Opinion with Anna Cox: City to reap many untold benefits from production of Invisible Boys in Geraldton

I’m a firm believer that Geraldton has it all. In a 10km radius we have pristine beaches, panoramic landscape views of canola fields, first-class sporting opportunities and most importantly, a great banh mi. I’d even say in the last few weeks, Geraldton has had it all — and some. We’ve welcomed Stan crews to town, filming a big screen production here in little ‘ol Gero. Local author Holden Sheppard has thrust us into the spotlight of TV stardom with his novel Invisible Boys, adapted to become a Stan series released in 2025. Besides being a massive win for the representation of young queer people in regional Australia on screen, the presence of a film crew has made a positive mark on the city for a few reasons. And we’re yet to realise what this could all mean for Geraldton once the show is actually released and highlighting our little part of the world. So far, the production has made a firm impact on the local economy, with hoards of crew and cast residing in the city for the last six weeks, and perhaps a bigger impact on one Guardian reporter, I won’t name names (it’s me). The excitement of finding the latest set location, and inconspicuously visiting to take a few snaps of the equipment being set up has been thrilling. The release of the first images this week of the show has only built the anticipation. When I was 16 I snuck out of home to go to a house party, and have been chasing that same adrenaline rush since, until now. Taking photos of a real-life film set, with real-life actors? My blood was pumping, I was a bit sweaty and my heart rate had risen to the point of my smart watch reminding me to “start your workout”. Anna Cox is a reporter at The Geraldton Guardian