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11/12/2005: "NOEL HITCHINS"

As he appeared with a young grey nurse shark in the made for video 90 minute documentary Sea Safari (1984). The original footage was super8 film.

Noel Hitchins passed away suddenly during 2005. His sudden departure shocked all of us.

He began the first dive shop at South West Rocks - quitting his former profession (a medical pathologist) to persue a scuba diving career.

I'd visit Noel each Christmas holiday period when bringing to town my travelling 16mm film show Australian Seafari. It would screen at the South West Rocks Country Club, mostly for free admission paid for by the club.

The film came to Noel's town seven times over a twelve year period. Other years I'd be at the Eden Fisherman's Club in southern New South Wales.

"You're not putting that old film on again, are you?" Noel asked each time I brought the advertising poster for display.

Every year we had a full house, about 550 people which included 75 little kids who would sit on floor mats near the screen.