Film Australia's Outback was officially launched at Film Australia's Roxy Theatre on Thursday 7 November 2002 by The Hon Tim Fischer, Ambassador to the 2002 Year of the Outback.

In his speech, Mr Fischer observed, "There is a little bit of the outback in alll of us, notwithstanding Australia's increasing urbanisation. The spirit of the outback is alive and well. It has been very much a case of conquering many challenges over the decades past and present, and utilising that same determination and dedication in preparation for future decades. The exhilarating vista of the great outback, captured brilliantly on Film Australia's DVD, is cleansing of the soul and motivating of the mind."

A selection of photos from the launch appear below.

Filmmaker Jeannie Baker, Outback producer Denise Haslem, Tim Fischer, Outback executive producer Anna Grieve, Film Australia CEO Sharon Connolly and filmmaker Lee Robinson.

Tim Fischer with Year of the Outback patron Nancy Bird Walton

Film Australia's Outback associate producer Catherine Stone and producer/director Denise Haslem

Film Australia Chairman Rob Fisher and Tim Fisher

Lee Robinson speaks with Ian Dunlop - both filmmakers are featured on the DVD