:58,220 And that was really alarming. 242 00:11:02,220 --> 00:11:06,100 With the support of psychologists and psychiatrists and counselling, 243 00:11:06,100 --> 00:11:10,380 that's the only way that I've been able to support my son through this. 244 00:11:10,380 --> 00:11:12,180 WOMAN: Now, do you remember what to do? 245 00:11:12,180 --> 00:11:12,420 WOMAN: Now, do you remember Are you gonna lie down? 246 00:11:12,420 --> 00:11:13,580 Are you gonna lie down? 247 00:11:13,580 --> 00:11:18,140 GUYALA: Quaden's been in and out of hospital more than any kid I know. 248 00:11:19,740 --> 00:11:22,580 The kind of surgeries and things 249 00:11:22,580 --> 00:11:26,380 that he's had to go through in hospital, we would be quite scared. 250 00:11:26,380 --> 00:11:26,660 that he's had to go through in hospital, we would be quite scared. And he's so resilient and so strong for everyone. 251 00:11:26,660 --> 00:11:31,020 And he's so resilient and so strong for everyone. 252 00:11:33,260 --> 00:11:37,540 Achondroplasia is a form of skeletal dysplasia, 253 00:11:37,540 --> 00:11:40,500 and so it's the most common type of dwarfism. 254 00:11:40,500 --> 00:11:40,780 and so it's the most common type of dwarfism. This one goes for two minutes, so very still until I talk to you. 255 00:11:40,780 --> 00:11:43,740 This one goes for two minutes, so very still until I talk to you. 256 00:11:43,740 --> 00:11:47,860 It often does come with a set of potential issues 257 00:11:47,860 --> 00:11:48,100 It often does come with that we really need to screen for. 258 00:11:48,100 --> 00:11:49,820 that we really need to screen for. 259 00:11:49,820 --> 00:11:51,420 Thank you. No worries. 260 00:11:51,420 --> 00:11:54,980 They can be increased fluid in the brain, 261 00:11:54,980 --> 00:11:58,420 you can have tightening of the area around the base of the skull. 262 00:11:58,420 --> 00:11:58,660 you can have tightening of the area That was really long 263 00:11:58,660 --> 00:11:59,500 That was really long 264 00:11:59,500 --> 00:12:02,700 because they needed to get your whole brain and your whole spine. 265 00:12:02,700 --> 00:12:05,300 So, some in the most severe complications 266 00:12:05,300 --> 00:12:10,180 can be to that breathing, sleeping, respiration, all those things. 267 00:12:11,860 --> 00:12:13,740 YARRAKA: So, he goes into respiratory failure 268 00:12:13,740 --> 00:12:13,980 YARRAKA: So, he goes into every time he falls asleep. 269 00:12:13,980 --> 00:12:15,660 every time he falls asleep. 270 00:12:15,660 --> 00:12:18,140 He cannot go anywhere without this machine. 271 00:12:18,140 --> 00:12:20,380 It looks like a vacuum cleaner. 272 00:12:20,380 --> 00:12:22,380 So it's literally life support. 273 00:12:23,460 --> 00:12:28,740 It's very confronting. Any time we go to the hospital, it... 274 00:12:28,740 --> 00:12:31,380 The PTSD, like, just having to discuss his diagnosis 275 00:12:31,380 --> 00:12:31,660 The PTSD, like, just having to discuss his diagnosis and all the limitations, all the things that they say 276 00:12:31,660 --> 00:12:34,540 and all the limitations, all the things that they say 277 00:12:34,540 --> 00:12:37,380 he can't do or shouldn't do or won't be able to do... 278 00:12:38,500 --> 00:12:41,380 ..that's the hardest thing, I think, 279 00:12:41,380 --> 00:12:43,180 raising a child with a disability. 280 00:12:43,180 --> 00:12:45,860 Alrighty. Here we go. 281 00:12:45,860 --> 00:12:50,060 My role as a physiotherapist is really about participation. 282 00:12:50,060 --> 00:12:52,780 How can we get him to enjoy those things 283 00:12:52,780 --> 00:12:55,460 that he wants to do in a way that's safe? 284 00:12:55,460 --> 00:12:58,100 Try this one. Have a go. Oh, that one's... 285 00:12:58,100 --> 00:13:02,940 He has the best ball skills of anyone I've ever worked with. 286 00:13:04,940 --> 00:13:06,180 Yes! 287 00:13:07,180 --> 00:13:10,620 He's got great eye-hand coordination. 288 00:13:10,620 --> 00:13:10,860 He's got great eye-hand Ah! So close. 289 00:13:10,860 --> 00:13:12,460 Ah! So close. 290 00:13:12,460 --> 00:13:18,060 Well, I'm good at AFL, football and basketball. 291 00:13:18,060 --> 00:13:20,020 Oh, and, um, what's that thing? 292 00:13:20,020 --> 00:13:22,780 That dash ball? Baseball. 293 00:13:22,780 --> 00:13:25,060 No. Cricket? Tennis? 