This rare cinema newsreel footage from 1915, digitised from a 35mm nitrate release print, provides a look into the community life of Australian regional towns in the early 20th century. Shot in Daylesford, Victoria, the silent clip depicts the elaborate celebrations of Empire Day on 24 May, when local children don costumes and march in a parade, followed by outdoor games like sack and skipping races. Note that footage of children in brownface portraying certain countries of the British Empire (India, New Zealand, Samoa and New Guinea) may distress or offend.

From the reel, viewers can get a picture of recreational activities common in Daylesford and the mood at the time. Shot the same year as the Gallipoli Landings, and less than a year after the outbreak of the First World War, these clips feature patriotic symbols, flag-waving and peace signs.

The Star Gazette was a local Daylesford newsreel produced by Mr Jackson for Star Pictures Theatre in Daylesford, featuring local community events at Daylesford, Glenlyon and Hepburn Springs. During this era, major feature film prints travelled around Australia for screening, so films premiering in Sydney and Melbourne could take months to reach regional theatres. Shooting footage of the local area not only entertained local audiences and encouraged theatre attendance but also ensured the cinema had fresh attractions to screen.