Once upon a time not too long ago, wearing a bikini on Australia’s most famous stretch of sand meant you risked the wrath of veteran Bondi Beach inspector Aub Laidlaw. Show too much skin and he’d kick you off – and even threaten you with arrest. But Aub’s enforcement of prudish regulations caused a massive backlash in 1961 when young Joan Barry donned a gold bikini, pushed back against beach bullying and refused to be silenced by the cops and the court. Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia To send me a question for the David Hunt Book Club episode: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com or https://www.speakpipe.com/forgottenaustralia Check out my books as possible Christmas presents for yourself or a loved one: The Murder Squad https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.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 information.

On the 3rd of January 1931, Sydney suffered one of the worst days in Australian police history — the result of a trauma that had festered since a "White Feather" taunt from the Great War. *This episode was originally released in 2019 and has been archived since May 2022* Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To colonial Australia, Betsy Scott had become a ‘female monster’ – all the more dangerous and diabolical for being alluring and attractive. But how much did this image influence her fate? Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia To send a question to David Hunt for the Book Club episode: Email - forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Audio - https://www.speakpipe.com/forgottenaustralia Buy my books, Australia’s Sweetheart, Hanging Ned Kelly and The Murder Squad at: https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922806406.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Mansfield police arresting Bob Scott’s murderer, the case looks like it’ll be closed quickly. But revelations before the cops reach Devil’s River will cause a sensation – and leave the Victorian government with a controversial decision to make. Murder at Devil’s River - Part Three: Australia’s First Femme Fatale will go general release on 27 November. Part Three is available early and ad-free to Apple and Patreon supporters. Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia To send a question to David Hunt for the Book Club episode: Email - forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Audio - https://www.speakpipe.com/forgottenaustralia Buy my books, Australia’s Sweetheart, Hanging Ned Kelly and The Murder Squad at: https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922806406.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 11 November 1863 – 160 years ago this month – history was made in Victoria when the murder of drunkard Bob Scott was avenged on the gallows in Melbourne Gaol. But what had really happened when a midnight shot was fired in the darkness of a Devils River grog shanty? Was justice done at the hands of the hangman? Murder at Devil’s River - Part Two: I’m Innocent But I Know I’ll Hang will go general release on 23 November. Murder at Devil’s River - Part Three: Australia’s First Femme Fatale will go general release on 27 November. Part Two and Part Three are available early and ad-free to Apple and Patreon supporters. Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia To send a question to David Hunt for the Book Club episode: Email - forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Audio - https://www.speakpipe.com/forgottenaustralia Buy my books, Australia’s Sweetheart, Hanging Ned Kelly and The Murder Squad at: https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922806406.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Len’s arrival to RAF Bomber Command makes for morale-boosting news. But more than half the men who serve as air crew will not live to see the end of the war. Len’s luck will need to hold if he’s to return to Australia and marry Thelma. For a free trial: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia To send a question to David Hunt for the Book Club episode: Email - forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Audio - https://www.speakpipe.com/forgottenaustralia Buy my books, Australia’s Sweetheart, Hanging Ned Kelly and The Murder Squad at: https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922806406.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Faced with almost certain death during a mid-air collision between two planes, RAAF trainee pilot Len Fuller takes advantage of million-to-one odds by keeping a cool head and a courageous heart. Overnight, he’s acclaimed as an example of Australian heroism. But no good deed goes unpunished - not when the air force brass have something to say about the accident’s aftermath. Part Three is available now, early and ad-free, for Apple and Patreon supporters. Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia To send a question to David Hunt for the Book Club episode: Email - forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Audio - https://www.speakpipe.com/forgottenaustralia Buy my books, Australia’s Sweetheart, Hanging Ned Kelly and The Murder Squad at: https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922806406.