Australian Histories Podcast

When the Japanese entered the Second World War at the end of 1941, the impact on Australia was almost immediate.  Singapore fell and a great many Australians were taken prisoner.  Darwin & later other northern centres were bombed, and at the end of May Japanese midget Submarines made their way into Sydney Harbour.  This episode looks at how that attack unfolded. (77 mins) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rough transcript will soon be available from the episode webpage:

In this final episode of the series we follow Flinders as he attempts his return to England in the hope of acquiring a better ship to more thoroughly complete his valuable explorations around the newly circumnavigated Australian coast. But on the way the Great Barrier Reef gives him one last lesson, and then he makes the mistake of insulting a Frenchman! (68 mins)    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rough transcript will soon be available from the episode webpage - https://www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au/75-bass-flinders-pt6/

After a quick resupply in Port Jackson Flinders again heads out to undertake the second leg of his circumnavigation.  This time they began by traveling north, through the Great Barrier Reef and into the tropical north.  This journey would prove to be much more challenging for Flinders and his crew. (56 mins)    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rough transcript is available from the episode webpage - AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

This episode we see Bass undertake his speculative business ventures, no longer in the company of Flinders, but his timing meant his returns were not as lucrative as he'd hoped. Flinders set off on the mammoth task of circumnavigating the New Holland-New South Wales.  This first leg of his mission was very rewarding and successful, and Flinders had the experience of meeting one of the ships involved in the French scientific expedition while charting the south coast. (60 mins) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Rough transcript is available from the episode webpage - AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

George Bass and Matthew Flinders undertake an important mapping journey to confirm the existence of what will soon afterwards become known as Bass Strait, a body of water between the mainland of 'New South Wales' and the newly recognized island of Van Diemens Land. But afterwards their future aspirations diverge, and we follow them as they prepare for the next phases of their lives, Bass undertaking trading and Flinders consolidating his career as an explorer and navigator. (75 mins) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

George Bass and Matthew Flinders arrived in New South Wales in September of 1795, with grand plans to "explore more of the country than any of [our] predecessors in the colony".  In part 2 we look at how their plans progressed. As naval men, they had work to do when they arrived in the young colony, but to their delight, they soon began doing some of the discovery and exploration they desired, around the coast and inland.  (65 mins) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Naval men who arrived in NSW in September 1795, Bass & Flinders were both intent on undertaking exploration and charting sections of New Holland, still largely unknown to the British.  They became well known as navigators, explorers and map makers, charting the Australian coasts and enhancing the then limited knowledge of the new colony.  In this Part 1 episode we take a look at the backgrounds of both men to understand what brought them to NSW. (45 mins) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au ----------------------------------------------------------------- Rough transcript is available from the episode webpage - AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

Waltzing Matilda is described as 'the people's song'.  More well known than the real Australian National Anthem around the world, Banjo Paterson's jaunty little ditty actually contains clues to some turbulent times he witnessed in Australian history.  This episode shares a little background about the much loved song. (40mins) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the 1950s Australia hosted a number of British nuclear weapons tests.  The very first one took place on the Montebello Islands, off Australia's north west coast.  This episode we will explore 'Operation Hurricane' on the Montebellos. (75 mins) ---------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au -----------------------------------------------------------------

Maria Island is a UNESCO World Heritage listed Tasmanian convict site, with a long and varied history, and a number of spectacular natural and geological places of interest.  From its original indigenous use, soon after aboriginal people made their way to Tasmania, around 30,000 years ago, through it’s early colonial use as penal outposts and then for agricultural and industrial uses, many historical remnants are visible for visitors to explore.  Since 1971 it was designated as a National Park, with an added calling as a refuge island, helping to protect a number of endangered or ‘of concern’ species. This episode follows it's story through the ages. (Remixed 75 mins) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From a land with no native domesticated dogs, nearly 230 years after colonists’ brought their first pets & hunting dogs on the first fleet, Australia now has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the world.  Almost half of Australian households kept at least one dog in 2022, but lets take a look at the history & development of the uniquely Australian dogs we created along the way.  (45 mins) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Presbyterian Minister John Flynn had a desire to bring "a mantle of safety" to those living in the remote areas of Australia.  WWI Australian fighter pilot John Clifford Peel suggested a blueprint for such a service.  Alf Traeger tested and designed equipment that would allow communication across the outback and Hudson Fysh acquired the planes that could be used by an Aerial Medical Service.  The vision and tenacity of Flynn brought all these ideas & people together to create one of the most outstanding, helpful and appreciated services in Australia.  Something that still serves those in remote & rural Australia since it's beginning in 1928. (57 Mins) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In this final episode on Buckley & the Wathawurrung, we hear about what happened after Buckley made contact with Batman's party from the Port Phillip Association. Moving back into his original society, he later records his recollections of living amongst the Wathawurrung. (66 mins) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In Part 2 of William Buckley's story, living amongst the Wathawurrung people who adopted him, we hear how he adapted and learned a great many skills.  He was able to record many of the practices that allowed his mob to live so successfully, in country that almost killed him.  And we learn of tragedies that deeply disturbed him.  (62mins) Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