294 00:13:25,060 --> 00:13:27,900 Oh, volleyball. Yeah, that one as well. 295 00:13:27,900 --> 00:13:28,140 Oh, volleyball. That's one I'm really good at. 296 00:13:28,140 --> 00:13:29,780 That's one I'm really good at. 297 00:13:29,780 --> 00:13:31,900 I think also your balance 298 00:13:31,900 --> 00:13:32,140 and your standing stuff I think also your balance 299 00:13:32,140 --> 00:13:34,380 and your standing stuff is pretty good. 300 00:13:34,380 --> 00:13:37,180 I don't know that you could do any hops for me last time. 301 00:13:37,180 --> 00:13:41,540 If he has a big day one day, he'll have bed rest the next day. 302 00:13:41,540 --> 00:13:41,780 If he has a big day one day, I think that's probably standard 303 00:13:41,780 --> 00:13:43,740 I think that's probably standard 304 00:13:43,740 --> 00:13:46,060 for a lot of people with the dwarfism. 305 00:13:46,060 --> 00:13:49,700 I think the early onset arthritis and the very crackly bones, 306 00:13:49,700 --> 00:13:54,700 so he's almost like a little old man trapped in a little boy's body. 307 00:13:54,700 --> 00:13:54,940 so he's almost like a little old man Tired you out, huh? 308 00:13:54,940 --> 00:13:56,500 Tired you out, huh? 309 00:13:59,700 --> 00:14:04,460 Quaden seemed to breeze through prep and grade one, 310 00:14:04,460 --> 00:14:07,740 and then from grade two to where he is now, 311 00:14:07,740 --> 00:14:11,100 he wasn't growing at the rate of other children in his class, 312 00:14:11,100 --> 00:14:11,340 he wasn't growing at the rate so he was the odd one out. 313 00:14:11,340 --> 00:14:13,620 so he was the odd one out. 314 00:14:13,620 --> 00:14:17,500 He would come home and ask me, what does midget mean? 315 00:14:17,500 --> 00:14:22,740 But I don't like the M word and the N word, 316 00:14:22,740 --> 00:14:25,140 and, like, they call me all that other stuff. 317 00:14:25,140 --> 00:14:27,740 And, like, they just call me that 'cute' word, 318 00:14:27,740 --> 00:14:27,980 And, like, they just call me and I don't like the word 'cute'. 319 00:14:27,980 --> 00:14:30,540 and I don't like the word 'cute'. 320 00:14:30,540 --> 00:14:32,140 He hung up the boots for a while. 321 00:14:32,140 --> 00:14:34,260 YARRAKA: The first term of grade four, 322 00:14:34,260 --> 00:14:36,340 he had already been having issues at school, 323 00:14:36,340 --> 00:14:39,660 so he wasn't going to school probably for a week at that time. 324 00:14:39,660 --> 00:14:41,940 And then that morning I got the phone call from the principal 325 00:14:41,940 --> 00:14:44,180 who said the Bullets are going to be at school today, 326 00:14:44,180 --> 00:14:46,980 and everyone knows how much Quaden loves sports. 327 00:14:46,980 --> 00:14:49,100 Within five minutes, he was ready to go. 328 00:14:53,180 --> 00:14:54,740 We drove to pick him up from school, 329 00:14:54,740 --> 00:14:57,220 and he was on the basketball court... 330 00:14:58,500 --> 00:15:00,740 ..and these girls were in front of him. 331 00:15:00,740 --> 00:15:04,180 And, you know, they were putting their hand, 332 00:15:04,180 --> 00:15:04,460 And, you know, they were putting their hand, you know, to their waist, like, seeing where he comes up to 333 00:15:04,460 --> 00:15:07,300 you know, to their waist, like, seeing where he comes up to 334 00:15:07,300 --> 00:15:07,540 you know, to their waist, and just laughing about it. 335 00:15:07,540 --> 00:15:09,100 and just laughing about it. 336 00:15:10,820 --> 00:15:12,140 YARRAKA: I saw the pats on the head, 337 00:15:12,140 --> 00:15:12,380 and they were all giggling YARRAKA: I saw the pats on the head, 338 00:15:12,380 --> 00:15:14,620 and they were all giggling and chuckling. 339 00:15:14,620 --> 00:15:16,180 Straightaway, my heart broke, man. 340 00:15:16,180 --> 00:15:17,300 I was like, not this again. 341 00:15:17,300 --> 00:15:17,540 Like, far out, I was like, not this again. 342 00:15:17,540 --> 00:15:19,460 Like, far out, aren't we over this already? 343 00:15:20,580 --> 00:15:24,180 I could feel the pain. I could sense it. 344 00:15:24,180 --> 00:15:27,740 Looking at him, I knew that he was going to break down. 345 00:15:27,740 --> 00:15:27,980 Looking at him, I knew that I knew that he just had enough. 346 00:15:27,980 --> 00:15:30,020 I knew that he just had enough. 347 00:15:30,020 --> 00:15:30,260 Every single freaking day, something happens. I knew that he just had enough. 348 00:15:30,260 --> 00:15:34,580 Every single freaking day, something happens. 349 00:15:34,580 --> 00:15:38,860 Another episode, another bullying, another taunt, another name calling. 