Mad Max fan moves family to Australian outback

Seventeen years later, and now 45, Bennett has moved his wife and two sons to Silverton near Broken Hill on the border of New South Wales and South Australia. The town is over 800 miles away from Sydney and has a population of just 51, including the Bennett’s. He wants to follow his dream and open a Mad Max museum in his back garden, where many of the locals were extras in the films. Local publican Chris Fraser says: “He’s going to be an asset to the community and to the region bringing his Mad Max museum to town it’s going to create more tourism for us, the phenomenon of the Mad Max movies just grows every day.” As well as both loving the film Chris and Adrian have something else in common; they both own replica Interceptor cars from the films. Bennett created his car in his garage in England, and spent over £15,000 simply customising the car.

The family moved to Australia three years ago but only recently bought the house in the ‘ghost town’. Bennett says: “We have taken a really big risk but I’ve followed my dream, so for me it’s all fallen into place,” and that his family love the landscapes and wildlife of the area. “The other day I woke up and there were a dozen emus passing the back fence … you wouldn’t get that in Yorkshire,” he said. “It’s just such a big and beautiful place. It doesn’t matter what direction you look in, you still feel like you’re on a film set.” Bennett even has a blue heeler cattle dog named Dog after Max’s pet in the film. It might sound a bit wacky, but with high tourist levels in the area the family are hoping the museum will be a success.

Bennett and the inhabitants of Silverton, as well as Mad Max fans everywhere, will be excited about the announcement that original director, George Miller, will be making Mad Max 4. Due for release in 2011, we’re betting Mr. Bennett is hoping they’ll be returning to his back garden for filming.

[via Digital Spy]