Creating community connection through the arts: Wade McColl behind the Australian lens

Hey Wade! Please introduce yourself. 

Hey! My name is Wade McColl, and I am a film student with an overwhelming passion for storytelling and filmmaking. I am currently studying for a Diploma of Film & Television at Tafe in Perth, Western Australia. Since starting my journey into the film world, I have been involved in various productions as a director, camera operator, sound mixer, and more. I recently directed my first solo documentary called Brocko from Rocko, and I’ve also worked on several short films that have expanded my knowledge and passions.

Outside of school, I create content on YouTube documenting events, creating documentaries and doing anything that expands my knowledge, and passions.

Tell us about the story of your documentary, Brocko from Rocko.

Brocko from Rocko is a heartfelt documentary about a man named Brock Bevan, who runs a local community group with over two thousand members called the Rockingham Penguins. This documentary captures his life, his passions and the impact he has had on so many lives in the community around him. I want this documentary to be a start on shining a light on unique and beautiful stories that go unseen in our local communities.

This documentary has had amazing response in my community with over thirty thousand views and an official selection for Rock the Boat Film Festival.

Brocko has done an amazing job of bringing together his local grassroots community in Rockingham. How do you think Gen Z can connect more deeply with other generations?

As someone who spends a lot of time online, I’ve noticed that the opportunity to connect with people globally can sometimes distract us from engaging with those in our own communities. If it wasn’t for working on my documentary and putting out a public casting call to my local community. I would of never meet Brock, never known about his impact on the people in my community and I would have never been able to share his story, struggles, passions and kindness to the world.

I honestly believe that the key to connecting with other generations is to step outside of the online world from time to time and actively engage with the people around us. Whether its through local events, projects, or just conversations, its about taking the initiative to listen and learn others’ stories, struggles, and passions. Its honestly amazing what you can discover and learn when you do.

Lots of people say that the arts is a difficult industry to enter. How do you stay motivated and inspired? 

I think a lot of creative people in the arts give up because they compare themselves to others, thinking they don’t have the same creative potential as the people they see online or around them. But honestly, those same people were once in the exact same position, doubting every detail and questioning whether they should keep going. It’s pushing through that first hurdle that allows you to grow and improve.

For me, staying motivated is all about focusing on small improvements with every project. I don’t try to perfect everything at once if one video has sound issues, I make sure the next one is better in that area. It’s about breaking down your work into parts and figuring out what you can improve on next. This approach has helped me grow as a filmmaker and creator, and I still do this with every new project.

Consistency and reflection are key. The more you create, the more you learn, and that’s how you get better. So don’t give up stay focused on your own journey and keep improving, one step at a time.

What is your ultimate dream?

This question honestly stumped me for a bit because I feel like my dreams are always evolving. Lately, I’ve been focusing on setting goals that align with what I’m passionate about. For example, three years ago in high school, I was doing my Certificate II in Media Industry, and I started thinking about what kind of life I wanted. I realized that my dream was to have a career where I loved what I was doing every day, and it never felt like a chore. That’s when I decided I wanted to create content that gives a platform for everyday people to share their lives and stories.

In today’s world, so much of the content we see is about celebrities, politics, and trends, but I’m driven to create content that focuses on the people who often get overlooked. There are so many stories out there that fade into history, and I want to bring those voices and stories to the forefront. My dream is to make sure that people who are often ignored by mainstream media are remembered, celebrated, and heard.

What are some ways that Gen Z people who are feeling lonely can expand connection in their lives?

As someone who grew up feeling like I didn’t belong and was often bullied, I know how hard it can be to find connection, especially during high school. Looking back, there are things I wish I had known that would have helped me build better connections with others.

One thing that really resonates with me is a quote I came across: “If you put a candle in an all-white room, it looks like a piece of art. But if you put that same candle in a garage, it looks like a piece of trash.” It’s a reminder that you don’t need to change who you are to fit in, you just need to find the right surroundings where you’re valued for being yourself.