350 00:15:38,860 --> 00:15:40,860 YILAN: And, you know, when we got in the car, 351 00:15:40,860 --> 00:15:41,100 YILAN: And, you know, when we got in the car, that's when he just broke down 352 00:15:41,100 --> 00:15:44,260 that's when he just broke down 353 00:15:44,260 --> 00:15:47,020 and he just started crying and saying all of that stuff. 354 00:15:48,060 --> 00:15:50,580 I just wanna bang my head into a glass. 355 00:15:53,100 --> 00:15:55,620 I want someone to kill me. 356 00:15:55,620 --> 00:15:58,900 He hates his condition. He really does. 357 00:15:58,900 --> 00:16:01,540 He wants to be like his dad and like us, 358 00:16:01,540 --> 00:16:01,780 He wants to be like his dad and he knows deep down he can't. 359 00:16:01,780 --> 00:16:03,820 and he knows deep down he can't. 360 00:16:03,820 --> 00:16:07,540 And that's what hurts him so...so much. 361 00:16:07,540 --> 00:16:09,460 You don't even do anything. 362 00:16:09,460 --> 00:16:10,460 YARRAKA: He was hysterical, 363 00:16:10,460 --> 00:16:12,140 he wanted something done right there and then, 364 00:16:12,140 --> 00:16:12,380 he wanted something done and I didn't know what to do. 365 00:16:12,380 --> 00:16:13,620 and I didn't know what to do. 366 00:16:13,620 --> 00:16:16,540 I said, "Quaden, I want everyone to see how this is affecting you. 367 00:16:16,540 --> 00:16:17,540 "I don't know what to do anymore." 368 00:16:17,540 --> 00:16:21,180 I want people to know - parents, educators, teachers - 369 00:16:21,180 --> 00:16:23,700 this is the effect that bullying has. 370 00:16:23,700 --> 00:16:24,740 I wanna kill myself. 371 00:16:24,740 --> 00:16:26,940 This is what bullying does. 372 00:16:26,940 --> 00:16:27,180 I just got on my Facebook Live This is what bullying does. 373 00:16:27,180 --> 00:16:30,620 I just got on my Facebook Live and recorded it. 374 00:16:30,620 --> 00:16:33,540 And this is the side that I don't choose to share. 375 00:16:33,540 --> 00:16:33,780 And this is the side I choose to keep this private. 376 00:16:33,780 --> 00:16:36,500 I choose to keep this private. 377 00:16:36,500 --> 00:16:38,180 But we can't do it anymore. 378 00:16:39,660 --> 00:16:42,580 (PHONE DINGS AND CHIMES) 379 00:16:44,620 --> 00:16:46,900 I woke up in the morning, my phone's blowing up, 380 00:16:46,900 --> 00:16:47,140 I woke up in the morning, we've got media at our door. 381 00:16:47,140 --> 00:16:48,180 we've got media at our door. 382 00:16:48,180 --> 00:16:50,060 I'm like, what is going on? 383 00:16:50,060 --> 00:16:50,300 I've got nonstop call I'm like, what is going on? 384 00:16:50,300 --> 00:16:53,620 I've got nonstop call after call after call. 385 00:16:53,620 --> 00:16:57,180 And then we'd realised, oh, my goodness, this video has gone viral. 386 00:16:57,180 --> 00:16:59,700 And I'm like, what the hell have I done? 387 00:16:59,700 --> 00:17:03,180 The world is right now rallying behind bullied Brisbane boy 388 00:17:03,180 --> 00:17:03,420 The world is right now rallying Quaden Bayles. 389 00:17:03,420 --> 00:17:04,580 Quaden Bayles. 390 00:17:04,580 --> 00:17:06,940 WOMAN: The video has been viewed millions of times, 391 00:17:06,940 --> 00:17:08,300 even garnered support from celebrities 392 00:17:08,300 --> 00:17:08,540 even garnered support including actor Hugh Jackman. 393 00:17:08,540 --> 00:17:09,940 including actor Hugh Jackman. 394 00:17:09,940 --> 00:17:13,260 Quaden, you are stronger than you know, mate. 395 00:17:13,260 --> 00:17:13,540 Over that weekend, when it really did...it hit. Quaden, you are stronger than you know, mate. 396 00:17:13,540 --> 00:17:16,940 Over that weekend, when it really did...it hit. 397 00:17:16,940 --> 00:17:17,180 Like, NRL's ringing, when it really did...it hit. 398 00:17:17,180 --> 00:17:19,100 Like, NRL's ringing, 399 00:17:19,100 --> 00:17:20,340 Johnathan Thurston's ringing, 400 00:17:20,340 --> 00:17:23,860 Indigenous All Stars, the whole team is now doing a video message. 401 00:17:23,860 --> 00:17:24,100 We're here to support you, bud. is now doing a video message. 402 00:17:24,100 --> 00:17:25,300 We're here to support you, bud. 403 00:17:25,300 --> 00:17:27,420 We just want to make sure that you're doing alright. 404 00:17:27,420 --> 00:17:30,740 All of this attention from community, 405 00:17:30,740 --> 00:17:31,020 All of this attention from community, the support, um, the media, um, it was huge, it was huge. 406 00:17:31,020 --> 00:17:35,940 the support, um, the media, um, it was huge, it was huge. 407 00:17:35,940 --> 00:17:38,460 Hey, Quaden. My name is Brad Williams. 