Tjandamurra O'Shane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tjandamurra O'Shane
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Born | |
Nationality | Australian |
Other names | Janda |
Children | 2 |
Parent(s) | Tim O'Shane Jenni Patterson |
Tjandamurra "Janda" O'Shane (born 15 August 1990) is an Aboriginal Australian man from the Murri people. When he was six years old, in 1996, he was badly hurt in a fire attack while playing at a school in Cairns, Queensland.
Tjandamurra's story touched many people in Australia. Millions followed his journey in the news as he fought to get better. His first name, Tjandamurra, comes from a famous Aboriginal resistance fighter.
Contents
The Attack and Recovery
In October 1996, a man named Paul Wade Streeton came to Tjandamurra's school. He poured fuel on Tjandamurra and set him on fire. Tjandamurra ran through the schoolyard, screaming. The school principal, Michael Aitken, quickly rushed out. He used his shirt and hands to put out the flames.
Tjandamurra had severe burns on 70 percent of his body. Doctors did not expect him to live. He spent a long time recovering in the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane. He also needed many skin graft operations over the years. Because of the fire, most of his sweat glands were damaged. He can only sweat through his face and hands. This makes it hard for him to play sports.
Support from Australians
Tjandamurra became a well-known figure in Australia. People across the country felt for him and watched his progress. News of the attack also spread around the world.
The person responsible for the attack was arrested. He was later sent to jail. Tjandamurra and his mother, Jenni Patterson, have said they have forgiven him.
Many people wanted to help Tjandamurra.
- In 1996, famous boxer Lionel Rose gave Tjandamurra his World Title belt. He hoped it would help Tjandamurra recover faster.
- Fundraising events happened all over Australia. A TV show called Witness started an appeal. They received over A$120,000, along with chocolates, teddy bears, and toys. Money continued to come in for years.
- The Australian rock band Midnight Oil played a special concert in Cairns in 1997. This concert raised more money for Tjandamurra's recovery.
In 1999, when Tjandamurra was eight, he received A$75,000 in compensation.
Olympic Torch Bearer
In 2000, Tjandamurra was given a special role in the 2000 Summer Olympics Torch Relay. He was too young to carry the flame by himself. So, he ran with his mother.
Life After the Attack
In 2008, Tjandamurra turned 18. He told a newspaper, The Courier Mail, that it felt strange to be so well-known. "Sometimes I forget that all of Australia knows what happened," he said. "People still want to know how I'm going."
Tjandamurra finished high school in 2008. He graduated from Woree State High School. He now has a partner and two children, a son named Raupena and a daughter named Ava-Marie.