Fight for the Franklin
Cover image, Fight for the Franklin
‘So what did you do, Grandpa?’ asked Fern.
‘We set up a protest camp right in the middle of these towering giants. We hung rainbow flags, and we sang songs. We were one big family fighting for this river, cold and wet but full of hope. I’ve never eaten so many lentils in my life!’
Fern tried to imagine it.
Join Fern as she learns about the fight to save Tasmania’s Franklin River from being dammed. This was the biggest environmental protest in Australia’s history. There were marches across the country, a protest camp in the middle of the forest and bulldozers on barges met by yellow inflatable boats.
Backmatter includes educational spreads on the Save the Franklin campaign, how to be a change-maker, and personal reflections from blockaders such as Bob Brown, Michael Mansell and Jill McCulloch—illustrated with historic photographs.
In the collection
Peter Dombrovskis, Morning mist, Rock Island Bend, Franklin River, Tasmania, 1979, nla.obj-147241885
Peter Dombrovskis, Morning mist, Rock Island Bend, Franklin River, Tasmania, 1979, nla.obj-147241885
Jerry De Gryse, Welcome party on arrival at upper river camp via the boat, J-Lee-M, Gordon River, Tasmania, February 1983, nla.obj-225621419
Jerry De Gryse, Welcome party on arrival at upper river camp via the boat, J-Lee-M, Gordon River, Tasmania, February 1983, nla.obj-225621419
Andrew Chapman, Franklin dam protesters at the Liberal Party Federal election campaign opening, Malvern Town Hall, Malvern, Victoria, February 1983, nla.obj-147507499
Andrew Chapman, Franklin dam protesters at the Liberal Party Federal election campaign opening, Malvern Town Hall, Malvern, Victoria, February 1983, nla.obj-147507499
Leigh Henningham, Protesters holding banners and placards at the School Strike 4 Climate rally, Melbourne, 21 May 2021, nla.obj-2956718763
Leigh Henningham, Protesters holding banners and placards at the School Strike 4 Climate rally, Melbourne, 21 May 2021, nla.obj-2956718763
Leigh Henningham, Protesters Ella Simons and Anjali Sharma addressing the crowd during the School Strike 4 Climate rally, Melbourne, 21 May 2021, nla.obj-2956718120
Leigh Henningham, Protesters Ella Simons and Anjali Sharma addressing the crowd during the School Strike 4 Climate rally, Melbourne, 21 May 2021, nla.obj-2956718120
This is an informative and educational book that will find its audience and have a big impact.
Through accessible yet poetic language with gentle touches of humour, Jolly brings this important chapter of Australian history to life... Bury’s evocative illustrations showcase the vast beauty of the pristine Tasmanian wilderness and are testimony to her knowledge and love of this part of the world ... Fight for the Franklin will be of great interest and value in homes and schools.
Teachers' Notes
About the Author
Jane Jolly is a primary school teacher in Adelaide. She has written many award-winning picture books, including Tea and Sugar Christmas and Radio Rescue for NLA Publishing. Her books have been previous winners of the ABIA Small Publisher Children’s Book of the Year award, and shortlisted and longlisted in many CBCA award categories.
Also by Jane Jolly
About the Illustrator
Lois Bury’s award-winning titles The Way of the Weedy Seadragon and The Bird Lovers’ Ball are highlights of her illustrating journey.
Fight for the Franklin is a special project for her, as she loves bushwalking in the Tasmanian South-west wilderness and her sister even spent her 1982 Christmas in jail as part of the Franklin Blockade.
Continue your journey
More to explore
Francis Reiss, Protesters gathered outside the State Library in Swanston Street, Melbourne peace rally, 14 February 2003, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-147324313
Two koalas in a tree, 1930, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-148977738
Peter Dombrovskis, Frankland Range, Southwest National Park, Tasmania, 1995, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-150007802