408 00:17:38,460 --> 00:17:40,780 I'm a dwarf who lives in the United States of America. 409 00:17:40,780 --> 00:17:43,300 I just want to let you know that we love you. 410 00:17:43,300 --> 00:17:45,980 YARRAKA: The first 24 hours, it was all positive. 411 00:17:45,980 --> 00:17:48,940 We were on this high, seeing all of this outpouring of love 412 00:17:48,940 --> 00:17:49,180 We were on this high, seeing and support from all over the world. 413 00:17:49,180 --> 00:17:51,060 and support from all over the world. 414 00:17:51,060 --> 00:17:54,340 It was like the talk of our family every day, every hour, 415 00:17:54,340 --> 00:17:56,580 we're talking about the crowdfunding. 416 00:17:56,580 --> 00:17:59,340 That was such a beautiful gesture. 417 00:17:59,340 --> 00:18:03,860 And then...and then it turned really sour. 418 00:18:03,860 --> 00:18:06,100 (DING!) 419 00:18:06,100 --> 00:18:07,580 MAN: That's learned behaviour. 420 00:18:07,580 --> 00:18:10,300 You are teaching your son how to be a (BLEEP) victim. 421 00:18:10,300 --> 00:18:14,060 You're a piece of (BLEEP) mum, you don't (BLEEP) deserve your son. 422 00:18:14,060 --> 00:18:14,300 You're a piece of (BLEEP) mum, (DING!) 423 00:18:14,300 --> 00:18:15,940 (DING!) 424 00:18:15,940 --> 00:18:16,180 YARRAKA: And then from (DING!) 425 00:18:16,180 --> 00:18:18,860 YARRAKA: And then from one extreme to the other, 426 00:18:18,860 --> 00:18:21,820 to get death threats where our lives were in danger 427 00:18:21,820 --> 00:18:25,980 and we had to seek refuge and travel away from our own home, 428 00:18:25,980 --> 00:18:26,220 and we had to seek refuge and um, that was pretty full-on. 429 00:18:26,220 --> 00:18:27,820 um, that was pretty full-on. 430 00:18:27,820 --> 00:18:30,220 Um, I got some questions. 431 00:18:30,220 --> 00:18:30,460 Are we sure if this is even true? Um, I got some questions. 432 00:18:30,460 --> 00:18:33,580 Are we sure if this is even true? Have we checked the facts? 433 00:18:33,580 --> 00:18:33,820 Are we sure if this is even true? MAN: An 18-year-old dwarf 434 00:18:33,820 --> 00:18:34,980 MAN: An 18-year-old dwarf 435 00:18:34,980 --> 00:18:37,020 is gonna look the same as a nine-year-old dwarf. 436 00:18:37,020 --> 00:18:41,140 Y'all famous people got scammed by little Shorty right here. 437 00:18:41,140 --> 00:18:41,380 Y'all famous people got scammed Ha! 438 00:18:41,380 --> 00:18:42,300 Ha! 439 00:18:43,580 --> 00:18:46,620 YARRAKA: Apparently Quaden is an 18-year-old man. 440 00:18:46,620 --> 00:18:49,140 He's already rich and famous, he's an actor, 441 00:18:49,140 --> 00:18:54,020 I coached him to do and say everything in that video, 442 00:18:54,020 --> 00:18:54,260 and it was all fake. I coached him to do and say everything in that video, 443 00:18:54,260 --> 00:18:56,740 and it was all fake. 444 00:18:57,740 --> 00:19:02,540 So, yeah, I just think, wow, really? 445 00:19:02,540 --> 00:19:02,780 So, yeah, I just think, wow, really? I'm not that scam. I'm, like... I would be wearing Gucci right now. 446 00:19:02,780 --> 00:19:07,740 I'm not that scam. I'm, like... I would be wearing Gucci right now. 447 00:19:07,740 --> 00:19:08,020 I'm not that scam. I'm, like... I would be wearing Gucci right now. I'm wearing a Target shirt. It's not even from Target. 448 00:19:08,020 --> 00:19:11,620 I'm wearing a Target shirt. It's not even from Target. 449 00:19:13,180 --> 00:19:16,420 And these clothes are from Rebel, like, 20 bucks. 450 00:19:20,460 --> 00:19:23,540 YARRAKA: It still goes on, four years later. 451 00:19:23,540 --> 00:19:23,780 YARRAKA: It still goes on, Like, being in a shopping centre, 452 00:19:23,780 --> 00:19:24,900 Like, being in a shopping centre, 453 00:19:24,900 --> 00:19:27,180 you don't expect people to just come and punch you in the face. 454 00:19:27,180 --> 00:19:30,060 And that's happened, unfortunately, on three occasions. 455 00:19:30,060 --> 00:19:31,740 Um, just public attacks at South Bank. 456 00:19:31,740 --> 00:19:31,980 Um, just public attacks You know, teenagers just coming up 457 00:19:31,980 --> 00:19:33,420 You know, teenagers just coming up 458 00:19:33,420 --> 00:19:35,980 and wanting to start a fight with him. 459 00:19:35,980 --> 00:19:36,220 and wanting to start Just...bad vibes. 460 00:19:36,220 --> 00:19:39,020 Just...bad vibes. 461 00:19:39,020 --> 00:19:42,060 Bad feelings. Doesn't make sense. 462 00:19:42,060 --> 00:19:43,980 But, um, it's just all hate. 463 00:19:46,220 --> 00:19:50,500 If you go out, you see someone different, don't stare. 