Acclaimed Australian journalist Ray Martin, celebrated for over five decades of award-winning storytelling, takes centre stage in the powerful new television special Tsunami: 20 Years On, airing at 7.00pm Sunday, December 8 on Channel 9 and 9Now.
Two decades later, Martin along with other remarkable Australians, embarks on an emotional journey back to the epicentre of unimaginable tragedy, uncovering incredible stories of hope and optimism in a must-watch celebration of the power of the human spirit.
The Boxing Day Tsunami that claimed over 230,000 lives across 14 countries and two continents, left 1.7 million people displaced. This special presentation explores the disaster’s aftermath, honouring heartwarming stories of resilience and compassion.
Ray Martin was on the ground in Banda Aceh, Indonesia just days after the wave devastated the city, delivering the harrowing stories to our TV screens that brought the scale of the tragedy into Australian homes. 20 years later, Ray returns to a city rebuilt, reconnecting with survivors he met during those dark days and in the process makes an incredibly moving discovery that brings him to tears.
Among the other remarkable narratives are those of Alison Thompson, the Australian humanitarian who dedicated a year to rebuilding a tsunami-devastated community in Sri Lanka and returns for the first time to witness how the lives she touched and the community she helped have transformed over the years. We also hear from Dr. Alyssa Scurrah, whose near-miss survival inspired her to embark on an aid journey to some of Indonesia’s most remote and devastated islands.
Australia’s response was unprecedented and deeply unifying, marked by the nation’s largest-ever peacetime operation and over $120 million in donations from everyday Australians. World Vision CEO Daniel Wordsworth reflects on this extraordinary generosity and highlights his organisation’s pivotal role in delivering aid to over one million people within 90 days, helping communities across Southeast Asia rebuild their lives.
Survivors Joe Giardina, Rebekah Giles and Les and Dianne Boardman share their incredible tales of loss and resilience, providing firsthand insights into how the tsunami forever changed their lives.
Former Prime Minister Hon. John Howard recounts Australia’s historic government response, including a record $1 billion in aid, while Melissa Doyle, Adam Gilchrist, Eddie McGuire and Jackson Warne highlight the iconic Reach Out To Asia Telethon and Tsunami Relief Cricket Match that raised over $100 million.
Brig. Georgeina Whelan, Prof. Peter Ellis and Peter Baines share powerful stories of the Australian Defence Force and forensic teams, whose critical work helped heal communities and identify victims.
Tsunami: 20 Years On is a compelling tribute to the victims, survivors, and unsung heroes of one of the world’s deadliest natural disasters. It is a reflection on how tragedy can unite us and inspire collective action, with Australian stories that continue to shape lives two decades later.
Tsunami: 20 Years On is Directed and Executive Produced by Michael Venables ADG & Graham Watson with JAM TV for The Nine Network.
ABOUT JAM TV
JAM TV is one of Australia’s largest independent production companies, renowned for creating compelling and innovative content that captivates audiences worldwide. With a strong track record across diverse genres, including documentaries, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle programming, JAM TV prides itself on exceptional storytelling and high production.