William Buckley was an escaped convict who lived amongst the Wathawurrung people for more than 30 years.  Adopted as Murrangurk, he had the opportunity to participate in, witness and later record some of the lifestyle and cultural practices of these First Nations people, at a time before they had substantial contact with colonial newcomers, when their way of life was altered.  Buckley's story is an exceptional one and we begin in Part 1 by learning how he found himself on this side of the world and living amongst the Wuthawurrung. (63 mins) Brilliant stories from Australia’s past  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

We talk about 'Telegraph Todd' and the construction of the Overland Telegraph Line, built through the largely unsurveyed and vast centre of Australia.  Only one group of British explorers had, to date, survived a trek all the way from the south to the north and returned, but using the information they recorded, Todd was sure he could supervise the construction of a more than 3200km Telegraph Line, that would allow the colonies in Australia to be linked up the the rest of the world.  A huge leap into a more modern communications era. (105 mins) Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

In this final episode on Alexander Pearce we hear about his second escape attempt from Macquarie Harbour, with fellow convict Thomas Cox.  They planned a less difficult route for their escape but again, their scheme didn't proceed as they had planned.  This time the authorities took the situation more seriously and we learn how it all ended for Cox & Pearce. (40 mins) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a   one-off donation --------------------------------------------------------------------- AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

We continue the story of Alexander Pearce as he and his fellow convicts continue their escape from Port Macquarie.  They have found themselves in the wild west country, exhausted mentally & physically, and starving with no provisions remaining.  Talk turns to cannibalism, and the horror soon begins.... -------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a   one-off donation --------------------------------------------------------------------- AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

Alexander Pearce was one of our more notorious convicts, and one of very few convict escapees from Macquarie Harbour, who survived attempting to reach the settled districts.   As the last man standing from the eight that absconded together, his survival was only possible because he resorted to cannibalism. In Part 1 we look at his background, and what lead him to be shipped to Sarah Island, a place of harsh secondary punishment, attempting an unlikely escape.  We consider the terrain and conditions they had to face and consider his fellow escapees.

John Macarthur was a divisive character in the first decades of the New South Wales penal colony and he was instrumental in the overthrow of Governor Bligh (see the Bligh series Eps 52-55), along with the discomfort and early recall of a number of other Governors. But he and his family did manage to build a farming dynasty in NSW and he was often later promoted as the 'founder' of the Australian Wool industry.  This episode takes a look at the Macarthur family, the development of his sheep flocks and the early development of wool production in the new colony, and consider the impact of the Macarthurs in that important industry. (64 mins) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a   one-off donation --------------------------------------------------------------------- AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

The 'Great Ocean Road' is it one of Victoria’s, indeed Australia’s, most well known international tourist attractions, and a favoured coastal town drive for locals, dotted as it is with beautiful surf & swimming beaches, but you may be surprised to know, the road itself constitutes Australia’s longest War Memorial. This episode we talk about how the construction came about. The Great Ocean Road’s heritage listing states, it was “Constructed by workers including around 3000 returned servicemen, as a utilitarian memorial….     The Great Ocean Road is a significant reminder of the participation of Australian servicemen in the First World War, the Australian community's appreciation of their service, and the support provided for the continuing welfare of servicemen upon returning to Australia.” It's also a beloved destination for surfers, fishers, and those who just enjoy native Australian landscapes and beautiful coastal vistas. (44 mins) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a   one-off donation --------------------------------------------------------------------- AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