464 00:19:50,500 --> 00:19:53,660 Just, yeah, don't always look back and, "What's he doing?" 465 00:19:53,660 --> 00:19:56,780 or, "What had he got on his face?" or, "Why does he look like that?" 466 00:19:56,780 --> 00:19:57,020 or, "What had he got on his face?" Just be nice, you know? 467 00:19:57,020 --> 00:19:58,340 Just be nice, you know? 468 00:19:59,980 --> 00:20:02,420 Oh, good kick. 469 00:20:02,420 --> 00:20:06,660 GEORGE: I first heard of Quaden when that video came up. It went viral. 470 00:20:06,660 --> 00:20:06,940 And like everyone else, I was really struck. GEORGE: I first heard of Quaden when that video came up. It went viral. 471 00:20:06,940 --> 00:20:10,340 And like everyone else, I was really struck. 472 00:20:10,340 --> 00:20:10,580 And like everyone else, It had a big impact on me. 473 00:20:10,580 --> 00:20:12,140 It had a big impact on me. 474 00:20:13,300 --> 00:20:16,180 I thought, gee, we need a little kid to do something. 475 00:20:16,180 --> 00:20:18,940 And I spoke to the wonderful casting agent, 476 00:20:18,940 --> 00:20:21,100 and I said, "Can you try to find Quaden?" 477 00:20:21,100 --> 00:20:21,340 and I said, "Can you try Oh! 478 00:20:21,340 --> 00:20:22,340 Oh! 479 00:20:22,340 --> 00:20:22,580 Just before his 10th birthday, Oh! 480 00:20:22,580 --> 00:20:27,380 Just before his 10th birthday, one of the talent scouts just said, 481 00:20:27,380 --> 00:20:30,300 "You know, George has seen the video and would like to meet Quaden." 482 00:20:31,580 --> 00:20:33,260 Hey, Quaden. 483 00:20:33,260 --> 00:20:36,140 Oh, hello. Hi. How are you doing? 484 00:20:36,140 --> 00:20:37,340 Good, good. Good to see you. 485 00:20:37,340 --> 00:20:37,580 Good, good. How are you? 486 00:20:37,580 --> 00:20:38,420 How are you? 487 00:20:38,420 --> 00:20:42,300 I didn't know who George Miller was before everything. 488 00:20:42,300 --> 00:20:44,940 But he created Happy Feet, 489 00:20:44,940 --> 00:20:48,500 and Happy Feet, like, that was one of my favourite movies as a kid. 490 00:20:48,500 --> 00:20:51,740 When they do that little foot dance and they go... (TAPS) 491 00:20:51,740 --> 00:20:52,980 ..yeah, that was funny. 492 00:20:52,980 --> 00:20:55,540 You haven't seen Fury Road the movie, have you? 493 00:20:55,540 --> 00:20:55,780 You haven't seen Fury Road I watched it not long ago. 494 00:20:55,780 --> 00:20:57,380 I watched it not long ago. 495 00:20:57,380 --> 00:20:58,540 Oh! 496 00:20:58,540 --> 00:21:01,020 It was a bit scary, then cool and that. 497 00:21:01,020 --> 00:21:03,700 Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry if it was a bit scary. 498 00:21:03,700 --> 00:21:08,340 My first meeting with him was like, most meetings during COVID, 499 00:21:08,340 --> 00:21:08,580 My first meeting with him was on Zoom. 500 00:21:08,580 --> 00:21:10,340 on Zoom. 501 00:21:10,340 --> 00:21:17,300 And his mother, Yarraka, basically left the two of us to talk. 502 00:21:17,300 --> 00:21:21,100 She wasn't like the showbiz mother, watching over him. 503 00:21:21,100 --> 00:21:25,020 My favourite part was they, like, they had these, uh, these sticks 504 00:21:25,020 --> 00:21:25,260 My favourite part was they, like, that were going over everywhere. 505 00:21:25,260 --> 00:21:27,500 that were going over everywhere. 506 00:21:27,500 --> 00:21:29,020 Yeah, like this. 507 00:21:29,020 --> 00:21:30,180 Yeah. Yeah. 508 00:21:30,180 --> 00:21:34,140 I thought, "Hey, he's really got something." 509 00:21:34,140 --> 00:21:36,380 It'd be really great if you could do this. 510 00:21:36,380 --> 00:21:38,620 And I'm really happy that you're doing it, and... 511 00:21:38,620 --> 00:21:40,860 Thank you. I think it'll be fun. 512 00:21:43,020 --> 00:21:44,660 So, what would you wish for? 513 00:21:44,660 --> 00:21:46,660 What is your heart's desire? 514 00:21:46,660 --> 00:21:46,900 YARRAKA: The first movie What is your heart's desire? 515 00:21:46,900 --> 00:21:49,500 YARRAKA: The first movie that George got Quaden on 516 00:21:49,500 --> 00:21:52,220 was Three Thousand Years Of Longing, with Idris Elba. 517 00:21:52,220 --> 00:21:56,260 I do have a question. What does one do with three wishes? 518 00:21:56,260 --> 00:21:56,500 I do have a question. You'll see. 519 00:21:56,500 --> 00:21:57,300 You'll see. 520 00:21:59,100 --> 00:22:00,420 YARRAKA: He's a natural. 521 00:22:00,420 --> 00:22:04,020 He's never had any acting lessons or coaching. 522 00:22:04,020 --> 00:22:04,260 He's never had any Yep, he's an entertainer. 