Australia has lost one of its most influential and well-loved filmmakers at the age of 82.

For many of us, his name may bring back memories of classic Australian films and television that helped shape our national identity and brought our stories to the world.

Today, we take a moment to reflect on his remarkable career, his impact on the Australian screen industry, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Born in Brisbane in 1942, Donald Crombie’s journey into the world of film began in the 1960s at the Commonwealth Film Unit, which would later become Screen Australia.

At a time when the Australian film industry was still finding its feet, Crombie was at the forefront, helping to lay the foundations for what would become a vibrant and internationally respected industry.

His early work with the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) was instrumental in putting South Australia on the map as a hub for film and television production.


As one of the first drama directors for the SAFC, Crombie was involved in some of the earliest and most culturally significant productions to come out of the state, including the 1973 TV mini-series Stacey’s Gym and 1974’s Who Killed Jenny Langby.

Crombie’s filmography reads like a greatest hits of Australian cinema and television. His 1976 film Caddie is widely regarded as a classic, telling the story of a woman’s struggle for independence during the Great Depression.

The film was groundbreaking for its time, offering a rare female perspective and a strong, complex lead character.


Crombie continued this trend with Cathy’s Child (1979), another powerful film centred on a woman’s fight for justice.

Other notable works include The Killing of Angel Street, Kitty & the Bagman, Robbery Under Arms, Playing Beatie Bow, and Selkie.

On the small screen, Crombie directed episodes of beloved series such as Cyclone Tracy, The Heroes, Heroes II, The Feds, Time Trax, Fire, Flipper, and the much-loved McLeod’s Daughters.

One of the most significant aspects of Crombie’s career was his commitment to telling women’s stories at a time when female protagonists were rare in Australian cinema.

Director Justin Kurzel recently highlighted this, saying, 'Crombie made many films about tough, powerful, independent women at a time when there were very few directors with female lead protagonists.

While I believe Gillian Armstrong’s My Brilliant Career is an Australian masterpiece, I would place Caddie and Cathy’s Child alongside it.

These films were groundbreaking in cinematically presenting a female perspective and portraying women navigating their own paths and asserting their voices.'

Beyond his work behind the camera, Crombie was a dedicated advocate for the Australian screen industry.

He served on the boards of the Australian Writers’ Guild and the Australian Screen Directors’ Association (now the Australian Director’s Guild), helping to support and mentor the next generation of filmmakers.

The South Australian Film Corporation paid tribute to Crombie, saying, 'On behalf of everyone at the SAFC, we send our deepest condolences to Donald’s wife and former SAFC CEO Judith Crombie, his family, friends and past colleagues. Vale.'

Donald Crombie’s influence can still be felt today, not just in the films and television shows he directed but in the way he helped shape the Australian film industry.

His commitment to authentic storytelling, his championing of women’s voices, and his leadership within the industry have left an indelible mark.

For many of us in the Seniors Discount Club community, Crombie’s films are more than just entertainment—they are a part of our shared cultural heritage.

They remind us of where we’ve come from, the challenges we’ve faced, and the stories that make us uniquely Australian.


Did you watch Caddie, Cathy’s Child, or any of Donald Crombie’s other works? Do you have a favourite memory or scene from his films or TV shows? We’d love to hear your thoughts and tributes in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the life and legacy of a true Australian icon together.