Behind the Scenes – The Making of the Immersive Bushfire Experience
The Immersive Bushfire Experience (IBE) didn’t just emerge overnight: it was the culmination of 16 years of perseverance, storytelling, and community spirit. At the heart of its creation is Carol Matthews, whose tenacity to push forward after the devastation of Black Saturday inspired the vision for a project that would not only educate but transform.
The journey began with survivors’ stories: raw, unfiltered, and deeply moving. These firsthand accounts formed the backbone of the IBE script, guided by Sam Loy’s careful crafting of narratives that captured the emotional realities of facing fire. Audio production brought these voices to life, ensuring each word carried the weight of lived experience.
Bringing these stories to a new level of immersion, Deakin University’s VR specialists collaborated with IBE to design a virtual reality experience that transcends mere storytelling. Through state-of-the-art technology, participants are placed inside the narrative, experiencing the tension, urgency, and emotional weight of bushfire events as if they were unfolding around them.
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of FRRR and Maurice Blackburn, whose support of the IBE Foundation have ensured that these stories are brought to life with authenticity and impact.
Carol’s vision and the collective effort of community members, storytellers, and technology experts have crafted something truly unique—a project that not only remembers the past but prepares communities for the future. The Immersive Bushfire Experience is more than a VR session; it’s a testament to resilience, shared stories, and the belief that preparedness can save lives.
