Whether or not you’re familiar with Lift Off!, there’s one face – or lack thereof – that most Australian children of the nineties will recognise. In this article, we explain the philosophy behind EC and debunk the myth that children were terrified of the gentle puppet, who was beloved by the children of Lift Off! both on and off screen. 

It’s been 30 years since Lift Off! first aired, but three decades on it remains one of Australia’s most iconic children’s programs. In this article, we look back at what made this series so successful at the time, and why it still holds a special place in the hearts and memories of those who grew up watching it.

Both series of First Day can now be acquired for broadcast worldwide, with the Australian Children’s Television Foundation securing the international distribution rights for Series 2.

With the release of Version 9.0 of the Australian Curriculum, the ACTF Learning team is reflecting on the value of locally produced screen content in teaching all three dimensions of the curriculum.

Our two upcoming live events will build primary school students’ understandings of story and character on screen.