523 00:22:04,260 --> 00:22:05,780 Yep, he's an entertainer. 524 00:22:05,780 --> 00:22:08,060 Show me. Look at them deadly gold boots. 525 00:22:08,060 --> 00:22:08,300 Show me. Look at them Ooh. 526 00:22:08,300 --> 00:22:09,260 Ooh. 527 00:22:09,260 --> 00:22:11,460 And his sword's just getting fixed. 528 00:22:11,460 --> 00:22:14,460 And here's me. Oh, look out, look out, look out! 529 00:22:15,700 --> 00:22:18,940 QUADEN: I got to experience the acting culture. 530 00:22:18,940 --> 00:22:21,820 Because, like, when I was a kid, like, all the stuff behind the scenes 531 00:22:21,820 --> 00:22:24,060 looked real, but, like, it ain't real. 532 00:22:24,060 --> 00:22:25,980 It's all green screens, you know what I'm saying? 533 00:22:25,980 --> 00:22:30,620 But, yeah, 10 out of 10. Yeah, it was great. Really great. 534 00:22:30,620 --> 00:22:32,220 And then we just, then we're pulling out. 535 00:22:32,220 --> 00:22:36,980 GEORGE: We were preparing Furiosa, the prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road. 536 00:22:36,980 --> 00:22:37,220 GEORGE: We were preparing Furiosa, (ALL CHANT) 537 00:22:37,220 --> 00:22:39,460 (ALL CHANT) 538 00:22:39,460 --> 00:22:44,540 Having seen what he was able to do under pressure, 539 00:22:44,540 --> 00:22:44,780 Having seen what he was in Three Thousand Years, 540 00:22:44,780 --> 00:22:47,100 in Three Thousand Years, 541 00:22:47,100 --> 00:22:49,780 I thought he'd be exactly right for this part. 542 00:22:49,780 --> 00:22:50,020 I thought he'd be exactly Oh, that's great. 543 00:22:50,020 --> 00:22:51,260 Oh, that's great. 544 00:22:51,260 --> 00:22:53,260 The character we called the War Pup. 545 00:22:53,260 --> 00:22:56,300 We can put some across you here, like... 546 00:22:56,300 --> 00:23:00,580 The War Pup is the freaky little fella and one of a kind. 547 00:23:00,580 --> 00:23:04,060 WOMAN: 27 Alpha, take eight. Tail and anchor running. 548 00:23:04,060 --> 00:23:07,020 One of the best lines was when I had to say, 549 00:23:07,020 --> 00:23:07,260 One of the best lines "The Bommy Knockers now." 550 00:23:07,260 --> 00:23:09,180 "The Bommy Knockers now." 551 00:23:10,420 --> 00:23:12,140 Now? Now! 552 00:23:15,820 --> 00:23:18,660 I was one of the main, you know, main extras, 553 00:23:18,660 --> 00:23:20,820 and, like, you get your own little trailer. 554 00:23:23,220 --> 00:23:26,420 Come knocking on your door, "Alright, you ready? Come on now." 555 00:23:26,420 --> 00:23:29,900 And I get all in my costume, they say, "Action." 556 00:23:29,900 --> 00:23:35,620 But, yeah, that's really cool, to have your own, like, team with you. 557 00:23:35,620 --> 00:23:39,420 It's going to be lettuce and cabbages and all that sort of stuff. 558 00:23:39,420 --> 00:23:42,300 OK? So it might be a bit uneven underfoot, but I'll be there. 559 00:23:42,300 --> 00:23:44,980 The way that they explained and took extra time 560 00:23:44,980 --> 00:23:45,220 The way that they explained because Quaden is hearing impaired, 561 00:23:45,220 --> 00:23:46,780 because Quaden is hearing impaired, 562 00:23:46,780 --> 00:23:49,500 they were very accommodating to make sure 563 00:23:49,500 --> 00:23:54,420 that he wasn't lacking in any way or feeling like he wasn't supported. 564 00:23:54,420 --> 00:23:56,140 You couldn't have asked for a better set to be on one. 565 00:23:56,140 --> 00:23:56,380 You couldn't have asked for One, two, three. 566 00:23:56,380 --> 00:23:58,340 One, two, three. 567 00:23:58,340 --> 00:24:01,500 QUADEN: George Miller's a cool guy, man. I could just trust him. 568 00:24:01,500 --> 00:24:03,660 Paparazzi, man. You're getting used to this, aren't you? 569 00:24:03,660 --> 00:24:06,140 (ALL LAUGH) Hey, thanks, Quaden. 570 00:24:06,140 --> 00:24:08,380 Probably just stay with him for my acting career. 571 00:24:08,380 --> 00:24:11,460 But he's, like, the best, you know, the best for me. 572 00:24:11,460 --> 00:24:14,500 Best producer. Best, yeah, best everything. 573 00:24:20,180 --> 00:24:21,940 I'm TJ. I'm Quaden. 574 00:24:21,940 --> 00:24:23,780 And I'm Tiga. ALL: Welcome to Redfern. 575 00:24:23,780 --> 00:24:24,020 And I'm Tiga. When we get older, 576 00:24:24,020 --> 00:24:25,380 When we get older, 577 00:24:25,380 --> 00:24:28,180 we should just buy our own apartment in Redfern and just kick it. 578 00:24:29,900 --> 00:24:31,700 Even, like, I know I live in Brisbane, 579 00:24:31,700 --> 00:24:34,740 I would rather live in Redfern than Brisbane. 