Mending Michael

Traumatised by horrific experiences in Vietnam,Michael Johnston is repatriated to Australia andplaced in a psychiatric ward. Eventually dischargedinto an uncaring world, the disenchanted soldierdescends into acute depression.To escape city pressures, Michael finds work on acattle property. There he is coerced into partneringlocal girl Sarah to the Annual Ball, but an alcoholicbinge causes him to be re-committed.Released and attempting to put his life in order, heelects to spend time with a Wiradjuri group where anaboriginal elder becomes his mentor.A remorseful Michael is resolved to make amendsand re-kindles his relationship with Sarah. Thecouple marry and move to Sydney. However, terrifyingmemories continue to haunt him.In war combatants can suffer physically cripplinginjuries. Less obvious is the mental and emotionaldamage inflicted, not only on the warriors but also onthose who love them.Mending Michael tells the tale of two such people.