In high school, I tried to change myself for others, but it wasn’t until I embraced who I truly was that I found people who loved me for me. That’s when I started connecting with friends, communities, and people who respected me. For anyone feeling lonely, I’d say don’t be afraid to be yourself and seek out environments and people who appreciate you for who you are. Join groups, clubs, or activities that align with your interests, and you’ll find your community. It takes time, but it’s worth being around people that will support you through thick and thin.

Tell us about your hike up Bular Mial/Bluff Knoll.

 The Bluff Knoll hike was an incredible journey which has been a huge personal milestone, not just professionally, but because I never thought It would be possible. Bluff Knoll (Bular Mial as its Noongar name) is the highest mountain in the southwest of Australia at a height of 1,099km, it is in the Stirling ranges which is known for its stunning views and challenging terrain.

Now the reason I thought I would never be able to do a hike like Bluff Knoll is due to the fact I was born with two severely clubbed feet, and as a baby, I underwent a process where my Achilles tendon was cut on both of my ankles, so that my feet could be realigned over the first year of my life. That, along with other joint and mobility issues, has always made physical challenges difficult for me.

But I didn’t let that stop me. Overcoming self-doubt and not letting my disability define me was key. It wasn’t easy, there were moments where I wanted to give up and go back, but my loving partner was there every step of the way, pushing me to keep going. Without that support, I don’t know if I could have reached the summit.

This hike has left me inspired more then ever to push my boundaries, face my fears, and never give up on the goals I set and the dreams I make. If anything, it’s a reminder that no matter the obstacles the world throws your way, nothing is impossible if you refuse to quit.

Where can we watch your documentary, Brocko from Rocko?

My documentary, Brocko from Rocko, is available on YouTube and can be found on my channel MrStumpi3 or directly through the following link - https://youtu.be/rTQ8lJNvYgs?si=KCQZToxIzi_3jyly

Please describe your experience with a disability and how has it impacted you as a person.

Having multiple disabilities has honestly impacted my life in every aspect possible. As mentioned, when I was talking about my hike up Bluff Knoll, I have two severe clubbed feet but not only that, I also have Brachydactyly Type A1. This condition is an extremely rare congenital limb malformation characterized by shortened or underdeveloped middle phalanges of all digits. Which in my case, I am missing the middle digits in every single finger and toe. Not only do I have it, but my father has it, my grandmother has it and so on.

This condition is that rare, that only around 100 families in the world have been identified to have it. Due to its rarity, medical services tend to look us over, not providing any support or help when it comes to the lifelong pain and issues revolving around this mutation. It has also impacted my school life with kids calling me names such as Stubby, Oompa Loompa, Stumpy, Mutant, etc. I faced a lot of self-doubt and issues with my self-worth, some nights even crying my self to sleep not feeling like I was worth anything or belonged on this earth.

These disabilities will be apart of me forever and I know there is no way of changing that. Through these hardships, it has helped me emerge as a resilient, compassionate and an inspiration for people who are facing similar challenges in their lives. I would have to say that I am an example of not giving up and that there will always be some sort of light at the end of the tunnel.

What is your life advice to other young people living with disabilities?

 As many other people with disabilities can understand, our conditions and experiences can vary dramatically. However, for anyone facing bullying, it’s important to remember that your reactions give these individuals power. By embracing your uniqueness and choosing not to react to their insults, you deprive them of the enjoyment they seek in bullying you.

For example, I’ve chosen to embrace the names that people called me by making my social media branding "MrStumpi3." This decision has allowed me to reclaim those hurtful labels, giving those words no more power to hurt me. By owning my identity, I’ve found that I can rise above what people call me and that my future isn’t dictated by others.

Healing from the impact of bullying and embracing your uniqueness is a journey that requires communication. I learned that the best way to start overcoming your bullying is by talking to family and friends about your experiences, and their support have been personally invaluable in helping me process my feelings and find effective coping techniques. Practicing self-compassion is crucial; it’s important to be kind to yourself and understand that healing takes time. It’s okay to have tough days where you feel miserable, and recognizing your own worth is a powerful step toward self-acceptance.If there is anything that I want you to take away, it’s that you don’t need to change who you are to fit in, you just need to find the right surroundings where you’re valued for being yourself.