580 00:24:34,740 --> 00:24:38,260 Like, that's how much of a safe place this feels. 581 00:24:39,620 --> 00:24:41,860 YARRAKA: After that video went viral, 582 00:24:41,860 --> 00:24:44,100 obviously school caused a lot of anxiety, 583 00:24:44,100 --> 00:24:47,660 so Quaden was homeschooled for those two years following. 584 00:24:48,620 --> 00:24:50,660 And we go to Redfern every holiday. 585 00:24:50,660 --> 00:24:50,900 And we go to Redfern We're always back and forth. 586 00:24:50,900 --> 00:24:52,700 We're always back and forth. 587 00:24:52,700 --> 00:24:54,820 Redfern's where it all began for my family. 588 00:24:54,820 --> 00:24:55,060 Redfern's where it all began We go back nine generations. 589 00:24:55,060 --> 00:24:56,940 We go back nine generations. 590 00:24:56,940 --> 00:24:59,260 Y'all. 591 00:24:59,260 --> 00:25:01,180 There's nothing else that can beat Redfern. 592 00:25:03,740 --> 00:25:06,780 Like, doesn't matter where you're from, like, just you're all one. 593 00:25:06,780 --> 00:25:10,820 I mean, you're all nice people, you don't disrespect, like, yeah. 594 00:25:11,900 --> 00:25:13,740 YARRAKA: And he just got so comfortable, and he's like, 595 00:25:13,740 --> 00:25:16,540 "I don't want to leave Mum. Why can't I live here?" 596 00:25:16,540 --> 00:25:19,420 Which is hard for me because I don't want to live there. (LAUGHS) 597 00:25:22,020 --> 00:25:26,300 And then we found a little flexischool in Brisbane. 598 00:25:27,420 --> 00:25:31,340 There's a very diverse group of students in the school. 599 00:25:31,340 --> 00:25:33,420 He hasn't had a negative experience at the school, 600 00:25:33,420 --> 00:25:37,780 and this is his second year now, so grade eight getting good reports. 601 00:25:38,900 --> 00:25:42,500 He's got a good little group of friends that he hangs out with, 602 00:25:42,500 --> 00:25:45,100 and, yeah, it's been answered prayer. 603 00:25:46,460 --> 00:25:49,180 QUADEN: I feel good that I can go to a school 604 00:25:49,180 --> 00:25:51,300 and, you know, just nothing happening. 605 00:25:52,780 --> 00:25:54,740 I've got a lot of good mates, you know, like, 606 00:25:54,740 --> 00:25:57,820 a lot of good people there to support me, you know. 607 00:25:59,540 --> 00:26:01,780 I love having Mum and Dad around. Yeah. 608 00:26:01,780 --> 00:26:03,820 YARRAKA: His father and his siblings were all living in Sydney, 609 00:26:03,820 --> 00:26:05,820 and now his father and his older brother live here, 610 00:26:05,820 --> 00:26:10,700 and we make it work, we co-parent, and it's what's best for our son. 611 00:26:10,700 --> 00:26:12,340 It's made me so, like, feel much better and that. 612 00:26:12,340 --> 00:26:12,580 It's made me so, like, Yeah. 613 00:26:12,580 --> 00:26:13,340 Yeah. 614 00:26:13,340 --> 00:26:15,340 And it's working well. So far so good. 615 00:26:17,060 --> 00:26:18,340 QUADEN: It means a lot to me. 616 00:26:18,340 --> 00:26:20,620 I'm happy that they both live with me, you know, 617 00:26:20,620 --> 00:26:24,340 like, it's been great for me to have them here. 618 00:26:24,340 --> 00:26:27,780 Like, yeah, it made everything cool and better. 619 00:26:29,380 --> 00:26:31,740 YARRAKA: Over that one viral video, 620 00:26:31,740 --> 00:26:35,540 it's brought a family back together, and that's all Quaden ever wanted. 621 00:26:37,340 --> 00:26:38,940 Do I wear white, or my black one? 622 00:26:42,580 --> 00:26:44,340 Are you going for the messy look? No. 623 00:26:46,180 --> 00:26:48,460 Well, I'd better take a photo for Dad. 624 00:26:48,460 --> 00:26:50,540 We need to get you a private jet next. 625 00:26:50,540 --> 00:26:53,140 Nah. Private yacht. Yeah, that too. 626 00:26:53,140 --> 00:26:53,420 His public profile is very important to him, Yeah, that too. 627 00:26:53,420 --> 00:26:56,140 His public profile is very important to him, 628 00:26:56,140 --> 00:26:56,380 His public profile and he wants to be independent. 629 00:26:56,380 --> 00:26:59,100 and he wants to be independent. 630 00:26:59,100 --> 00:26:59,340 and he wants to be independent. let him do his thing. 631 00:26:59,340 --> 00:27:03,340 So, he already told us, let him do his thing. 632 00:27:03,340 --> 00:27:06,300 We're at the Mad Max: Furiosa premiere. 633 00:27:06,300 --> 00:27:08,820 And it's really exciting for me to be here. 634 00:27:08,820 --> 00:27:10,300 WOMAN: Do you love acting? 