This episode is the final in the Bligh-Rum Rebellion series, and we take a closer look at how the day developed, how the arrest of Bligh unfolded at Government House, and what followed on from the revolt by the New South Wales ‘Rum’ Corp.  The British Government was slow to act, but inquiries were made, and the protagonists were expected to stand trial for mutiny, so we take a look at how that all proceeded too. (75 mins)

We reflect on the reforms Bligh had introduced and note the rising aggravation amongst the 'trading group', who were beginning to lose some of their previous dodgy income streams and privileged arrangements.  Many were challenging Bligh's authority, particularity through the courts and with appeals directly to England, and as tensions escalate, we begin to see the path to rebellion opening up.  Macarthur and his friend George Johnston, commander of the New South Wales 'Rum' Corp, are stirred to action. (61 mins) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a   one-off donation --------------------------------------------------------------------- AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

This episode looks at William Bligh's background and his reputation as a Naval Captain.  He had some very difficult tasks ahead of him as Governor of the troubled NSW colony, and we need to consider if he had the requisite personality and abilities to introduce the reforms required.  The English were already aware there was a lot of resistance to the changes required, mainly from the members, ex-members and cronies of the NSW Corp, and Bligh was likely chosen for his tenacity.  So we look at how he was initially received by the influential people in the colony, by the struggling settlers and farmers, and how he began his Governorship in NSW.

William Bligh, the very same Captain probably best known for the mutiny on the Bounty, was to be recruited in his later life, as the Governor of the Colony of New South Wales. But it seems his days of attracting mutinous behaviour were not over.  Bligh would find himself again at the mercy of military men who felt they could do a better job. So we’ll talk in this series, about the New South Wales Corp – otherwise known as the Rum Corp, the Governors managing them, and the episode that we sometimes call the Rum Rebellion. This episode - Part 1 - we'll begin by considering the state of NSW during these years, and the lead up to Bligh’s arrival to take up the Governor's post. (55 mins) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation --------------------------------------------------------------------- AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

Australian Rules Football and the earliest clubs formed to compete, are said to be the oldest established football clubs in the world.  Started in the late 1850s, initially based loosely on the Rugby School game, within 20 years it had evolved to become the basis of Australia’s very own, different & distinctive code; Aussie Rules Footy.  (62 mins) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

Early in World War 2, German Raiders were laying sea mines around Australian & New Zealand coastal waters.  Here we tell the story of one ship that was sunk by those mines, and the exceptional salvage operation that was undertaken to recover precious cargo that had gone down with the ship. (65 mins) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation --------------------------------------------------------------------- AustralianHistoriesPodcast.com.au

In Part 2 we will follow William Swallow and his fellow mutineer convicts on the commandeered ship, the Cyprus.  Swallow and his men were delighted to be heading into the Pacific, away from the dreaded Macquarie Harbour, and his sailing skills were put to the test as they made their way across the ocean.  But they ran in to unexpected trouble around the Japanese coast. (60 mins) -------------------------------------------------  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

In part one of Convict Mutineers, we learn about a felon who just could not bear the idea of a life in exile, willing to take all necessary risks to try to return to England.  And his efforts were extraordinary.  I think you will enjoy hearing about this Houdini like convict, a man the authorities had trouble keeping hold of.  Today we look at what brought him to Van Diemen's Land, and how he created opportunities to try and escape the penal servitude there. (60 mins) ------------------------------------------------------------  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation -------------------------------------------------------------------------

As an appendix to Episode 44, Henry Lawson, today's episode presents two final readings, two more humorous offerings.  We read a Banjo Paterson poem, called 'The Man from Ironbark' which I mentioned in Ep 44, and then a short story by Henry Lawson, titled 'The Loaded Dog'. (23 mins)

This episode is an appendix to Episode 44- Henry Lawson.  We read poems that contributed to the 'Bulletin Debate', discussed in the earlier episode.  We include Banjo Paterson's 'Clancy of the Overflow', 'In Defense of the Bush' & 'An answer to various Bards', as well as Henry Lawson's 'Up the Country' & 'The City Bushman'. (26 mins)

Following Ep 44 on Henry Lawson, this episode will be a reading of Henry Lawson's short story (or sketch), The Drover's Wife, published in the Bulletin, July 1892.  Please listen to Ep 44 first, for the life & times of Henry Lawson. (20 mins)

Henry Lawson was a 'bush poet' and writer from the 1880s-1890s.  One of a number of writers that were focusing on the Australian experience and fostering a pride and understanding of the emerging Australian identity.  Today's episode looks at Henry's complicated life, and the times in which he was writing.  (62 mins)  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

