Exploring how indigenous culture has shaped modern Australia could be considered a hefty topic but a series of public lectures at the Museum of Australian Democracy Eureka aim to make the topic entertaining, delicious and fun.

Art, stories of heroism, food and comedy are the four pillars on which MADE’s Brigid Corcoran and Federation University’s Dr Fred Cahir invite visitors to explore the topic.

“We are trying to present a format to give to the public to give them access to exploring different ways that indigenous Australia influences how we live today,” Ms Corcoran said.

“It’s exploring culture a really positive way in a contemporary setting.”

The public lectures, held at 2.30pm on each Sunday during July, culminate on July 30 with a “serious” comedic examination of the origins of Australian humour with comedians Sean Choolburra and Kevin Kropinyeri and the full-day Australian Winter Festival .

Last Sunday, artist Maree Clarke and American anthropologist Sabra Thorner began the series discussing the story and history of the kangaroo tooth necklace and how Ms Clarke has revived the tradition.

The reinstatement of Aboriginal cultural burns as part of land care and reducing bushfire risk will be examined on Sunday as well as the stories of unsung Aboriginal heroes of bushfires and floods.

And on July 23 Ms Corcoran and the Saltbush Kitchen crew will deliver the most delicious lecture: how to create a bushfood-style Sunday roast.

“Food is so fashionable and there are many ways you can easily incorporate Australian native flavours in your Sunday roast so we’ll look at different flavours and spices you can put through your meat and side dishes,” she said.

The public lecture series is a partnership of Federation University, the Aboriginal Education Centre, MADE and Saltbush Kitchen. 

Bookings: made.org or 1800 287 113