In this episode, Tony Armstrong explores all the stuff from the land that’s become iconic and recognisable as Great Australian Stuff.
With a history stretching back several millennia, is it any wonder so much iconic stuff originates from the land?
In the second episode of Great Australian Stuff, Tony Armstrong saddles up to find out how the boomerang went from First Nations tool to tourist must-have; how an ecological disaster literally divided the nation and gave us that internationally recognised icon, the Akubra; how the Kelpie became a canine icon and how merino sheep went from pest to social media phenomena.
Tony then explores how the firestick is lighting the way for better bush fire management, how the land gave us a tale of industrial intrigue, improved the national wardrobe by giving us the Permanent Pleat and, finally, how the land inspired an iconic jumper which inspired a nation, which charmed a British Royal, and looks damned good on our host, too!
Supported by acres of fantastic archive, shed-loads of wit from Kevin Kropinyeri, Nazeem Hussein, Dee Madigan and Jean Kittson, and horizon-expanding insights from experts.
Join Tony Armstrong as he gets back to the land and uncovers the little-known stories behind some of our best-loved icons.
Production credit: Wildbear Entertainment Production for ABC. Financed with support from the ABC, Screen Canberra, National Museum of Australia and in partnership with National Archives of Australia and ANU Australian Studies Institute. Series Producer Mike Bluett, Executive Producer Alan Erson. ABC Executive Producer Kalita Corrigan.
