The story of Australia's longest and most defining conflict deserves to be heard. It is not a unique tale, but rather an integral part of a global history of imperialism. This has never been told quite like this on Australian television before. We were taught about it in school, yet it remains largely unrecognized. Once given voice, the story will transform our national narrative. The British claim to Australia without acknowledging First Nations ownership set off brutal conflicts spanning over 100 years. The occupation was forcefully resisted by the Indigenous people of Australia. Guerrilla style warfare characterized these wars, fought by warriors against colonial armies and paramilitary forces. These battles were complex and hard to define. Both sides used their advantages: for the First Nations, it was fire, knowledge of country, tracking skills, and surprise; on the other side, terror tactics like dawn raids, martial law, and eventually the enlistment of Indigenous people. For the First Nations people, this war was fundamentally about land but also a battle for culture. For Britain, it was an opportunity to dump excess populations and secure territory for its empire. The conflict began with British arrivals but ended when premiers of colonial governments took control - founding fathers of modern Australia. Filmmaker Rachel Perkins explores the breadth of warfare in three episodes, illuminating lives such as warriors, women, military men, governors, and colonists. It's an exploration of legacy and how we grapple with truth. The Australian Wars presents a compelling awakening to wars fought in our own country that for too long have been at the center of our great silence.
The Australian Wars
More than 10,000 memorials exist nationwide to honor those who died in wars. What about the brutal conflicts fought on our own land and during Australia's most enduring conflict that shaped its identity?
