Australia: The Story of Us - Episode 3 (ATOM Study Guide)

Australia: The Story of Us is an extraordinary narrative about the people, places and events that have shaped the continent, from the first inhabitants to the present day. This groundbreaking drama-documentary series weaves together stories of the nation's origins and offers fresh insights into how Australians came to create the homeland we inhabit today.

Alongside astounding CGI and cinematic sequences, the series features interviews with important thinkers, notable celebrities and national figures who take us inside the stories that have influenced Australian history.

The series can be viewed as a whole or as individual episodes, or even individual segments within episodes. It can be used as a series of creative starting points for students to start their exploration of aspects of Australian history and the people who made it.

Episode 3: 'Fair Go'

• Gold brings new wealth to the Australian colonies, but not everyone's prepared to dig for their share.
• Bushranger Frank Gardiner attempts Australia's biggest heist and forges a legend.
• John McDouall Stuart versus Burke and Wills in a race across a pitiless continent that will connect Australia to the global telegraph network – the beginning of the end of the tyranny of distance.
• High wages and time off encourage the evolution of our unique football code.
• Dame Nellie Melba faces a daunting audition for the chance to become the most famous Australian in the world.
• When our longest boom ends in bitter crash, Australia goes to the brink of civil war over who will share in the wealth of the continent.

Curriculum Relevance

Australia: The Story of Us is a suitable resource for students in Years 5–9 in studies of Australian History, English and Film Studies.