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In September 1940, young RAAF trainee pilot Len Fuller pulled off a mid-air miracle that made front-page news around Australia and around the world. In this instalment, we look at how his whole life seemed to prepare Len for those desperate moments 3000 feet above the NSW Riverina – and for the year he’d spend dicing with death as he fought the Nazis as a member of RAF Bomber Command. RAAF Hero Len Fuller - Part Two: The Mid-Air Miracle will go on general release on 30 October. RAAF Hero Len Fuller - Part Three: Blood Moon and the Setting of the Sun will go on general release on 6 November. Part Two and Part Three are available early and ad-free to Apple and Patreon supporters. For a free trial: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia To send a question to David Hunt for the Book Club episode: Email - forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Audio - https://www.speakpipe.com/forgottenaustralia Buy my books, Australia’s Sweetheart, Hanging Ned Kelly and The Murder Squad at: https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922806406.html https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In September 1976, Dr Hunter S. Thompson, then at the height of his infamy as the drink-and-drug-soaked Dean of Gonzo Journalism, came Down Under to give a series of public lectures. What ensued was chaotic – but not for the reasons you might expect. In this episode, we look at what Australia was like when Hunter S. touched down – and we hear from Peter Olszewski, aka "J.J. McRoach", then a young hippie tasked with wrangling the good doctor… and whose adventures would include flying through an electrical storm with the man... while tripping on LSD. To hear Hunter S. Thompson at the National Press Club: https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/245539686 To support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Check out my new book The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1803 Sydney Gazette publisher George Howe got a gallows story beyond imagination – and one that would be retold forever after. To support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Check out my new book, The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html ... and Hanging Ned Kelly: https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922806406.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1803 in Sydney, Constable Joseph Luker became the first Australian policeman murdered in the line of the duty. Who was responsible for this crime that shocked the colony? How did his death trigger one of the strangest twists of fate in our history? Thankfully, the incredible details were captured in Australia's first-ever newspaper, The Sydney Gazette, which had appeared just months earlier to usher in Australian true crime reporting. Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Get The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Get Hanging Ned Kelly: https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922806406.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In October 1919, South Grafton, on the NSW North Coast, was the site of the one of the strangest and deadliest coincidences in Australian history. Later, the town's mayor, Dr Earle Page, would have his own experience of tragedy at the hands of fate – before fate briefly made him Australia's prime minister. To support the show: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Check out my new book, The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raised in mere months for the 1879 International Exhibition, the Garden Palace was colonial Sydney's most spectacular building. But its fiery demise was even more spectacular, the grand complex razed to burning rubble in mere minutes. Why did it burn? Who was to blame? And how are its losses still being felt 140 years later? Get The Murder Squad in time for Father's Day - at 33% off the RRP. https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The jury hands down its verdict in the William Burns murder trial, newspapers discover the existence of his sparrow, a poet is stirred to write verses about what follows... and two more Douglas crew members meet horrible deaths. Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Check out my new book The Murder Squad: https://affirmpress.com.au/browse/book/Michael-Adams-Murder-Squad-9781922863836/ If you want to hear my interview with Jen Kelly of In Black & White: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/in-black-and-white/id1466009446?i=1000622413263 If you want to hear my interview with Meshel Laurie of Australian True Crime: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-real-life-monster-from-australias-great-depression/id1217681421?i=1000622030689 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At his December 1882 murder trial William Burns pleads self-defence, even as fellow shipmates testify he’d committed cold-blooded murder. But what can his past reveal about his actions? Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Check out my new book The Murder Squad: https://affirmpress.com.au/browse/book/Michael-Adams-Murder-Squad-9781922863836/ If you want to hear my interview with Jen Kelly of In Black & White: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/in-black-and-white/id1466009446?i=1000622413263 If you want to hear my interview with Meshel Laurie of Australian True Crime: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-real-life-monster-from-australias-great-depression/id1217681421?i=1000622030689 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In September 1882, on a British ship on the high seas bound for Australia, English sailor William Burns stabs and kills a superior officer. For this capital crime, he’ll face justice in Adelaide – and await his fate in the company of a baby sparrow. Support Forgotten Australia to get early and ad-free episodes and bonus shows: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Check out my new book The Murder Squad: https://affirmpress.com.au/browse/book/Michael-Adams-Murder-Squad-9781922863836/ If you want to hear my interview with Jen Kelly of In Black & White: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/in-black-and-white/id1466009446?i=1000622413263 If you want to hear my interview with Meshel Laurie of Australian True Crime: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/a-real-life-monster-from-australias-great-depression/id1217681421?i=1000622030689 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1959, entrepreneur Lee Gordon staged an all-star rock ’n’ roll show at the Sydney Stadium and filmed it for cinematic release. But this pioneering movie – the only one of its kind – was soon lost. More than half a century later, Melbourne man Mark Iaria found the film. He talks about his remarkable discovery and his efforts to digitise, restore and share the “Lee Gordon 1959 Rock ’N’ Roll Spectacular” with modern cinema audiences. Check out the film’s webpage for screenings near you: https://rocknroll1959.com/ Read a sample chapter from my new book The Murder Squad: https://affirmpress.com.au/publishing/the-murder-squad Support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Exclusive to Forgotten Australia listeners, this episode comprises the first 20 pages of The Murder Squad, my new book about homicide investigation in Sydney and NSW during the worst years of the Great Depression. We start with Detective-Sergeant Tom McRae in Albury in September 1934 as he investigates the Pyjama Girl, before flashing back to the triple tragedies he endured in his early life and as he started his rise through the ranks. Check out The Murder Squad's awesome cover: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781922863836.html Here's what some very nice folks have been saying about The Murder Squad: ‘The Murder Squad is a cracking decade-long history of crazed killers and cunning cops – a triumph of true crime storytelling backed by exhaustive research.’ – Stephen Gibbs, Daily Mail ‘Michael Adams has that rare ability to drop the reader right in the heart of the action. He gives such precise and evocative detail that the reader can almost see, hear and smell each crime scene. Murder Squad is a riveting read, bringing Australia’s Great Depression era to life through a series of cracking true crime stories starring the ingenious Sydney detective Tom McRae.’ – Jen Kelly, Herald Sun, In Black & White column and podcast ‘Michael Adams takes you on a tense journey into Sydney’s historical badlands. Compelling, rich and meticulous: this is Australian true crime at its very best.’ – Candice Fox, author of Fire With Fire, The Chase and Crimson Lake ‘Michael Adams is a master true crime storyteller. His mastery is firstly, in digging out intriguing historical crimes – many of which have long been forgotten – and secondly, in recounting them in the most compelling way. The Human Glove Mystery, The Pyjama Girl and The Park Demon all get the Michael Adams treatment, but so too the stories that didn’t attract the sensational headlines, but are no less intriguing. And all of it against a backdrop of historic Australia and the men of the Murder Squad who hunted out the killers and tried to bring them to justice. So thoroughly researched, this is the ultimate reference for true crime in Australia during the depression years.’ – Mercedes Maguire, The Daily Telegraph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Doyle, author of Suburban Noir, talks about researching and writing true crime, and about his uncle Detective-Sergeant Brian Doyle, a top Sydney cop in the 1950s and 1960s, who led the investigations into the Kingsgrove Slasher and the Graeme Thorne kidnapping-murder. With thanks to listeners who contributed questions for Peter. Read Peter’s wonderful essay about taxi driving in Sydney here: https://sydneyreviewofbooks.com/essay/doyle-passage/ To support Forgotten Australia: Apple - http://apple.co/forgottenaustralia Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/ForgottenAustralia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Launched in September 1922, Melbourne's The Sun News-Pictorial forever changed newspapers in Australia. But for decades this historic publication has been difficult to access and to search because it's only available in a handful of physical microfilm catalogues. Now we have a chance to liberate this extraordinary Melbourne daily tabloid and give everyone free digital access in perpetuity via the National Library of Australia's Trove database. In this "History Matters" episode, I'm joined by the State Library of Victoria's Paul Dee to hear more about this exciting project. I also sample how The Sun News-Pictorial began and how it quickly served up big photo stories about an upcoming solar eclipse, about the war threat that might see Anzacs fight and die again at Gallipoli, and about the sensational surrender of Melbourne's Public Enemy #1. To help digitise The Sun News-Pictorial: https://slv.vic.gov.au/appeal/?fbclid=IwAR00D-VcHcBJ9H6pFPaqpWtwEsLl10J6AKAaLtrJk1sOJsb0hETJvSTtAgs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.