In 1796, the Calcutta merchants Campbell & Clark, sent a boat load of attractive goods, including much needed home and personal wares, and much desired rum, to sell to the isolated people in the new penal colony at Port Jackson (now current day Sydney). The Sydney Cove foundered and the men were obliged to take refuge on Preservation Island.  Some of the crew continued on, in a longboat & on foot, to raise the alarm & affect a rescue.  This month we retell the story of their epic journey. (70 mins)

This episode concludes the series exploring the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme; the vast hydro electric, and irrigation project, that began in 1949 and was under construction for 25 years.  As well as providing much needed electricity  and irrigation water to a soon to be booming Australia, the international workforce helped usher in the era of Multiculturalism, and the project developed engineering expertise and pride, at a time of great optimism in Australia. (52 mins)  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

Today we turn our attention the workers' arrangements.  At the peak of construction, over 1959/60, there were 7300 people employed on the project.  So that’s a lot of people to keep fed & watered, and entertained.  But it was hard and sometimes dangerous work, so we consider some of the human costs on the project too. (56 mins) Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme began construction at Guthega, with a Norwegian contractor, and before too long, power was being delivered to the people.  Workers and families got used to the new environment and the working conditions as the construction projects multiplied across the project sites, while others had to get used to their relocated townships.  (60 mins) Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme was underway.  Now they Authority had to acquire  the land across the Alps, and recruit a workforce, to survey, plan and construct the many parts of the project; not an easy thing to do in booming post war Australia.  Part 2 gives an overview of the recruitment of workers, the majority coming from various worker schemes and displaced persons camps in Europe.  And we learn about the arrangements for compensating and moving the existing landholders to make way for the Snowy Scheme. (47 mins) Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

The Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme, took nearly 30 years to complete in the post war period, and was an astounding engineering feat.  It remains one of the “engineering wonders of the world”.  It created thousands of jobs and drove the development of increased home-grown Engineering expertise in large civil projects. Not without social & environmental costs of course, it brought with it some amazing practical power & water supply developments, and lead the country in embracing varied and valuable cultural influences, from it’s international, often refugee, workforce, recruited in the optimistic and welcoming post war Australia.  It’s a great story, and all these drivers and outcomes deserve a bit of reflection.   Today's episode will discuss the background and inception of the massive project. Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!        www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au  Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

Lady Jane Franklin was an unusual woman.  In the late 1830s, as the wife of Van Diemen's Land Governor Sir John Franklin, she took the opportunity to explore the new settlements and wilds of Tasmania, undertook an overland trek from Melbourne to Sydney, astounding the public with her drive & resilience. One source suggested, her “unfeminine curiosity” lead her to investigate many places where European women had not previously ventured. She was instrumental in setting up scientific societies and publications, and promoted the development of Hobart as the cultural hub of the colonies, at a time when it was previously only associated with it's convict history.  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!

PART 2:  Jandamarra was a Bunuba man, from the Kimberly region in Western Australia, who has been called both an outlaw and a hero.  It’s a story of conflict between the indigenous peoples, and the new comers to Australia; a chapter in what we more lately call the Frontier Wars.  In the late 1880s Jandamarra lead his people in resisting the takeover of their lands, at a time when stockholders wished to bring sheep & cattle into the Kimberly.  It is a confronting story, but one very important for both original and newer Australians to understand and consider.  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!

Jandamarra was a Bunuba man, from the Kimberly region in Western Australia, who has been called both an outlaw and a hero.  It’s a story of conflict between the indigenous peoples, and the new comers to Australia; a chapter in what we more lately call the Frontier Wars.  In the late 1880s Jandamarra lead his people in resisting the takeover of their lands, at a time when stockholders wished to bring sheep & cattle into the Kimberly.  It is a confronting story, but one very important for both original and newer Australians to understand and consider.  Note that this Episode is has been offered as 2 parts   www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!

