Forgotten Australia

This episode explores the rise and fall of Professor Hornberg's mechanical wonders, such as the spring-powered 'Adam Iron,' and Professor Huller's snake shows across Tasmania and Victoria. Despite initial publicity, these performances faced harsh criticism from newspapers like the Hobart Mercury, which dismissed the inventions as 'humbug.' The narrative details the tragic ends of both men: Hornberg's career concluded in a devastating explosion involving an 'infernal machine,' while Huller eventually succumbed to snake bites. The episode concludes by connecting these historical figures and their legacy to the broader evolution of robotics, cinema, and modern technology.

This episode explores the history of 'Frankenstein, the Steam Man,' an automated walking machine created by Frederick Hornberg and exhibited in Australia during the 1880s. The narrative traces the mechanical workings of the automaton and its public debut, connecting themes of historical automation to modern AI through genealogical links from Ada Lovelace to contemporary pioneers. The episode also examines the public reception and marketing of the machine, noting how newspaper coverage ranged from enthusiastic advertisements to skeptical critiques in Sydney and Melbourne. Finally, it details the cultural impact and satirical reception of the Steam Man, including its journey through various Australian cities and the competitive rivalries between showmen.

This episode investigates the mysterious disappearance of the vessel Cumbana in March 1912, noting striking similarities to the previous year's loss of the Yongala. It details the lives and connections of various passengers and crew members, the impact of a severe cyclone on the Northwest coast, and the growing anxiety as the ship remains overdue despite having wireless capabilities. The investigation continues through the aftermath of the disappearance, examining the discovery of wreckage and the controversial journalistic claims regarding Captain Tom Allen's decision to sail. The episode further explores the 1912 marine inquiry into weather conditions and stability, alongside the legal battles fought by the Adelaide Steamship Company to avoid paying compensation to the crew's dependents.

This episode explores the tragic aftermath of the SS Yongala shipwreck in 1911, examining the investigations into its disappearance and the profound grief left in its wake. The narrative then follows the rise of the Kumbana, a vessel that earned a reputation as an 'unlucky steamer' due to a series of maritime mishaps, fires, and mysterious incidents. The episode further delves into the life of Captain Tom Allen and the labor unrest aboard the Kumbana, before concluding with various historical narratives from Western Australia in 1912. These include the punitive expeditions on the Canning Stock Route, the failed diving experiments in Broome, and the racial controversies surrounding justice in Derby.

This episode of the 'Mysteries of the Sea' miniseries explores the tragic disappearance of the steamship Yongala during a tropical cyclone in March 1911. It delves into the history of the Adelaide Steamship Company, its motto 'Festina Lente', and the era of intercoastal travel in Australia. The narrative follows the lives of the crew and passengers, including Captain Billy Knight and individuals like Mary and Yarri Lyndale, against the backdrop of escalating maritime disaster. As search efforts intensify and debris from the ship's hold washes ashore, the realization sets in that the vessel has likely gone to the bottom.

This episode investigates the 1909 disappearance of the SS Waratah, detailing the ship's specifications, its diverse passengers, and the massive failed search efforts that followed. The narrative explores the official inquiry into the tragedy, presenting contradictory evidence regarding the vessel's stability. From eyewitness accounts of extreme instability to scientific observations by Professor William Bragg, the episode examines the theories surrounding the ship's fate and the ultimate conclusion that no party was held at fault.

This episode of Forgotten Australia explores the long and experimental history of television in Australia, tracing its roots from late 19th-century inventions to the official launch of commercial broadcasting in 1956. The narrative highlights the contributions of Australian pioneers like Henry Sutton and Ernest Fisk, alongside international figures such as John Logie Baird, illustrating a decades-long struggle to realize the dream of live broadcasts like the Melbourne Cup. The program examines the technical evolution from mechanical scanning systems and 'radiovision' to cathode tube ray television. It also touches upon the socio-economic landscape of the era, including the high cost of early television sets, the impact of political wrangling on airwaves, and the eventual widespread adoption of the medium across the country.

