Australia: The Story of Us - Episode 7 (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 7: 'Revolution'

Post-war Australia rebuilds and rebrands. For the first time in decades, a generation is free from economic depression and conflict. The result? Rebellion sweeps the suburbs and the beaches. Rock'n'roll rebel Desmond Duke takes on the Queensland cops; surfer Midget Farrelly, the Surf Life Saving establishment and the best surfers in the world are among the leaders of the baby boomers' transformation of the nation. John Singleton confronts the cultural cringe head-on and celebrates the larrikin – to great effect and profit. For the first time, all Australia embraces Indigenous heroes like Evonne Goolagong. And a force of nature shakes Australia to its core, but inspires Dr Ella Stack to begin a transformation of how we will live on the apocalyptic 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.