635 00:27:10,300 --> 00:27:13,860 It's one of my first jobs in my whole career, 636 00:27:13,860 --> 00:27:14,100 It's one of my first jobs and I think acting will be my job. 637 00:27:14,100 --> 00:27:16,340 and I think acting will be my job. 638 00:27:16,340 --> 00:27:17,860 You really do? And I love acting. 639 00:27:19,620 --> 00:27:21,300 I was honoured to be here. 640 00:27:21,300 --> 00:27:25,820 I was really grateful to be in a movie like Mad Max. 641 00:27:27,180 --> 00:27:30,060 I want to show my culture that if you're black, 642 00:27:30,060 --> 00:27:30,300 I want to show my culture you can make it. that if you're black, 643 00:27:30,300 --> 00:27:31,300 you can make it. 644 00:27:31,300 --> 00:27:31,540 you can make it. I'm a proud Aboriginal young boy, and I'm making it. 645 00:27:31,540 --> 00:27:33,900 I'm a proud Aboriginal young boy, and I'm making it. 646 00:27:36,220 --> 00:27:39,380 YARRAKA: When you got Chris Hemsworth, Anya Taylor-Joy, 647 00:27:39,380 --> 00:27:43,500 Charlee Fraser, CJ Bloomfield, like, all of these amazing people, 648 00:27:43,500 --> 00:27:47,140 and here's my 13-year-old son in the middle of that stage, 649 00:27:47,140 --> 00:27:49,380 I was like, wow, whoever would have thought? 650 00:27:52,980 --> 00:27:57,180 QUADEN: I didn't think that the movies we would have afterparties, 651 00:27:57,180 --> 00:27:58,260 but Mad Max did. 652 00:27:59,900 --> 00:28:01,820 I really wanted to stay longer, 653 00:28:01,820 --> 00:28:02,060 but, yeah, my aunty and my mum I really wanted to stay longer, 654 00:28:02,060 --> 00:28:05,580 but, yeah, my aunty and my mum wanted to go home. 655 00:28:05,580 --> 00:28:05,820 but, yeah, my aunty and my mum I was disappointed. 656 00:28:05,820 --> 00:28:07,100 I was disappointed. 657 00:28:07,100 --> 00:28:11,060 I think that's the feeling of being old and... (LAUGHS) 658 00:28:11,060 --> 00:28:14,860 ..wanting to go home and relax and go to sleep. 659 00:28:14,860 --> 00:28:18,460 Good to see you again, George. Yeah, yeah. 660 00:28:18,460 --> 00:28:19,380 How are you? 661 00:28:19,380 --> 00:28:22,100 I said goodbye to he and his mum. 662 00:28:22,100 --> 00:28:23,460 He said thanks. 663 00:28:23,460 --> 00:28:27,100 He said, "You're cool," and it blew me away. 664 00:28:27,100 --> 00:28:31,100 I've had, you know...I've been lucky enough to have compliments 665 00:28:31,100 --> 00:28:34,460 from actors, but that was the one that stuck in the memory. 666 00:28:36,340 --> 00:28:38,660 He's got a career ahead of him. 667 00:28:38,660 --> 00:28:41,260 He's somebody who I'd work with 668 00:28:41,260 --> 00:28:43,500 if a role was available at any time. 669 00:28:45,060 --> 00:28:48,740 And for George to be able to, you know, connect with him 670 00:28:48,740 --> 00:28:51,820 the way that he did, that wouldn't have happened if he never saw 671 00:28:51,820 --> 00:28:54,060 that video and wanted to give, you know, 672 00:28:54,060 --> 00:28:55,980 a little Murri boy from Brisbane an opportunity 673 00:28:55,980 --> 00:28:58,780 to star in one of the world's biggest movies. 674 00:28:58,780 --> 00:29:01,900 Like, so how could we look back at that and think, 675 00:29:01,900 --> 00:29:02,140 Like, so how could we look back "I wish that never happened"? 676 00:29:02,140 --> 00:29:03,220 "I wish that never happened"? 677 00:29:03,220 --> 00:29:05,660 Hey, I hope you liked the movie. 678 00:29:05,660 --> 00:29:07,220 The bullying, the threats, 679 00:29:07,220 --> 00:29:10,820 that's nothing compared to the life that he's living now. 680 00:29:12,980 --> 00:29:14,780 QUADEN: The video changed me a lot, 681 00:29:14,780 --> 00:29:19,780 but what changed me the most was the acting - that changed me the most. 682 00:29:19,780 --> 00:29:20,020 but what changed me the most was the But I'm always going to be Quaden 683 00:29:20,020 --> 00:29:21,500 But I'm always going to be Quaden 684 00:29:21,500 --> 00:29:26,300 and I'm always going to have the same vibe, the same, you know, same me. 685 00:29:26,300 --> 00:29:30,380 But when it comes to that industry, I'm a whole different person. 686 00:29:30,380 --> 00:29:30,620 But when it comes to that industry, I'm just a whole... I'm ready to act. 687 00:29:30,620 --> 00:29:32,980 I'm just a whole... I'm ready to act. 688 00:29:32,980 --> 00:29:34,900 Put me on, I'm ready right now. 689 00:29:36,300 --> 00:29:39,180 One day I'll be a Hollywood star. 690 00:29:49,660 --> 00:29:54,140 (ALL CHEER) 691 00:30:11,660 --> 00:30:13,660 Captions by Red Bee Media 692 00:30:13,660 --> 00:30:15,860 Copyright Australian Broadcasting Corporation