Author Ryan Butter discusses his book 'Blackbirding', exploring how the Australian slave trade was obscured through 'engineered forgetting' and euphemisms like 'passage money'. The episode details the barbaric methods used to kidnap Pacific Islanders, the economic justifications of colonists, and the role of extractive capitalism in Queensland's unregulated labor practices. The discussion further examines the systemic erasure of identity through stolen wages and mass deportations under the White Australia policy. Finally, the speakers draw parallels between this historical era and modern labor exploitation within the Pacific Australian labour mobility scheme, emphasizing a shared responsibility to acknowledge this history.

Dr James Patrick Murray kidnaps and kills more people, and goes mad and is nearly murdered himself, before returning to Australia to be acclaimed as a saviour during a smallpox outbreak. But the hero becomes villain overnight when the truth of the massacre is revealed. Yet the doctor – dubbed ‘the worst demon of them all’ – still has diabolical tricks to play. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores the origins of the 'Carl' expedition led by Dr. James Patrick Murray and the brutal reality of the blackbirding trade in the South Pacific. It details how legal loopholes allowed for the kidnapping and exploitation of islanders, as the crew transitioned from legitimate business attempts to using disguises, force, and violence to acquire labor. The narrative documents the escalating brutality of the voyage through Fiji and Vanuatu, culminating in a systematic massacre of Bougainville men. The episode examines the aftermath of the massacre, where Dr. Murray and his crew attempted to hide their crimes by throwing the dead and wounded overboard, highlighting the extreme lawlessness and lack of accountability during this era.

This episode explores the 'Forgotten Australia' miniseries, beginning with the brutal history of the South Pacific slave trade and the massacre aboard the ship Carl. It follows the controversial life of Dr. James Patrick Murray, a medical professional whose career was marked by allegations of misconduct and cowardice. The narrative details Murray's role in the Leichhardt expedition, specifically the crisis at Cooper's Creek where his decision to abandon leader Duncan McIntyre led to widespread condemnation. The episode concludes by tracing Murray's trajectory from professional recovery in Victoria to his eventual departure for Fiji, where he secretly planned to engage in 'blackbirding' activities.

This episode explores the rise and fall of cigarette advertising in Australia, focusing on how iconic figures like Paul Hogan leveraged their 'larrikin' personas to drive massive sales through brands like Winfield. It details the industry's use of celebrity endorsements and psychological tactics to target younger audiences and sow doubt about health risks before the 1976 advertising ban. The narrative further examines the evolution of tobacco manufacturing and the eventual shift toward accountability, as former spokespeople expressed regret over their roles in promoting smoking. The episode concludes by looking at the long-term decline in smoking rates following advertising bans and posing questions about modern societal issues.

This episode explores the history of tobacco advertising in Australia, tracing the era from the mid-20th century leading up to the 1976 television ban. It examines how the industry utilized psychological manipulation, celebrity endorsements, and strategic branding to maintain smoking rates despite mounting medical evidence linking tobacco to lung cancer. The narrative details the tension between emerging scientific findings and aggressive industry tactics, including the use of loopholes in voluntary advertising codes and the prioritization of economic interests over public health. The episode covers the transition from sophisticated prestige-driven campaigns to the eventual implementation of more stringent regulations and mandatory health warnings.

This episode explores the life and career of Charles Shaw, an Australian author who rose from a difficult childhood to international fame. It details his journey from manual labor and journalism in regional New South Wales to becoming a successful novelist under the pen name Bantzinger. The episode also examines his literary success and sudden death. It covers his transition from an outback swaggie to a successful novelist, his brief foray into Hollywood screenwriting, and the posthumous legacy of his work.

This episode of Forgotten Australia explores the historic Wave Hill Walk-Off, a landmark eight-year struggle led by Gurindji elder Vincent Lingyari starting in 1966. The narrative provides deep historical context, detailing the decades of systemic brutality, unpaid labor, and land dispossession experienced by Aboriginal people at Wave Hill Station under various pastoralists and companies like the Vestie Group. The episode traces the progression from the initial strike for equal wages to the broader demand for land rights. It highlights the immense bravery of the Gurindji people, who resisted starvation and intimidation, eventually leading to the symbolic handback of land by Prime Minister Gough Whitlam in 1975. The story serves as a testament to the power of persistence in the fight for Aboriginal justice and land ownership.

