Hunter Stories

On Thursday 28 December 1989, an earthquake struck Newcastle without warning. It was so sudden, many couldn't believe it was real. Despite the chaos, police officer Brian Campbell and nurse Theresa Brown came forward to help without hesitation. They share their chilling first-hand accounts from that day and in doing so, shed lighter on something much greater. PRODUCER: Jessica Steens INTERVIEWEES:...

Most Novocastrians can tell you where they were and what they were doing when the Pasha Bulker grounded in 2007. The image of the bright red ship parked on Nobbys Beach attracted worldwide attention. But what exactly led to the incident? Mai Tessede talks to Justin Collins from the Newcastle Museum to uncover this incredible story. Producer and narrator: Mai Tessede Interviewee: Justin Collins Mus...

What happened to the rental e-bikes in Lake Macquarie, and how do they relate to the cause of sustainability? Madeline Clifton investigates the sustainability-driven initiatives of Lake Macquarie Council and the broader aim - developing a circular economy. Producer and narrator: Madeline Clifton Interviewees: Tim Browne, CEO of Dantia Karen Crowe, sustainability engagement officer, Lake Macquarie Co...

Richard Ledger, the director of the Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club, shares his journey from childhood weekends at Cottesloe to lifesaving leadership in the Hunter. Producer and narrator: Jerry Cheng Interviewee: Richard Ledger, Director Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club Music & SFX: Original music composed by Wesley Bowd Beach waves -- https://freesound.org/people/DylanTheFish/sounds/463250/ --...

Laura, a ghostwriter living in Newcastle, shares what it’s like to write memoirs for celebrities while staying completely invisible. From writing a book for a reality TV star to capturing someone else’s tone of voice under an intense five-week deadline, Laura opens up about the hidden emotional and creative labour of ghostwriting. What does it mean to see your work on the shelf without your name o...

At 19 years old, Grace underwent major spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. Her recovery was long, painful, and isolating, but Grace used that time to shift her relationship with her body and become a coach who preaches the importance of fitness. This is a story of resilience, redefinition, and gratitude. Grace’s journey reminds us that strength can be found anywhere.   Producer and narrator: Sara...

Have you ever been frustrated because your late-night Doordash was running behind schedule? What if it were delivered by horse instead? Sloan Sanders finds out more about the Hunter Valley's historic bread cart delivery service and how it compares to delivery today. Producer and narrator: Sloan Sanders Interviewee: Pauline O’Neill Music & SFX: Original music composed by Wesley Bowd and Mathew...

When Newcastle was hit by a massive storm in June 2007, the huge Japanese coal carrier Pasha Bulker famously ran aground on Nobbys Beach. Newcastle photographer Murray McKean was there to capture the moment. But why has the image since gone viral around the world? John Thomas talks to Murray McKean to find out more. Producer and narrator: John Thomas Interviewee: Murray McKean Music & SFX: Ori...

Women’s sport in the Hunter is rapidly growing but are there sufficient resources to keep up? And how is this potentially impacting our female athletes? Gigi Brennan chats with young female athlete Rose Harvey about her firsthand experiences, and sits down with sports physio Sophie Jones to talk about the lack of resources in the Hunter. Producer and narrator: Gigi Brennan Interviewees: Rose Harve...

In May 1974, a massive storm struck the Hunter causing the ship “Sygna” to run aground. Many people remember the dramatic visuals of the stranded ship, but few know the full story of the extensive and dangerous cleanup efforts that followed. Clem Doyle, a former member of the Newcastle Civil Defence, reveals how a small group of volunteers worked hard to recover the region from the disaster. Produ...

Muswellbrook horse trainer Victor Oakes found racing success with his mighty gelding Skellatar, dubbed “The Phar Lap of the North”. Victor’s daughter Bernadette takes us back to the heyday of the 1960s when Vic began racing and winning with Skellatar. Producer and narrator: Katie Jayne Interviewee: Bernadette Oakes Sounds: Pathfinder by Alexander Nakarada ( www.creatorchords.com ) -- licensed unde...

Have you ever listened to a band at a pub, and wondered what it would be like to perform for a live audience? You may be surprised to learn it isn’t as easy as you may think. Dean Selem, bassist and manager of Newcastle band Moodwatch talks about the highs and lows of being a professional musician. Producer and narrator: Holly Fishlock Interviewee: Dean Selem Music courtesy of Moodwatch recorded b...

Do you think hardcore punk just sounds like a lot of noise? So does the Newcastle hardcore community, and they wouldn’t change a thing. Madeleine Mitchell from Boudicca talks about the Newcastle hardcore scene, and the challenges of creating music for such a specific demographic. Spencer Scott discusses working in the local entertainment business and the enduring legacy of hardcore within Newcastl...

Interested in the dramatic history of one of Newcastle's most iconic landmarks? Join Blake Quinn and John Ross, a volunteer at Fort Scratchley, as they delve into the fierce Japanese attack on Newcastle in 1942 during the Second World War. Discover how outdated intelligence and an a nearby coal-powered ship played crucial roles in this historic event. Producer and narrator: Blake Quinn Interviewee...

Sarah Bergamo and her father John Roddenby are part of a Hunter family dynasty who work in waste collection. Was it a coincidence that they both ended up in the waste industry? And what about Sarah’s young daughter Florence? Will she follow in her mother and grandfather’s footsteps? Producer and narrator: Isabella Bergamo Interviewees: Sarah Bergamo John Roddenby Music: “Mornings” by Swoop via Upp...

Why should we have to give up our childhood friends and passions as an adult? Harry Matthews, player manager of the Lambton Jaffas community all age team, speaks with Emily Doyle about the community building sport of soccer. It’s a great opportunity for adults to get together and feel like kids. Producer and narrator: Emily Doyle Interviewee: Harry Matthews Music: Happy sandbox by Unlistenable --...

Standing for 33 years and surviving fire, It’s the giant fibreglass prawn that could. Until its head was chopped off. Peter Hyslop chats with NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley and former Central Coast Councillor Jillian Hogan about how Crangan Bay’s giant prawn has been made the ‘raw prawn’ by vandals, an angle grinder, and local politics. Producer and narrator: Peter Hyslop Interviewees: Yasmin C...

A reflection on the 1999 closure of the Rod Mill in Newcastle from former steelworker and union representative Bill McGuinness. Is the steel industry still a part of Newcastle’s cultural identity, and has any entity since matched BHP’s impact on the community? Producer and narrator: William McGuinness Interviewee: Bill McGuinness Music composed by William McGuinness exclusively for this episode. W...

Did you know that Newcastle’s Nobbys Headland was almost blown up? Ann Hardy and Gionni Di Gravio from the University of Newcastle talk to Indiana Hardwick about the people that saved the headland. Was it the mysterious Mr. Thorn of Prince Alfred notoriety who secretly saved the day? Producer: Indiana Hardwick Interviewees: Ann Hardy Gionni di Gravio Music: Mysterious Dramatic Music by tyops -- ht...

The 1979 Star Hotel riot has gone down as one of the most infamous chapters in Newcastle’s history, but what does the site mean to residents now, 45 years on?    Jack Gillett-Faulkner speaks to Bernie’s Bar co-owners Grace Tose and Patrick Fisher about the significance of the historic building, and how their connection to its past sparked their mission to revive the venue as a home for Newcastle’s...