Aboriginal Heroes of Fire, Food and Flood

According to researchers from Federation University, hundreds of colonists in 19th century Victoria were rescued from bushfires, flooded rivers or from being lost in the bush by Aboriginal people. Research conducted at Federation University has documented the stories of Aboriginal heroes who have shaped Victoria’s history between 1800 and 1930. 
 

Aboriginal Heroes of Fire, Food and Flood website

Background

The ‘Aboriginal Heroes of Fire, Food and Flood’ project was completed by Professor Fred Cahir and Dr Dan Tout, historians in the Institute of Education, Arts and Community, Federation University. Through this project the researchers consulted and collaborated with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, historians, and historical societies to create the first comprehensive map to highlight Aboriginal acts of heroism.

The project has uncovered over 100 reports of Aboriginal people saving non-Aboriginal people from bushfire, drowning and the tracking of lost people and their livestock in the period 1800 - 1930. Examples of Aboriginal rescue efforts include Aboriginal people saving the lives and homes of people in Rutherglen in Victoria’s north-east, by warning them about large and devastating bush fires engulfing the region during the 1870s.

Outcomes

The project delivers stories in an accessible format using digital maps. Staff from CeRDI collaborated on the project to support the technical requirements by mapping Aboriginal heroism and the retelling of stories. Documentary film-makers Wind and Sky Productions produced a documentary film for the project and a book has also been written.

The outputs from the research, which have multiple uses, are broadly available. They can be used for curriculum development in schools, and to promote cultural heritage tourism.

The project expands the current limited narratives that have prevailed through a history which have been largely retold from a colonial-settler perspective. According to Prof Cahir the project has assisted in:

rewriting the dominant narratives and understandings of Australian history, revealing and celebrating a shared history that reflects stories that are culturally sensitive and important.