Forgotten Australia

Fifty years ago this week – 1 September 1976 – tobacco commercials were banned on Australian television. So, it was goodbye to Paul Hogan, Stuart Wagstaff, Norman Gunston and other celebs selling ciggies and smoking to adults and kids alike via the idiot box. In this episode, we sift the dirty ashtray of recent history for a look at the powerful profiteers who put the A-list on the payroll, chronicling how multinational tobacco companies, the Australian media and government undermined medical science to make a killing.

Part Two will be available first for supporters. It will go on general release late...

Aussie writer Charles Shaw came from the school of hard knocks to create a true-blue noir antihero in a series of novels that were internationally popular and compared with the work of hardboiled master Mickey Spillane. He also wrote another bestseller that was adapted into a Hollywood classic in the 1950s. You may even have seen it!

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Sixty years ago this week, Gurindji elder Vincent Lingiari led 200 Aboriginal stockmen and their families in the Wave Hill Walk-Off. They were protesting pitiful pay and conditions and demanding the return of traditional lands. The Walk-Off was the start of a brave eight-year struggle. In this episode, we also look at the brutality of the killing times at Wave Hill.

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Nearly 100 years ago, the village of Wolumla on the far south coast of NSW was shocked by its first murder. The motive for this crime was so scandalous that a wall of silence protected suspects and other victims from police and public exposure.

Available for the first time on general release, this episode was made for supporters in 2021.

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How well do you know your murderers, mobsters, armed robbers and bent coppers? How good is your memory for Aussie rock hits of the 1970s and 1980s? Test yourself with this all-new trivia quiz. 

30 questions across three rounds.

How high can you score?

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They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the...

Digging into the murderer’s past and future is to find two more cold-blooded killings.

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 guest on ABC Nightlife, ABC Overnight and Australian True Crime.

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A shocking early result of our first national census was... murder!

In 1911, a Cloncurry census collector's investigations into an unreturned form turned up a dead man, burned to bones in the vastness of the Never Never.

But this cold-blooded crime was very likely not the killer's first murder – nor his last.

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Forgotten Australia is created and hosted by Michael Adams, author of the acclaimed true crime books The Murder Squad, Hanging Ne...

Did Abe Saffron kill Juanita Nielsen? Order the Luna Park fire? Or was so-called Mr Sin exerting a more subtle yet no less more sinister force on Australian society?

Author Stuart Coupe joins us to talk about separating fact from fiction in his new book Saffron Incorporated: The First King Of The Cross And Fifty Years Of Sex, Murder, Music And Mayhem.

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Even when the verdict is delivered in the Katoomba murder trial, the story is far from over – especially after the convicted man makes a startling allegation.

Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes.

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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

Th...

In the wake of the gory outrage at the California, the accused faces an inquest and then his trial for murder. If he's found guilty, he'll be sentenced to death. But is he bad – or mad?

Parts 3 will be on general release soon. You can hear it now early and ad-free by supporting the podcast:

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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:

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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.

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Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Check out my books!

They...

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 Ad...

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 ho...

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/

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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 buck...

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.

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 dang...

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.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

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...

A True Crime Classic from the Forgotten Australia archives: Just over 100 years ago, Australia suffered one of the world's first random mass shootings when a man went berserk with a rifle in Melbourne’s 1924 Botanic Gardens Massacre. The public was panicked for as long as he evaded the massive manhunt. Then came the copycat shooter... 

This episode was first released in Season One, way back in 2018. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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...

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...

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...

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 we...

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 Tr...

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.

...

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.

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 Unde...

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 a...

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.me...

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...

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 Aus...

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 Au...

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...

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 i...

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://libra...

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 earl...

Arthur Stace is an Australian legend. But for decades the identity of ‘Mr Eternity’ was a Sydney mystery. Who was this man? Why was he writing this message over and over? How did one word chalked by an eccentric fellow of faith reach billions of people all over the world?

Forgotten Australia live!

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History"

More info and free tickets:

https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

*All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters*

It’s...

‘Boots on the ground’: it rolls off the tongue all too easily. But America – and Australia – learned that in Vietnam they didn’t have boots on the ground. They had them in a quagmire. The first Australian soldier killed in action was Kevin Conway, who in 1964 fought beside US Green Berets in a pivotal battle that provided a glimpse of the military debacle that was to last a decade, kill millions of people and leave a gaping hole in history.

Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History

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