Forgotten Australia

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Rating
4.8
from
108 reviews
This podcast has
367 episodes
Language
Explicit
No
Date created
2018/11/16
Latest episode
2026/04/23
Average duration
47 min.
Release period
3 days

Description

Created by Michael Adams, author of The Murder Squad and Hanging Ned Kelly, Forgotten Australia delves deep into bloody crimes, dark histories, unsolved mysteries, eccentric personalities and bizarre happenings that are almost always stranger than fiction. Each episode brings to life people and events that were once known to everyone but are now barely remembered by anyone. Based on intensive original research, Forgotten Australia is crafted with a novelist’s eye for character and detail to create gripping narratives that sound so fresh it's like they're ripped from today's headlines. This is the history you wish you’d been taught in school. You can get early ad-free access and bonus Forgotten Australia episodes by subscribing at Apple or supporting at Patreon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Check latest episodes from Forgotten Australia podcast


The First Anzac Day – 13 October 1915
2026/04/23
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 fiery tram stunt? How was it that this Anzac Day came to be forgotten? To see footage of the Burra Anzac Day: https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/anzac-day-history-marches-and-traditions The Critic newspaper photos are here: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page23520895 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. 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. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The First Anzac Day – 13 October 1915
2026/04/22
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 look like? Why did it feature not only marching soldiers and wounded veterans, but cavemen, prehistoric animals and even a fiery tram stunt? How was it that such a massive event came to be almost completely forgotten? To see footage of the Burra Anzac Day: https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/anzac-day-history-marches-and-traditions The Critic newspaper photos are here: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page23520895 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 Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected]
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Talking History – ‘Fighting Mac’: The Man Behind the Anzac Legend
2026/04/20
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 info and free tickets: 
https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me:
 https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad:
 https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Our First Olympic Hero – Part Two: The Lion of Athens
2026/04/16
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://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. 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. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Our First Olympic Hero – Part One: An Aussie’s Greek Odyssey
2026/04/13
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 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. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. 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 Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Miniseries Finale – Death-Defying Destiny Deciders – Part Ten: Nature & Nurture
2026/04/08
I'm adopted and – while I come from colourful characters who roamed from Ireland and England to Western Australia, Lord Howe Island and Sydney, via South Africa and the Western Front – I didn't know *any* of this family history before tracking down my birth mother in 2018! How much are we the product of nature and how much of nurture? How much of our lives is choice and chance? My family reunion story does come with some startling coincidences. 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. 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. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Death-Defying Destiny Deciders – Part Nine: Rumtough to the Rescue!
2026/04/06
After tragedy strikes, Emma Murtough begins the colourful third act of her life – as "Mrs Rumtough", fearless travelling housekeeper of the Western Australian wheatbelt and goldfields! Meanwhile, on the other side of the country, on even more remote Lord Howe Island, as chance and choice would have it, Norah Murtough meets the man who’ll be my grandfather. 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. 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. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Death-Defying Destiny Deciders – Part Eight: The Land of Better Chance
2026/04/02
Having made her unthinkable decision, my great-grandmother Emma Murtough takes her children for a new life in Australia. But getting to the Land of Better Chance is to require a scandalous sea voyage, while life in remote Western Australia will come with plenty of hardships – and they'll only get harder during the Great Depression. Despite these tough times, Norah proves she's the daughter of two risk takers when she strikes out on her own. In Sydney, her bravery during a life-and-death drama is to change her fate – and mine. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Short – The Mystery of Mr Eternity
2026/03/30
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 easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Short – Boots on the Ground
2026/03/26
‘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 Get your free tickets or Zoom registration here:  https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608 To support Forgotten Australia and get all episodes early and ad-free, and get access to bonus episodes, use a free trial: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Death-Defying Destiny Deciders – Part Seven: All Disquiet After the Western Front
2026/03/24
Beyond the propaganda about glory, duty and sacrifice, the aftermath of the Great War ushers in a grave new world for my great-grandmother Emma Murtough and her three children. To escape and have a new life, she’ll have to make a shocking choice. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Death-Defying Destiny Deciders – Part Six: Somewhere in France
2026/03/22
My great-grandfather Peter Murtough arrives on the Western Front in August 1915. He is soon plunged into some of the most horrific battles of the Great War. Casualty rates soar in his battalion. Some months, more men are killed or wounded than come through unscathed. With bullets flying, shells falling and deadly poison gas drifting across the battlefield, how long will it be until Peter's luck runs out? *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Death-Defying Destiny Deciders – Part Five: It’s A Long Way to Tipperary
2026/03/20
Celebrated high diver Peter Murtough takes the plunge when he marries Emma Hanbury – my colourful great-grandmother. But being a husband and father to three young children doesn't stop him from taking the greatest risk of his life – enlisting at age 40 to fight in the Great War. As Emma cheers him on with her special version of 'It's A Long Way To Tipperary', she can't know that the horrors of the Western Front will upend all of their lives. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Death-Defying Destiny Deciders – Part Four: Nightmare in South Africa
2026/03/18
After the patriotic fervour that sends Peter Murtough to South Africa, he and hundreds of thousands of soldiers discover the reality of the Boer War is hunger, thirst, filth and sudden bursts of deadly violence. But the most dangerous enemy? Typhoid. Fortunately, a vaccine has been developed – but most soldiers won't take it. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Death-Defying Destiny Deciders – Part Three: Diving & Dicing With Death
2026/03/15
In July 1898, my great-grandfather Peter Murtough competes for the title of best diver in the world. But seeking more than the thrills of the life aquatic, he ratchets up the risks to himself – and future me – by enlisting to fight the Boer in South Africa. *All episodes will be available early & ad-free to Patreon and Apple supporters* It’s easy to get a free trial that will give you access. Follow these links: Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.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 Email: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Podcast reviews

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4.8 out of 5
108 reviews
MJB0821 2025/07/30
Excellent!
I have enjoyed the times I’ve heard Michael Adams on Australian True Crime and decided to start his podcast from the beginning. It has not disappointe...
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Flyguy459 2025/04/08
Koningdam speaker
Michael tells his stories from his research and is very good!
History fan1 2024/07/25
Best history podcast
I’m not from Australia nor have I been there, but this podcast is so well researched and written it has made me want to visit so I can experience loca...
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J16340 2022/11/14
Good Old Fashioned Storytelling
The narrator goes to great lengths to get facts and details that make you truly feel in the moment, like you know the victims or perpetrators. Love th...
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GFK16 2022/07/19
Can’t get enough
Not Australian but that does not make these stories any less riveting! I love the author/narrators tone and it is just a joy to hear him tell these pe...
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Blossom Teal-Olsen 2022/06/06
Arizona Ryan
I read your story on Arizona Ryan. I am his granddaughter (I was adopted by his daughter late in her life, Martha Elizabeth Ryan) the picture in the a...
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TizzieNewton 2022/05/13
Forgotten Australian
Fantastic series, great reader/creator.
Mrs. Gummybear 2022/02/23
What wonderful storytelling
Obviously well researched … great storytelling cadence … interesting blend of historical tales with a bit of true crime blended … a big ole well done ...
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bucketheadsdad 2021/11/20
So insightful
I'm a Yank who became a huge footy fan in recent years, and have delved into learning what I can about the history and "other" Australia. Michael Adam...
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Osprey1957 2021/04/24
Such interesting stories
I love this storyteller. I was so happy to hear the Anzac story which, as an American, I had never heard, even though i was born in 1949. I also salut...
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