Rahni's top three stories of 2016
Sunday Night reporter Rahni Sadler couldn’t simply choose just one favourite from the past year, and so we allowed her to give us her top three!
Rahni has covered stories all over the world this year but it was here on home soil where she shot her favourite – The Blythe Star.
“This is one of the most extraordinary Australian tales of survival at sea that very few Australians knew about”, said Rahni.
For those who haven’t heard about the Blythe Star and haven’t watched the story, it is one of Australia’s greatest tales of survival.
It is the Australian shipwreck story you should have heard about but probably didn't.
In a television first, Sunday Night recreated the incredible story of the Blythe Star's fateful sinking through the gripping recollection of the last surviving crew member.
*MORE: Behind the scenes recreating the Blythe Star's fateful sinking.
Rahni said: “The men of the Blythe Star deserve recognition not only because of their bravery, unfathomable determination and camaraderie but because their sacrifice changed maritime history in Australia.
“As a result of the tragedy of the Blythe Star rigorous safety standards were implemented that have saved the lives of dozens if not hundreds of Australian mariners since.”
The Blythe Star was one of Sunday Night's most ambitious programs.
Rahni wanted to express her thanks to Stacey, Deisel and Joanie Doleman for convincing Mick Doleman to share his story.
“It was a story that felt like it wanted to be told”, Rahni recalled.
“Without exception, every person we approached wanted to take part in or help with the telling of this important piece of maritime history.
“Thank you especially to all the wonderful people in Tasmania who reached out to help, and a thousand thank yous to Jamie Wiggins and his family who certainly answered when we knocked on their door.
"We couldn't have done it without the expertise as well as kindness from Kerry and all at Southern Isles Charters.”
Click here to watch the full story of the Blythe Star.
Another of Rahni's favourite stories was Sunday Night’s profile of The Boss.
“Bruce Springsteen's just released his autobiography, it’s fascinating”, she said.
“His candor in his writing and our interview was unanticipated.
“I haven’t stopped listening to his music since.”
The inspirational story of a young couple who lost their child to Whooping Cough is Rahni’s final favourite.
“Getting to tell the tale of Greg and Catherine Hughes and their extraordinary actions after the loss of their baby Riley to Whooping Cough was an enormous privilege”, she said.
“Despite their overwhelming pain and grief in the months after they lost Riley, Greg and Catherine worked tirelessly, and the changes brought in as a result of their tireless work will save countless babies lives for decades to come.
“Greg and Catherine are wonderful people who have become lifelong friends.”
Rahni has chosen three incredible stories from the past 12 months. Now we would like to know YOUR favourite. Go to our Facebook page and tell us!
