No place like home for Geraldton-raised actor & TV star Rohan Nichol

A Geraldton-born actor, with a 20-year career appearing in films and TV shows across the globe, has spoken about how his home town of Geraldton will always hold a special place in his heart. Rohan Nichol, 44, who got his first break in 2000 on the Australian crime series, Water Rats, has since gone on to appear in almost 400 episodes of Home and Away, Pirates of the Caribbean, Star Wars and Red Dog, among many others. He spoke wistfully of his time growing up in Spalding surrounded by young families and the bush. “It was the 80s and there was a lot of freedom back then,” he said. “My friends and I played footy for Towns and Brigades and just generally got into trouble.” Despite leaving at age 17 to study in Perth, Nichol said he still visited frequently to see the city and the friends and family who remained. “The last time was just over two years ago,” he said. “I’ve just wrapped up my stint on Home and Away and I wish I could get back, but unfortunately it’s not the easiest thing right now. For good reason. “The city has really grown up. I’ve noticed a bit of change over the years but Geraldton has kept its identity. It still feels like home.” With an IMDb page that lists 32 film and TV credits, you may think it would be difficult for Nichol to choose a favourite film experience but he is adamant it is Red Dog. “I’ve been really lucky over my career,” he said. “Filming Red Dog was a real homegrown affair and full of West Australians. Everyone in WA knew the story and the movie was shot as a love letter to the State.” Mr Nichol spoke about his excitement when he heard there was the possibility of a new festival for Geraldton because he had long thought the region was a “hidden gem”. “The festival should make people feel fortunate to be there,” he said. “Geraldton has the best climate in the State, and the sun sets over a shimmering sea that’s visible from everywhere.” He said it would be interesting to see a festival explore the region’s maritime history. “This is a coast that used to destroy ships but is now a ... peaceful pocket of the West.”