Frank Fisher

Frank Fisher (1905–1980) was an Aboriginal Australian professional rugby league footballer. Nicknamed "Big Shot" He was named as a member of the Indigenous Australian Rugby League Team of the Century.

Family life He was born 1905 in Townsville, Queensland the son of Frank Fisher Sr and his wife Rosie Shilling. His father had served with the 11th Light Horse Regiment but Fisher's attempt to follow in his father's footsteps in 1940 was blocked on racial grounds. He is the paternal grandfather of Australian track athlete and Olympic gold medalist Cathy Freeman.

Rugby league In the 1930s Fisher was captain of the Barambah rugby league team.

In 1932 and again in 1936 he played at half-back for the Wide Bay representative side against the Great Britain touring teams. On Brough's recommendation, Fisher was offered a contract to play club rugby league in Salford, England but the Queensland Government refused his application to travel under the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of Sale of Opium Act 1897 (Qld).

Cricket Fisher further displayed his athletic ability in cricket. On one occasion, playing for the Cherbourg A Grade side against Goomeri, he struck 105 (retired) in 32 minutes including 11 sixes and 5 fours. His side won by 294 on the first innings on a day when the Cherbourg side was without the usual services of fast bowler Eddie Gilbert. Fisher's feat was reported nationally.

Honours and awards On 8 June 1996 a bridge over Barambah Creek, Cherbourg and named in his honour was opened.