This is something ABC journalist Scott Bevan understands.

Bevan interviewed Mr Bogan as part of his documentary (and book) titled The Hunter and tonight the pair will share screen presence when the documentary debuts on ABC News 24.

“I spent four hours with Scott one morning on the riverbank and it was great to be a part of something like that ... it was an ­amazing experience,” Mr Bogan, of Tenambit, said. 

For his documentary, Bevan explored the Hunter River from the headwaters high in the Barrington Tops to the sea at Newcastle, mostly in his kayak the Pulbah Raider.

During his journey, Bevan spent time with the people who live and work on the river’s banks.

“I think the concept behind this documentary is wonderful,” Mr Bogan said.

“The Hunter River has been plundered and raped since the early days of the colony and it’s not in good shape.

“We need to ensure that our river is not destroyed and hopefully this documentary will help make people more aware of the river.”

With his family arriving in Maitland in 1842, Mr Bogan’s connection to the Hunter River is as long as it is deep.

“My family is from Horseshoe Bend so we have always been connected to the river,” the Maitland flood historian said. 

“I grew up hearing stories about the river. In fact my grandfather was a licensed fisherman on the river and he always told wonderful stories about life on the river.

“I think the whole story of my family is somehow connected to the river.”

The Hunter River is one of Australia’s great rivers.

 Almost 500 kilometres long, the Hunter has flowed through the lives of Australians since the earliest days of British settlement.

n The Hunter will be screened on ABC News 24 tonight at 9.30pm and  repeated on Sunday, January 20, at 4pm.