Fire Country is a cry from the heart asking for change in how Australia cares for country.
Delving deep into the Australian landscape and the environmental challenges we face, Fire Country is a powerful
account from Indigenous land management expert Victor Steffensen on how the revival of Indigenous fire practices,
including improved ’reading’ of country and undertaking ’cool burns’, could help to restore our nation.
Victor developed a passion for traditional cultural and ecological knowledge from a young age, but it was after
leaving high school that Victor met two Elders who became his mentors, particularly to revive cultural burning.
Developed over many generations, this knowledge shows clearly that Australia actually needs fire – with burning
done in a controlled manner – for land care and healing.
Victor’s story is unassuming and honest, written in a way that reflects the nature of yarning. And while some of the
knowledge shared in his book may be unclear to western world views, there is much evidence that, if adopted, it
could benefit all Australians.
For every copy sold, Hardie Grant will donate $1 to Firesticks, which empowers Indigenous fire management
practitioners to revive cultural burning.