Luke Hemsworth on helping flood victims

Actor Luke Hemsworth says joining the flood recovery efforts in northern NSW helped restore his faith in the Australian community.

Luke Hemsworth at the GCFF closing night. Picture: Adam Shaw

Actor Luke Hemsworth says joining the flood recovery efforts in northern NSW helped restore his faith in the Australian community.

The eldest Hemsworth brother and Westworld star was pictured last month alongside younger brother Liam and tennis great Pat Rafter clearing out damaged properties in the Lismore region devastated by the floods.

“There was no question for us. Day in day out we’d meet at Newrybar and decide where to go and where our resources where put to best use,” Hemsworth said.

“Just doing what we could. Sometimes just being there was enough to help people overcome a hurdle or two.

“It was pretty cool to be part of that community spirit down there. It restored a lot of my faith in humanity, in Australians and in that community.”

Luke Hemsworth, Tyler Atkins and Rasmus King, at the GCFF closing night. Picture: Adam Shaw

Hemsworth was attending the Queensland premiere of film Bosch & Rockit on Sunday for the closing night of the Gold Coast Film Festival at HOTA, having shot the Australian film in those areas of Byron Bay heavily impacted by the floods.

He was joined on the red carpet by filmmaker Tyler Atkins as well as co-stars Martin Sacks, Isabel Lucas, Rasmus King, Ben Nott, and Savannah LaRain.

“It was heartbreaking seeing everyone and the community that helped get my film made lose everything,” Atkins said.

“I saw Luke out there getting muddy … so to see that community spirit was really beautiful.”

Hemsworth added: “It’s good to share this film with whoever is able to make it – a bit of Aussie content, a real film, a real story.”

The coming of age story, Atkins’ debut feature film, follows a young father on the run with his son Rockit in tow, who believes he is on a magical holiday. It is inspired by Burleigh local Atkins’ own upbringing in the 1990s.

“I wanted to share my experience as a kid and how I sort of forgave my parents,” he said.

The screening closed a blockbuster fortnight of screenings for the Gold Coast Film Festival to celebrate its 20th year.

Bosch & Rockit will be released on August 18.