Traumatised by horrific experiences in Vietnam,
Michael Johnston is repatriated to Australia and
placed in a psychiatric ward. Eventually discharged
into an uncaring world, the disenchanted soldier
descends into acute depression.
To escape city pressures, Michael finds work on a
cattle property. There he is coerced into partnering
local girl Sarah to the Annual Ball, but an alcoholic
binge causes him to be re-committed.
Released and attempting to put his life in order, he
elects to spend time with a Wiradjuri group where an
aboriginal elder becomes his mentor.
A remorseful Michael is resolved to make amends
and re-kindles his relationship with Sarah. The
couple marry and move to Sydney. However, terrifying
memories continue to haunt him.
In war combatants can suffer physically crippling
injuries. Less obvious is the mental and emotional
damage inflicted, not only on the warriors but also on
those who love them.
Mending Michael tells the tale of two such people.