This episode explores the 1928 murder of schoolteacher Jack Mulholland in the quiet Australian town of Wollumla. The investigation into his violent death by shotgun blast uncovered a web of local secrets, including potential sex scandals and domestic tensions involving former students. Despite an inquest that ruled the death a willful murder by unknown persons, a wall of silence among the townspeople prevented any charges from being brought. While the case eventually faded from public memory, the mystery remains unsolved, leaving behind a legacy of suspicion and unrevealed truths.

Host Michael Adams presents the Aussie History Trivia Quiz, exploring various facets of Australian history through a series of competitive rounds. The episode covers topics ranging from true crime and political scandals to censorship and iconic moments in Australian entertainment. The quiz progresses through rounds focusing on politicians, free speech, and pop culture, revealing fascinating details about historical figures, banned books, and the creators behind legendary Australian media.

This episode investigates the criminal history of William Gould, examining his involvement in the 1911 murder of Russian Dean and a 1904 murder charge involving Wong Fu. The narrative explores how racial prejudice in historical Australian newspapers may have influenced legal outcomes, specifically regarding the arrest and release of the Gould brothers. The investigation further delves into the discovery of human remains at Palmer's Lagoon in 1931. While the victim was identified as Frank Grimson, the case remained unsolved due to the transient nature of the population during the Great Depression and the failure of investigators to trace the potential connection to William Gould.

This episode explores the 1911 Australian census, known as the 'Great Stock Take,' detailing the logistical scale and dangerous work of census takers in remote Queensland. It examines the socio-political implications of the era, including the exclusion of Aboriginal people and the eugenicist ideologies held by official George Handley Knibbs. The narrative connects the census process to a murder investigation in Cloncurry, where the failure of an Afghan man, Russian Dean, to return his census form led police to discover evidence of a brutal crime. The episode follows the trial and conviction of William Gould, exploring themes of racial bias in the Queensland justice system and Gould's eventual release following a successful appeal.

In this episode, author Stuart Cooper discusses his book 'Saffron Incorporated', which explores the life and business empire of Abe Saffron. The discussion delves into how Saffron's vast real estate holdings and business structures facilitated a criminal culture in Sydney, moving beyond simple criminal tropes to examine his role as a facilitator of illegal activities. The conversation further explores Saffron's legacy of corruption involving police, judges, and politicians in King's Cross, including theories surrounding the disappearance of Juanita Nielsen. The episode concludes by detailing Saffron's downfall due to tax evasion and comparing his calculated era of crime to the more violent criminality that followed.

This episode examines the trial and appeal of Keith Shaw, who was convicted of murdering George King. Initially defended on grounds of insanity, Shaw eventually provided an affidavit revealing a physical altercation as the true motive for the crime. The investigation explores legal strategies like the 'homosexual panic' defense and potential cultural influences from contemporary films. The narrative also follows the aftermath for Lionel Shaw, detailing his military service, his legal battles for defamation, and the eventual fates of those connected to the case.

This episode explores the 1917 inquest and trial of brothers Keith and Lionel Shaw following the brutal murder of George King in Katoomba. The narrative details the evidence presented, including Keith's written confession driven by an obsession with a diamond ring and his chillingly detached description of the attack. The trial further examines the prosecution's case against the defense's attempt to prove hereditary insanity. Through testimonies regarding Keith's substance abuse, erratic behavior, and letters to Stella Chu, the episode delves into the conflicting medical opinions on whether Keith was driven by delusions or was feigning madness to avoid responsibility.

A Katoomba hotel. A locked room. Screams in the night and a body in the morning. The mystery of what happened in Australia’s favourite resort town in autumn 1917 was like something by Agatha Christie. Except this wasn’t a whodunit – it was a whydunit. Parts 2 & 3 will be on general release soon. You can hear them now early and ad-free by supporting the podcast: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fifty years ago this month – 19 July 1976 – Australia’s first act of environmental terrorism was directed at the Bunnings-owned wood chip export facility in Bunbury. Who were the bombers? What had they hoped to achieve? What was the fallout for the growing green movement? Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html Hanging Ned Kelly: https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html Australia’s Sweetheart: https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

