Welcome to Dreamtime Cowboy!

This first episode introduces you to the overall theme and focus of the Dreamtime Cowboy story, whetting your appetite with a glimpse of what is to come in this authorised biography of 89-year-old Indigenous Australian elder Francis Firebrace.

The narrator is your host, Adrian Beckingham, and in this episode, we provide a sweeping overview of Francis’ remarkable life — from surviving in the Australian bush as a young child to becoming a recognised international ambassador for the cultural heritage of Aboriginal Australians.

Francis Firebrace’s life began at a time when his very existence was considered illegal. Born during the era of the Stolen Generations, Francis’ mixed-race heritage meant that his family lived in fear, often forced to hide and flee from society. In this episode, we set the stage for the profound journey that Francis would walk — from living in isolation in the wilderness to navigating the deep, complex challenges of racism, identity, and survival. We touch on the highlights of his story: his life as a cowboy, his groundbreaking achievements in film, and his eventual emergence as a powerful cultural ambassador.

But this is just the beginning. As the series unfolds, each chapter will dive much deeper into these pivotal moments in Francis' life, exploring the intricate details and personal challenges that shaped him. From his battles with racial prejudice, his journey into filmmaking, to his spiritual awakening and eventual embrace of his Aboriginal heritage — these stories will be revealed in their full richness and depth.