Bush Tucker Man

Overview

"Bush Tucker Man" is a title that refers to Les Hiddins, an Australian soldier, war veteran, survival expert, and television personality, who is best known for his knowledge and promotion of bush tucker, the native Australian food. Hiddins' expertise and passion for bush tucker have made him a prominent figure in the field of Australian survival skills and indigenous culture. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding and appreciation of Australia's unique flora and fauna, particularly in terms of their culinary and medicinal uses 1(https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-26/bush-tucker-man-les-hiddins-returns-to-the-wild/11548398).

A man in a bush setting, wearing a typical Australian bush hat, holding a native plant.

Early Life and Military Career

Les Hiddins was born on August 13, 1946, in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He joined the Australian Army in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War as part of the Royal Australian Corps of Signals. His military career spanned over two decades, during which he developed a keen interest in survival techniques and bush tucker. His unique skills and knowledge led to his appointment as a survival instructor at the Land Warfare Centre in Canungra, Queensland, where he began documenting the uses of native Australian plants 2(https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2130761).

Bush Tucker Man: The Television Series

In the late 1980s, Hiddins' work caught the attention of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), leading to the creation of the television series "Bush Tucker Man". The series, which aired from 1988 to 1996, showcased Hiddins' extensive knowledge of bush tucker and survival techniques. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it significantly raised public awareness about the value of Australia's native flora and fauna 3(https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-26/bush-tucker-man-les-hiddins-returns-to-the-wild/11548398).

Australian bush landscape with diverse vegetation.

Bush Tucker

Bush tucker refers to the various plants and animals native to Australia that have been used as a source of food by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years. Hiddins' work in the "Bush Tucker Man" series and his subsequent publications have highlighted the nutritional and medicinal value of these resources. Some of the most commonly featured bush tucker in Hiddins' work include the macadamia nut, witchetty grub, and the Kakadu plum 4(https://www.britishtvclassics.com/bush-tucker-man.html).

Later Life and Legacy

After retiring from the military in 1989, Hiddins continued to promote bush tucker through various mediums, including books, DVDs, and public speaking engagements. His work has inspired a new generation of Australians to appreciate and utilize their native flora and fauna. Hiddins was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2000 for his service to the community through the promotion of survival skills and the identification and use of bush foods 5(https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-26/bush-tucker-man-les-hiddins-returns-to-the-wild/11548398).

References

1. "Bush Tucker Man Les Hiddins returns to the wild" 2. "Les Hiddins Collection" 3. "Bush Tucker Man Les Hiddins returns to the wild" 4. "Bush Tucker Man" 5. "Bush Tucker Man Les Hiddins returns to the wild"