Bush Mechanics
Encyclopedia
Bush Mechanics is a 2001 television documentary
series directed by David Batty and produced by the Warlpiri Media Association, featuring an Indigenous Australian
take on motor mechanics.
A bush mechanic
, in Australian parlance, is someone who uses unorthodox techniques and readily available materials to build or fix mechanical problems. The television show featured Aboriginal people from Yuendumu fixing cars in such a way as they travelled through Central Australia. As they traverse the desert in their dilapidated vehicles, the series followed how they solved multiple car problems with inventive, wacky and unpredictable bush
repair techniques.
One example from the series, episode one, involved a station wagon
with the bands equipment on the roof. Since the car was very old the back half collapsed. They then removed the roof of the car with an axe
, turned it upside down and tied it to the back of the car, loaded the items from the roof onto the same roof but it is now used as a trailer. They continued down the sandy track
dragging the roof behind them.
The television show consisted of five episodes: one initial half-hour documentary, which garnered international recognition, and four subsequent episodes. It was first broadcast by ABC Television
(Australia) on 2 October 2001.
The episodes included:
They won the audrey and jimmy award in 2008
Documentary film
Documentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record...
series directed by David Batty and produced by the Warlpiri Media Association, featuring an Indigenous Australian
Indigenous Australians
Indigenous Australians are the original inhabitants of the Australian continent and nearby islands. The Aboriginal Indigenous Australians migrated from the Indian continent around 75,000 to 100,000 years ago....
take on motor mechanics.
A bush mechanic
Bush mechanic
Bush mechanic is an Australian slang expression which refers to somebody who out of necessity and with immediate available materials, is able to solve practical problems using sometimes untraditional and inventive techniques...
, in Australian parlance, is someone who uses unorthodox techniques and readily available materials to build or fix mechanical problems. The television show featured Aboriginal people from Yuendumu fixing cars in such a way as they travelled through Central Australia. As they traverse the desert in their dilapidated vehicles, the series followed how they solved multiple car problems with inventive, wacky and unpredictable bush
The Bush
"The bush" is a term used for rural, undeveloped land or country areas in certain countries.-Australia:The term is iconic in Australia. In reference to the landscape, "bush" describes a wooded area, intermediate between a shrubland and a forest, generally of dry and nitrogen-poor soil, mostly...
repair techniques.
One example from the series, episode one, involved a station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
with the bands equipment on the roof. Since the car was very old the back half collapsed. They then removed the roof of the car with an axe
Axe
The axe, or ax, is an implement that has been used for millennia to shape, split and cut wood; to harvest timber; as a weapon; and as a ceremonial or heraldic symbol...
, turned it upside down and tied it to the back of the car, loaded the items from the roof onto the same roof but it is now used as a trailer. They continued down the sandy track
Trail
A trail is a path with a rough beaten or dirt/stone surface used for travel. Trails may be for use only by walkers and in some places are the main access route to remote settlements...
dragging the roof behind them.
The television show consisted of five episodes: one initial half-hour documentary, which garnered international recognition, and four subsequent episodes. It was first broadcast by ABC Television
ABC Television
ABC Television is a service of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation launched in 1956. As a public broadcasting broadcaster, the ABC provides four non-commercial channels within Australia, and a partially advertising-funded satellite channel overseas....
(Australia) on 2 October 2001.
The episodes included:
- Motorcar Ngutju (Good Motorcar)
- Payback
- The Chase
- The Rainmakers
Awards
Australian Film InstituteAustralian Film Institute Awards
The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award, known as the AACTA Award , is an accolade presented annually by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts . The awards recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry and television industry, including directors,...
- Open Craft Award: Francis Jupurrula Kelly, For the original concept.
They won the audrey and jimmy award in 2008