Caroline Pitcher, Michael Healy and Joanna Werner. Photo by Daniel Mahon.
One of Australia’s most iconic television series, McLeod’s Daughters, is set to begin a new chapter in regional Victoria.
The Stan Original series will be produced by Victorian-based Werner Film Productions, part of BBC Studios, delivering significant economic and employment benefits across the state.
The production is expected to spend up to $35 million in Victoria and support as many as 900 jobs. The production is supported by VicScreen’s Victorian Production Fund.
Filming will provide a boost to businesses in regional communities, creating demand for local accommodation, hospitality, transport, construction and equipment hire services.
With a loyal international fan following, the new series presents an opportunity to showcase Victoria’s distinctive landscapes, communities and culture on screens around the world.
The production will also help develop Victoria’s screen workforce, creating opportunities for attachments, placements and hands-on experience for emerging and mid-career screen practitioners.
To build on Victoria’s reputation as a world-class filming destination, VicScreen is calling on communities to help identify the state’s next great screen locations. Victorians are invited to submit images of film-friendly regional locations that could help attract future film and television productions to every corner of the state.
Learn more about Starring Regional Victoria here.
The announcement comes as new Deloitte Access Economics analysis shows Victoria’s screen sector contributed $3 billion to the state’s economy and supported 21,100 full-time equivalent jobs in 2024–25. Since 2018–19, the total value of Victoria’s screen sector has grown by 7% in real terms. Within the broader sector, the value of film, television and online production subsector has grown 79 per cent, while the value of the digital games production subsector has grown 103 per cent. To learn more, view the factsheet here.
VicScreen CEO, Caroline Pitcher said, “We’re thrilled to welcome beloved series McLeod’s Daughters to Victoria. Led by acclaimed Victorian producer Joanna Werner and Victorian crew, the series will create jobs, build local capability, and deliver significant economic benefits across regional Victoria, further strengthening our state’s international reputation as the home of premium Australian screen stories and games.”
Nine Entertainment’s Executive Director of Entertainment, Michael Healy said, “The overwhelming and passionate response to our initial announcement made it clear that Australia is more than ready for the return of McLeod’s Daughters. We are thrilled to bring this iconic series to a new home in regional Victoria, placing its stunning landscapes and vibrant local communities at the very heart of this next chapter. This milestone project builds on our longstanding, deeply valued relationship with VicScreen. Collaborating with their team is always a privilege – their exceptional creative support and commercial acumen make them extraordinary partners in bringing world-class Australian stories to our screens.”
Joanna Werner, Werner Film Productions, said, “There’s been so much excitement around the return of the much-loved McLeod’s Daughters, and Werner Film Productions and Stan are committed to bringing audiences something truly special. Regional Victoria offers stunning landscapes, outstanding talent and world-class crews, and we can’t wait to partner with VicScreen to showcase the timeless beauty of the Victorian countryside.”
Learn more about the Victorian Production Fund here.