In the early 1930s the post WW1 Soldier Settlers in Western Australia were doing it hard, trying to make a living growing wheat in a tough economic climate.  When the native Emus descended on their crops on mass, they called on the Commonwealth Minister of Defense to come to their rescue.  And so began the Emu War in the west.....  (45 mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?   Help support the show with a one-off donation

With the rebellion at the Eureka Stockade ended, the authorities moved the main players to Melbourne to be tried for treason. In the days immediately following, the people of Victoria were at first apprehensive that there may be further outbreaks of violence and rioting, but as more information about exactly what happened at Ballarat was known, they became more unhappy about the lead up to and the actions that took place on December 3rd, 1854. In this final episode in the Eureka series, we talk about the trials, and the actions of the government in the aftermath.  We also learn a little about the Southern Cross flag. (60 mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

With no positive response to their delegations, pleading & petitions, the Ballarat miners determined they must boycott the corrupt system all together and physically resist when the troopers came to arrest them. Under the leadership of Peter Lalor, the men swore under their Southern Cross flag, to stand together united in their resistance, and to protect each other from the authorities, with physical force if required. To that end they began building a defensive Stockade. and began to organise and gather weapons for a confrontation with the Government Camp.  The Government saw this as the beginning of revolutionary rebellion, and were determined to crush the uprising. (60 mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

Relations between the authorities and the diggers on the Ballarat goldfield continued to deteriorate, and despite the reports of corruption and violent behaviour being reported to the senior government officials, no action was being taken. Following a murder on the goldfield, the miners meeting protesting the corrupt investigation that took place afterwards, escalated into a riot, and the Eureka Hotel was burnt to the ground. A number of influential men on the diggings formed the Ballarat Reform League, to represent and advocate for the Ballarat diggers and their families, and to make representations to the government about the causes of the riot.  But with no satisfactory discussions taking place, the miners lost all patience and resolved that the only course of action open to them, was armed resistance.  A flag was raised, oaths sworn and the men set about organising  a defensive stockade. (40 mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

We turn our attention to the Ballarat Goldfield.  The road to the Eureka Rebellion here was actually quite long, and contained a myriad of grievances & triggers, which finally came to an unhappy clash on December 3rd 1854 at the Eureka Stockade.  But we are not quite there yet.  This episode we look at the early days under La Trobe, and the frustration & aggravation that grew after Hotham became Governor. The initial catalysts for the uprising started with unfair gold licensing arrangements, but the behaviour of the officials on the Ballarat goldfields caused much disquiet, and with corruption rife and no reasonable response from the government, we can see the seeds of the confrontation forming. (43 mins)    www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

Gold miners built the Eureka Stockade at the Ballarat goldfields in December 1854, but trouble between the miners and the authorities had started pretty much with the gold rush in 1851.  Before we start looking at the Eureka uprising itself, Ep 29 will begin with some background to the story.  The discovery of gold and the chance to dig & make ones fortune, transformed the colonies. We'll look at gold discovery in Australia, the influence of the Californian gold rush, the Government’s response, and how the home-grown rush started in New South Wales, before the lucrative Victorian fields were discovered.  (46 mins)   www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

Australia has a number of massive continuous barrier fences, built by farmers and pastorlists  from the late 1800's, to try and control the movement of native and introduced pests that were threatening their land and stock. We’re going to look at the development & operation of the massive Dingo Fence, the longest wild dog exclusion barrier, now running as a continuous line across 3 states, over more than 5400 kilometres (3350 miles).                        (52 mins)    www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

We’re continuing our look at the convict era, in particular, the experiences of women convicts who passed through the Cascades Female Factory, in Hobart, Tasmania. After serving their sentences, many became successful members of their communities, and they are representative of the convict women who can be regarded as the literal mothers of the early Anglo-Australian society here. (58 mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

We’re going to look at the female convicts who passed through the Cascades Female Factory, in Hobart, Tasmania, and reflect on the different experience the women convicts may have had, to those of the male convicts. There are both harrowing and hilarious stories to be told about the institution and it’s inmates.  So we’ll focus on the women in that institution in particular, as an example of experiences that might have been familiar to most convict women who were sent out to Australia.  (54 mins)      www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

Douglas Mawson’s Australasian Antarctic Expedition concluded, and the last of the expeditioners arrived back in Adelaide in February, 1914.  A lot had happened, both on the frozen continent and across the world, in the years they had been away.  We wrap up the “Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration” in this episode, by reflecting on the AAE, on Mawson’s ongoing relationship with the Antarctic, and Australia’s connection to Antarctica.  We’ll also just touch on the outcome of Scott and Amundsen’s attempts on the pole, which took place while Mawson was in the Antarctic, and just for interest, also discuss Shackleton’s return journey, which pretty much brought the Age to a close. (54 Mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! Enjoying the podcast?  Help support the show with a one-off donation