In 1936, western author Zane Grey came Down Under to catch giant sharks and film his adventures. The result was White Death, a so-bad-it’s-good monster movie. Vicki Hastrich, author of The Last Days of Zane Grey, joins us to talk about his time on our shores and seas, how we reacted to and were changed by this American celebrity, and how she reckoned with disturbing revelations about him in her book. Watch an excerpt from White Death - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97ghdeDVHsE Forgotten Australia is created and hosted by Michael Adams, author of the acclaimed true crime books The Murder Squad, Hanging Ned Kelly and They'll Never Hold Me. He’s also a regular history commentator on ABC Nightlife and the podcast Australian True Crime. Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Check out my books! They’ll…

While 1950s eccentrics Bea Miles and Rosaleen Norton are well remembered, Luba Shishova was twice as wild yet she's all but forgotten. Dubbed ‘Olga from the Volga’ and a ‘one-woman Russian Revolution’, this chaotic beauty cut a swathe through Kings Cross, earning adoring fans among the city’s reporters and outraging the cops and the judges. Now, for the first time, Luba’s story is told in detail – from her background in a war zone and her bikini court sensation to her flesh-ripping assaults and stints in jail and psych hospitals. Forgotten Australia is created and hosted by Michael Adams, author of the acclaimed true crime books The Murder Squad, Hanging Ned Kelly and They'll Never Hold Me. He’s also a regular history commentator on ABC Nightlife and the podcast Australian True Crime. Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email:…

This week, when we stay up (or get up) to cheer the Socceroos, we’ll be doing what Aussies first did one winter nearly a century ago. In 1930, the Ashes test cricket series was broadcast live from England via the new marvel of the age – radio! Night after night, Australians defied sleep to hear sporting history being made, with record-smashing new champion Don Bradman leading the charge. In this episode, we look at how these ingenious broadcasts were made and how they were received, from Melbourne to Mount Gambier, Bowral to Ballarat. Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html Hanging Ned Kelly:…

Who named Australia? Which former Prime Minister lost his pants in public? Which celebrity came chasing ghosts Down Under? What were the weirdest names suggested for Melbourne before Melbourne became Melbourne? Welcome to the pub trivia night that plays out in your podcast player How well do you know our weird and wonderful history? 30 Questions over 3 Rounds. What will you score out of 30? **Original upload had erroneous bit of commentary in the otherwise correct answer to question 10; it has since been corrected. Many thanks to listener Michael Bragge for pointing up my mistake!** The Aussie History Trivia Bonus Round will be released for supporters on the weekend. To hear this exclusive mini-episode – and have a chance at $100 in cash and book prizes – become a Forgotten Australia supporter. You can try for free: Patreon: http://patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me:…

Having bent justice to their will successfully once, Kenneth Brown and his supporters tried a new defence tactic: arguing that he’d been cursed from birth as a hereditary homicidal maniac. If you’re in danger from domestic violence, call Triple 0. National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service Tel: 1 800 737 732 https://1800respect.org.au Lifeline Tel: 131 114 https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Mary Ann Brown dead, and no doubt that Kenneth killed her, his April 1876 murder trial appeared to be an open-and-shut case. But he had the best defence that money could buy – and a colonial elite closing ranks to protect one of their own. If you’re in danger from domestic violence, call Triple 0. National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service Tel: 1 800 737 732 https://1800respect.org.au Lifeline Tel: 131 114 https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part one, we heard about Kenneth Brown. In this episode, we look at Mary Ann Tindall and how she became his wife and victim. If you’re in danger from domestic violence, call Triple 0. National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service Tel: 1 800 737 732 https://1800respect.org.au Lifeline Tel: 131 114 https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html Hanging Ned Kelly: https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html Australia’s Sweetheart:…

We all know Edith Cowan – first woman elected to an Australian parliament – graces out $50 note. But did you know she was shaped by a traumatic childhood? In 1876, her father, the prominent colonial settler and explorer Kenneth Brown, shot her stepmother dead. This was a crime that shocked Western Australia – and one whose elements are all too common 150 years later. In Part One of this new miniseries, we look at the forces that shaped Kenneth, from Frontier War violence to his tilt at the Melbourne Cup. If you’re in danger from domestic violence, call Triple 0. National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence Counselling Service Tel: 1 800 737 732 https://1800respect.org.au Lifeline Tel: 131 114 https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Aidan Kelly's research is here: https://freopedia.org/Kenneth_Brown Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email:…

