Weird Crap in Australia

Throughout his criminal career, Donahue and his gang targeted stagecoaches and travelers, using the rugged terrain of the Australian outback to their advantage. Unlike other bushrangers, however, Donahue's group stole more than just valuables - they weren't called the Strippers for nothing. As his exploits grew in infamy, Donahue became a folk hero to some and a menace to others. His ability to ou...

**Child friendly listening!** First, there was Dora the Explorer. Then there was Pepper Pig. Now, there is Bluey. Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into world of the Blue Heeler, celebrating the pup's universal appeal and Australian attitude. Explore the show's unique storytelling, blending humor, emotion, and valuable life lessons with their distinct Brisbane-ness. Join Holly & Matthew as...

James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in const...

James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in const...

James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in const...

Wittenoom emerged as a bustling mining hub in the 1930s, extracting lucrative blue asbestos from the surrounding rock. By 1947, it dominated global supply. By the 1960s, alarming health concerns linked to asbestos emerged. Despite mounting evidence, mining persisted until 1966. Today, Wittenoom stands as a haunting testament to unchecked industrial ambition, its once-thriving streets now ghostly r...

Baryulgil mine, situated in north-east NSW, gained prominence for asbestos extraction during the mid-20th century. While it initially provided economic opportunities for the Baryulgil Indigenous community through employment, the mine's asbestos production later caused severe injury to said workers. Those workers faced asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis, diseases that destro...

n Christmas Eve 1975, there were 74 guests at the Savoy Hotel, and at 5:30am Christmas morning, most of the occupants were sleeping, as one would expect. The Savoy was located on Darlinghurst Road, in the middle of Kings Cross. The building was small, totalling only 5 storeys tall, with a concrete or washed brick exterior and windows that swung out towards the street. There were no balconies, and...

In the 1954 Australian spy defection, high-stakes espionage unfolded when top-ranking Soviet diplomat Vladimir Petrov sought asylum. Unveiling a web of Cold War intrigue, Petrov exposed a Soviet spy ring infiltrating Australian government circles. As the defection sent shockwaves through international relations, it strained Australia's ties with the Soviet Union. The defection, orchestrated by Wes...

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Church of Scientology faced legal prohibitions in several Australian states, notably Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. These states instituted inquiries and restrictions on Scientology's activities, at the request of the medical field and in response to its outlaying 'medical' practices. The Victorian government initiated a Board of Inquiry in 1963, resu...

In 1988, educational programming aimed towards the preschool demographic on the ABC was handled by a mere two shows – Sesame Street, which was produced in America, and Play School, our homegrown production. These were staples on the Australian children’s entertainment landscape and had remained beloved by Australian children for more than twenty years. There were some who were not content with one...

The koala, Australia's beloved marsupial. Master of Camouflage, Marsupial of a Hundred Names, Disqualified Entrant of the "World's Cutest Animal" contest. Known for its fluffy, gray fur and round face, the koala is an emblem of cuteness. Everyone knows what a Koala is. But what if we told you that we've been saying its name wrong for decades? Join us as we examine the Cullawine, Native Bear, Coola...

In the early 19th century, Musquito, a First Nations bushranger, defied British colonial rule in Australia. Born around 1780, he was transported to Tasmania as a convict in 1824. Escaping captivity, he joined forces with Black Jack, another warrior, and led a group of dispossessed First Nations people in guerrilla warfare against settlers. Their audacious raids terrorized colonists, thanks to Musq...

In 1942 amidst the rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea, the battle to save the Australian mainland unfolded in treacherous conditions, dense jungles, and steep mountain ranges, shadowed by the constant threat of tropical diseases. The Kokoda Track, a narrow and challenging pathway, became the epicenter of a battle where outnumbered Australian forces, primarily composed of reservists, aided by local...

In 1942 amidst the rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea, the battle to save the Australian mainland unfolded in treacherous conditions, dense jungles, and steep mountain ranges, shadowed by the constant threat of tropical diseases. The Kokoda Track, a narrow and challenging pathway, became the epicenter of a battle where outnumbered Australian forces, primarily composed of reservists, aided by local...

On the Easter long weekend in 2003, everything seemed cool and normal. The Singh parents were overseas in Fiji, and their children remained at home in Brisbane, enjoying the school holidays together. On Easter Monday, the calm of the Singh family's neighbourhood was broken by a discovery that would break their family: someone had taken the lives of Neelma Singh, her brother Kunal Singh, and her si...

On the Easter long weekend in 2003, everything seemed cool and normal. The singh parents were overseas in Fiji, and their children remained at home in Brisbane, enjoying the school holidays together. On Easter Monday, the calm of the Singh family's neighbourhood was broken by a discovery that would break their family: someone had taken the lives of Neelma Singh, her brother Kunal Singh, and her si...

When the 42-Up train landed at Mt Isa in 1938, there was something strange about the mail cart. One of the locks was different, not regulation, and when they opened the door, they found two bags missing. Join Holly & Matthew as they look into Australia's DB Cooper and the legacy he left behind. Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod "Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeod Used under a Creative Commons...

In the Murray-Darling river system lives a creature to large as to drag ships down into the depths and so powerful it can curse a man to death. But the Muldjewangk hasn't been seen for more than 30 years - and the river system is suffering because of it. Join Holly and Matthew as they look into Australia's own deadly curse-caster, and the stories that gave it its origins... Main Theme music – Kevi...

After drinking away the redeployed US soldiers at the North West Cape naval base, Annie hitched a ride home with two members of the AFP. On the way home, they encountered something that stuck in her mind forever. But not as much as the US-MP visit 2 days later. Join Holly & Matthew as they look into this encounter in WA, and the cheek the Aussies gave the authorities trying to silence her. Mai...

While Kylie is primarily known for her chart-topping music and acting career, there's a peculiar twist to her story, which could have seen her sister Dannii take her crown. We explore her early years growing up in Melbourne, her unexpected transition from a soap opera star to a global music sensation, and a career in film, tv and music that has now spanned 5 decades. Join Holly and Matthew as we u...

While Kylie is primarily known for her chart-topping music and acting career, there's a peculiar twist to her story, which could have seen her sister Dannii take her crown. We explore her early years growing up in Melbourne, her unexpected transition from a soap opera star to a global music sensation, and a career in film, tv and music that has now spanned 5 decades. Join Holly and Matthew as we u...

Against the backdrop of World War II's brownout conditions, Melbourne became a breeding ground for rapists, robbers and murderers. One of them, The Brownout Strangler, became the most notorious serial killer in Australia at the time, because he left no trace. Until the day he did. Join Holly and Matthew as they look into the murders, the perpetrator, and the trial. Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod...

Against the backdrop of World War II's brownout conditions, Melbourne became a breeding ground for rapists, robbers and murderers. One of them, The Brownout Strangler, became the most notorious serial killer in Australia at the time, because he left no trace. Until the day he did. join Holly and Matthew as they look into the murders, the perpetrator, and the trial. Get ready for 1940s anti-America...

Against the backdrop of World War II's brownout conditions, Melbourne became a breeding ground for rapists, robbers and murderers. One of them, The Brownout Strangler, became the most notorious serial killer in Australia at the time, because he left no trace. Until the day he did. join Holly and Matthew as they look into the murders, the perpetrator, and the trial. Get ready for 1940s anti-America...