Journalist Rick Wall spent three decades in the media industry, most notably with Melbourne radio stations and as a researcher for ABC TV current affairs in Sydney.
When Black Saturday unfolded in 2009, Rick was semi-retired. Then, AFL Victoria decided to send someone to Kinglake to help rebuild the township’s football and netball club.
Rick was that person. He grew close to many of the locals who offered unique insights into the tragedy and the recovery. Rick donated his services to write the stories of the Caine and Buchanan families during the disaster and its painstaking aftermath.
Cameron Caine, OAM, grew up in northeast Melbourne. After a 15-year career as a plumber, in 1999 he joined Victoria Police and served in various stations, including Reservoir and Seymour, before transferring to Kinglake, where he was one of only two local police officers on duty on Black Saturday.
He retired in 2019 due to PTSD.
Throughout his career, he was honoured with several awards, including the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), the Victoria Police Valour Award, the Royal Humane Society of Australasia Silver Medal for Bravery, the Commendation for Brave Conduct, and the National Medal for Service.
He is again the President of the Kinglake Football Netball Club and continues contributing to the Kinglake Ranges community through creative projects.
When the Smoke Clears, by Rick Wall with Cameron Caine OAM, will be released by Hembury Books on Monday, August 11.