Ahoy, me hearties! William Swallow became the pirate captain of the convict ship Cyprus after he seized the vessel in Tasmania in 1829. From there, it was a case of ‘Bring me that horizon!’, with Swallow and his crew of motley misfits setting sail for freedom on the far side of the world. Author Ally Burnham joins us to explain how she researched this swashbuckling true story for Swallow, the first novel in an epic trilogy that will thrill fans of Master and Commander. It's an amazing tale of a fast-talking escape artist, of high stakes on the high seas, and of boldness and tenderness in an era of unspeakable brutality. Plus: Ally has some top tips on how to swear like a pirate! Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me:…

Failing film stars! Flailing Frenchmen! Falling space junk! They’re all here, the true and the false, the serious and the deeply stupid. Three rounds. 30 questions. Like pub trivia! Just minus the overcooked rigatoni and the annoying team at the next table who are definitely cheating. Play by yourself, against mates or – for an almost-guaranteed victory – against your dimmest pet. Not happy writing your answers in the mist of your bathroom mirror? Well, there’s a free downloadable answer sheet at: www.forgottenaustralia.com If you’re a Forgotten Australia supporter, be sure to check out this week’s Aussie History Trivia Quiz Bonus Episode with 10 more questions – and another chance to win actual prizes. Not a Forgotten Australia supporter? Well, now’s your chance to correct this regrettable life choice. Use a free trial to get a week’s access. It’s easy to get started: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See…

In 1837, three cold-blooded killers committed a series of bloody outrages that left nine people dead. Two of these murderers were to face their own gruesome fates. But, in an ironic twist, the third would be legally untouchable despite all the victims he'd shot and axed. Support Forgotten Australia for ad-free early episodes, exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes in the special edition trivia episodes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Serial killers! Chocolate animals! Robot chaos! They’re all part of the first-ever Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz. Three rounds. 30 questions. Just like pub trivia! So, how well do you know your Aussie history? Play along by yourself or play against mates! There’s a free downloadable answer sheet at: www.forgottenaustralia.com PLUS: supporters automatically hear the Bonus Expert Round. Answer the questions for a chance to win $100 cash and copies of my books! You can use a free trial that gives you a week’s access. Become a supporter at: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia apple.co/forgottenaustralia Enjoy the show? Leave a rating or review wherever you get your podcasts. Or let me know via email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Mackintosh was the world’s best shooter and in 1900 in Paris he won what is still the most shocking sporting event ever associated with the Olympic Games. Did he really win gold? Why is that the least controversial thing about his claim to fame? Plus: the first Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz episode is coming this Thursday test how much you know about the way were were! Everyone can play along with the general-release version. But Apple and Patreon supporters will hear a special edition episode of the Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz that includes a bonus expert-level round. Supporters will be able to submit answers for a chance to win! Be first, second or third with the correct answers to score sweet prizes. Listen to this episode for a few more details and be ready on Thursday... Forgotten Australia supporters get: - early ad-free access to all episodes, including the special edition of Aussie History Pod Trivia Quiz episode with the bonus expert round. - exclusive bonus shows - a show shout-out To…

Author and music journalist Jeff Apter joins us to discuss his recent book, Lee Gordon Presents: How One Man Changed Australian Life Forever, the first biography of the wild man who not only brought rock ’n’ roll Down Under, but who pioneered so much else, from jazz festivals and strip shows to female roller derby and drive-in burger joints. Apple and Patreon supporters get exclusive access to the original short episodes ‘The Big Showman’, a salute to Lee Gordon from Aussie legends, and ‘When Lenny Bruce Got Smashed By Sydney’, about the radical comic’s disastrous tour Down Under for Lee Gordon in 1962. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad:…

Who was Boofhead and where did he come from? We say happy 85th birthday to an iconic yet idiotic Aussie bloke who appeared in our midst when we needed him most. Plus: a brief history of the $1 coin and a salute to the astute astronomer who wound up on our $100 note. Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html Hanging Ned Kelly: https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html Australia’s Sweetheart:…