Douglas Mawson’s expedition was well underway, and the teams from the Cape Denison base had returned, after completing their various research programs.  All except Mawson and his team.  They had undertaken the most ambitious and distant trek, and were now overdue.  We turn our attention to the trek Mawson, Ninnis & Mertz undertook for the AAE.  (48 mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                         AusHistPod Twitter    australianhistoriespodcast Instagram

After returning from Shackleton’s Nimrod Expedition and despite rejecting any idea of returning to Antarctica, the trauma of his polar trekking faded and Douglas Mawson began to consider all the exploration & discovery that still lay waiting there.  He set about planning the “Australasian Antarctic Expedition”, to undertake an ambitious scientific & survey program for Australia & the Empire.  This time though, the harsh elements would extract a greater cost for giving up it’s secrets. (51 Mins)   www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                         AusHistPod Twitter    australianhistoriespodcast Instagram

Douglas Mawson, who would later become the leader of Australia’s first Antarctic expedition, undertook his first trip to Antarctica as part of Ernest Shackleton’s “Nimrod Expedition”,  1908.  Though he was young and this was his first foray in to the icy territory, his obvious intelligence, robust constitution and leadership skills, marked him out early for momentous work, and he was tasked with joining teams to explore Mt Erebus and to locate the Magnetic South Pole. The following episode will then focus on Mawson’s leadership of the Australasian Antarctic Expedition itself. (52 Mins)   www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                         AusHistPod Twitter    australianhistoriespodcast Instagram

Australia’s first formal expedition to Antarctica in 1911, the Australasian Antarctic Expedition, was led by Douglas Mawson, a geologist from Adelaide University.  This episode we’ll look at what brought Mawson to the Antarctic, and at the earlier British expeditions that helped scaffold Mawson’s later venture.  The following episodes will focus on Mawson’s first trip South with Shackleton and then look in detail at the Australasian Antarctic Expedition itself. (50 Mins)   www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                         AusHistPod Twitter    australianhistoriespodcast Instagram

The iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge: After a surprisingly long gestation, it’s path to construction threads through the history, of growth & colonial settlement in Sydney, including the political machinations at state, federal and even international levels.    And that’s before we even consider the working of more than 6 million rivets into the impressive steel structure, now recognisable as a beautiful work of engineering, which Crocodile Dundee spent his early life painting! (60 mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                         AusHistPod Twitter    australianhistoriespodcast Instagram

We're retelling the story of the first encounters of the new British arrivals, in Australia in the 1780s onwards, with our wonderful Platypus, the kerfuffle caused when Platypus specimens were sent back to Europe, and we’ll be reminded of the Platypuses’ place in the development of Darwin’s theory, and of our World War 2 relations with the England. (45 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook       australianhistoriespodcast Instagram      AusHistPod Twitter

Ned Kelly, the only surviving member of the Kelly Gang, was tried and found guilty of murdering the police at Stringybark Creek.  His young life draws to a close and we look at the aftermath of the Kelly Outbreak for the people of Victoria, the Kellys and some of the other families involved.   We wrap up the Kelly saga by looking at the ongoing cultural influence of Ned, the Gang, and their place in the Australian story.   (54 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

Three of the Kelly Gang died at the Glenrowan siege. Ned was captured and taken to Melbourne to stand trial.  Victoria sees the end of the “Kelly Outbreak”, but there are still many questions the public want answered. We continue the exploration of Ned Kelly & the notorious Kelly Gang, from Victoria, 1878-80. (64 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

The Kelly Gang “declared war” in the Jerilderie Letter, and set themselves up for an armed and armoured confrontation with the authorities at Glenrowan, in Victoria’s North East.  Plans did not progress as expected and after a 31 hour wait, the gang must instead confront large numbers of heavily armed police.  We continue the exploration of Ned Kelly & the notorious Kelly Gang, from Victoria, in the 1870’s. From the Bushranger theme. (70 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

The Kelly Gang “declared war” in the Jerilderie Letter, should Ellen & the others not be released.  Now they prepare themselves for the inevitable violent confrontation with Police and with the Colony of Victoria.  We continue the exploration of Ned Kelly & the notorious Kelly Gang, bushrangers operating mainly in North East of Victoria, in the 1870’s.     (60 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

