UNSUNG HEROES OF AUSTRALIAN HISTORY is an informative, thought-provoking and entertaining musical and multi-media package that brings together a group of talented Melbourne singer-songwriters. As its title suggests, the program celebrates the little-known achievements of a diverse collection of men and women who have contributed significantly to our national culture and identity. Starting with the resilient women of the first fleet, UHOAH recalls such sturdy individualists as journalist Louisa Lawson, Bill Dargin (who tracked down Ben Hall), the miners’ wives who stitched the Eureka flag, and environmental photographer Olegas Truchanas. UHOAH represents a fortuitous coming-together of the trio UNSUNG (comprised of Wendy Ealey, Moira Tyers and Neil Robertson) and Bruce Watson, all respected and award-winning contributors to the Victorian acoustic music scene. Their collaboration is distinguished by innovative arrangements, powerful vocals, tight and precise harmonies and first-rate original material. While all four songwriters have contributed, the overall concept, extensive research and more than half of the original songs are Moira’s. Her lighthearted homage to Fred Walker (inventor of vegemite) and moving tribute to Albert Namatjira underline her songwriting versatility. Also memorable are Bruce Watson’s extraordinary account of his ancestor’s pioneering “field recording” with Tasmanian aboriginal Fanny Cochrane-Smith and Wendy Ealey’s touching tribute to her scientist father. Neil Robertson’s anthemic ‘Unsung Heroes: first 200 Years’ is a wonderfully singable and most appropriate finale to the program. UHOAH rightly earned a standing ovation when the quartet (together with Fanny Cochrane Smith’s descendant Ronnie Summers ) presented it as a two –part workshop (‘themed presentation’ if you must) at this year’s National Folk Festival in Canberra. Based on the response to date, UNSUNG is currently exploring possibilities for reprising and developing the program (either at festivals or perhaps as a tie-in to Australian studies in schools). Well-executed, refreshingly varied in style and substance, and beautifully performed, UHOAH undoubtedly deserves a much wider audience. I would urge the participants to ensure, at least, that the project be recorded. This material is well worth preserving.