Tjandamurra O'Shane facts for kids

Tjandamurra "Janda" O'Shane is an Aboriginal Australian man. When he was six years old, he was badly hurt in a fire. This happened on October 10, 1996, while he was playing at a school in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. Many people in Australia followed his story in the news. They were very interested in his fight to get better.

Tjandamurra's Early Life

Tjandamurra O'Shane was born on August 15, 1990. He is often called "Janda." His first name comes from a famous Aboriginal leader named Tjandamurra. Sometimes, his name is also spelled "Jandamarra."

Janda is related to some well-known people. His aunt is New South Wales magistrate Pat O'Shane. A magistrate is like a judge who handles less serious court cases. His uncle, Terry O'Shane, used to be a commissioner for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission. This group worked to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Attack and Recovery

On October 10, 1996, a man named Paul Wade Streeton came to Janda's school. He had a can of petrol (gasoline). Streeton poured the fuel on Janda, who was playing with other children. Then, he used a cigarette lighter to set Janda on fire.

Janda ran through the schoolyard while he was burning. The school principal, Michael Aitken, heard Janda's screams. He quickly ran out of his office. Mr. Aitken used his shirt and hands to put out the flames on Janda's body.

Janda had burns on 70 percent of his body. Doctors did not expect him to live. He spent a long time recovering at the Royal Children's Hospital in Brisbane. He also needed many years of skin graft operations. A skin graft is when healthy skin from one part of the body is used to cover a burned area.

Because of the fire, most of Janda's sweat glands were damaged. This means he can only sweat through his face and hands. This makes it hard for him to play sports, as his body cannot cool down easily.

Support from the Community

After the attack, Janda became a well-known person in Australia. People across the country felt sad for him and wanted to know how he was doing. His story was also shared around the world.

Paul Wade Streeton was arrested for the attack. He was later found guilty and sent to jail. In 2008, Janda and his mother, Jenni Patterson, said they had forgiven Streeton.

Many people wanted to help Janda. In 1996, a famous boxer named Lionel Rose gave Janda his World Title belt. He hoped it would help Janda feel better and recover faster.

People all over Australia held events to raise money for Janda. A TV show called Witness started an appeal. They received a lot of money, along with chocolates, teddy bears, and other toys for Janda. The show raised over A$120,000, and donations kept coming in for years.

In 1997, the Australian rock band Midnight Oil played a special concert in Cairns, Queensland. This concert helped raise more money for Janda's recovery.

In June 1999, when Janda was eight years old, he received A$75,000 in compensation. This money was given to him by the Supreme Court of Queensland because he was a victim of a crime.

Janda also had a special role in the 2000 Summer Olympics. Graham Richardson, from the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games, invited Janda to be part of the Torch Relay. Janda was three years younger than the age limit to carry the flame alone. So, he ran with his mother.

Janda's Life Today

In 2008, Janda turned 18. He gave an interview to The Courier Mail newspaper. He said he was surprised by how much attention he had received from people across Australia.

In 2008, Janda finished high school. He graduated from Woree State High School after completing Year 12. Today, Janda and his partner have two children, a son and a daughter.