This week in 1826 was a bad time to be a cannibal bushranger. Plus: Bold Ben Hall bites the dust; the first Brit buried Down Under; and the making of a murderer in On Our Selection. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html Hanging Ned Kelly:…

In this final instalment, the jury delivers its verdict in the marathon trial of Phillip Treffene and William Coulter for the murders of Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman. But their decision isn't the end of the story — with twists even brilliant barrister Arthur Haynes couldn't see coming. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me:…

On Monday 16 August 1926, a large crowd gathered outside Perth's Supreme Court, hoping to get access to what promised to be the most sensational criminal trial Western Australia had ever seen. Had Phillip Treffene and William Coulter murdered Detective-Inspector John Walsh and his partner Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman? What the court heard was an incredible new version of events that left many wondering where the truth lay. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!…

After police swoop on their suspects, Evan 'Teddy' Clarke, Phil Treffene and William Coulter are charged with the murder. But one of these men will turn against the others, with brilliant barrister Arthur Haynes using this betrayal as a chisel with which to chip away at the crown case. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me:…

Re-released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the crime that shocked a nation. On 12 May 1926, south of Kalgoorlie, at an abandoned mine known as Miller's Find, Detective-Sergeant Grenville Purdue makes a horrifying discovery. The biggest manhunt in Western Australia is now on for the murderers of Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The…

A special re-release to commemorate the 100th anniversary. On 28 April 1926, Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman disappeared while investigating gold thefts around Kalgoorlie. It was nearly two weeks before they were missed. When the alarm was raised, a massive search was started. Grave fears were held for these two popular veteran officers. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out…

While history tells us Anzac Day started on 25 April 1916, the first such event took place six months earlier in South Australia. The name 'Anzac Day' was coined for this colourful military parade and pageant, staged in Adelaide on 13 October 1915, which was usually reserved for the Eight Hours' Day public holiday. The first Anzac Day was to raise funds for wounded soldiers – and a forgotten Aussie was even credited with coming up with the name! So, what did this Anzac Day look like? Why did it feature not only marching soldiers and wounded veterans, but cavemen, prehistoric animals and even a fiery tram stunt? How was it that this Anzac Day came to be forgotten? To see footage of the Burra Anzac Day: https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/anzac-day-history-marches-and-traditions The Critic newspaper photos are here: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page23520895 See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets:…

In this interview episode, Dr Daniel Reynaud, author of The Man The Anzacs Revered, tells us about the colourful and incredibly brave AIF chaplain William McKenzie, who was a Salvation Army officer on the frontlines with the Diggers at Gallipoli and then on the Western Front. In his time, ‘Fighting Mac’ was beloved around Australia and the inspiration for many tall tales. But his truth is even more striking. So why has he been forgotten? See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html Hanging Ned Kelly: https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html…

Having already won two events at Athens in 1896, young Aussie athlete Teddy Flack throws himself at a third victory by entering the Marathon – and he’ll reckon the result ensures the success of the first modern Olympic Games. Despite Teddy’s historic wins, noble defeats and curious claims, in his time he’ll be a marginal character in Australian reporting – a stark contrast with modern Olympic heroes. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original…

Teddy Flack becoming our first Olympic champion is the prototypical tale of the Aussie have-a-go sporting hero. But in 1896, when Teddy was undertaking his Greek odyssey, and making history against the odds, there wasn’t a lot of interest in him, his achievements or the Olympic Games. In part one, we look at how Teddy’s twin interests – athletics and accountancy – meant he was the right man in the right place at the right time to compete at Athens. *Part Two is available now for Forgotten Australia supporters* Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets:…

I'm adopted and – while I come from colourful characters who roamed from Ireland and England to Western Australia, Lord Howe Island and Sydney, via South Africa and the Western Front – I didn't know *any* of this family history before tracking down my birth mother in 2018! How much are we the product of nature and how much of nurture? How much of our lives is choice and chance? My family reunion story does come with some startling coincidences. See Forgotten Australia live! "Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival. More info and free tickets: https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple:…