The Kelly Gang take over Jerilderie, staging another bank holdup – but this time they hope to take full control of their PR, intending to self publish their story. The holdup brings in some funds and once again demonstrates their bravado, but in the aftermath, with a more concerted effort in the police hunt, the Gang decides the only move left might be an outright ‘war’ with the authorities to bring about change in the North East. From the Bushranger theme, this episode continues our detailed exploration of the Ned Kelly and the Kelly Gang. (56 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

The Kelly Gang rides from Faithfulls Creek to hold up the Euroa National Bank. They take the opportunity to try and explain their past actions and warn of future trouble, should the government not respond to their demands. Australian History from the Bushranger theme, this episode continues our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the Kelly Gang.      ( 32 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

Having been outlawed, the Kelly Gang now need to raise funds to help their sympathisers and to make plans for their future.  They decide on a bank hold up at Euroa.  Preparing for the robbery they bail up a number of workers at a nearby homestead, taking the opportunity to explain to their forced audience their actions at Stringybark Creek, hoping to win over some public sympathy for themselves. From the Bushranger theme, this episode continues our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the Kelly Gang.      ( 53 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au

Following the gang’s devastating Stringybark Creek confrontation with police last episode, we’ll look this time at the impact it had on Mansfield and the general public.  We’ll also have a closer look at the other people involved in the saga, both sympathisers and some of the authorities involved. Episode 11, from the Bushranger theme, continues our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the Kelly Gang.      (63 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

Ep 10 - Stringybark Creek Pt 2, we continue the story of the Police/Kelly confrontation, and the following events set in motion, once McIntyre made it back to Mansfield and to raise the alarm.  The public were shocked, the police alarmed and the Mansfield community devastated.  The Victorian government was to take drastic action to try and bring the Gang to justice. From the Bushranger theme, this episode continues our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the Kelly Gang.      ( 50 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

Ep 9, Stringybark Creek Part 1, begins looking at the notorious Stringybark Creek confrontation with police, which leads to fatalities and the formation of the Kelly Gang as outlaws.     From the Bushranger theme, this episode continues our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the Kelly Gang.    (40 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

This week will focus on the “Fitzpatrick incident” – the catalyst which set off the chain of events - the so called “Kelly Outbreak”. In Episode 8, we continue our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the notorious Kelly Gang.  Ned and the Kelly Gang were bushrangers operating mainly in North East of Victoria, in the 1870’s.  (44 mins)  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

After a 3 year spell in prison, Ned returns to Eleven Mile Creek to note some changes in his absence.  He begins a period of independence from the family, working honest jobs and mostly keeping his head down for a good while, before trouble again came his way. Episode 7, continues the story of notorious Bushranger Ned Kelly and his gang.  (40 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

The Kelly family, having selected a small holding near Greta in North Eastern Victoria, embed themselves in the local community, but petty crime brings them to the attention of the authorities and they become a ‘problem’ for the local squatters. Ned is 14 years old and he will soon be defending some very serious charges.   In Episode 6 (Greta Part 2), from the Bushrangers theme, we continue our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the Kelly Gang.       (46 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past! AHP Facebook                               AusHistPod Twitter

The Kelly family relocates to Greta in the North East of Victoria, where we begin to see difficulties with the local authorities develop and young Ned becomes involved with a notorious bushranger. In Episode 5 (Part 1), from the Bushrangers theme, we continue our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the Kelly Gang.   (32 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian Histories Podcast Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!

We explore the family’s move to Avenel, Victoria, and note some amazing & pivotal life events that occur there for Ned.   In Episode 4, from the Bushranger theme, we continue our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the notorious Kelly Gang. (28 mins) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian history - Brilliant stories from Australia’s past!

We begin our detailed exploration of Ned Kelly & the notorious Kelly Gang.  Ned and the Kelly Gang were bushrangers operating mainly in North East of Victoria, in the 1870’s.  In Episode 3, from the Bushranger theme, we first look at Ned’s parents and family background, and then his early childhood in Beveridge, Victoria.  (16 mins.) www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au Australian History - Brilliant stories from Australia's past!

Episode 2: An overview of the whole Kelly story - Victorian bushrangers from the 1870s. The detailed history of Ned Kelly and the Gang will unfold in detail over the coming episodes. 28 mins.  www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au

Australian Histories Podcast series introduction. 6 mins. www.australianhistoriespodcast.com.au