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In September 2000, on a warm night in Sydney, Cathy Freeman stepped onto the track carrying the weight of expectation — and delivered one of the most iconic moments in Australian sporting history. But her story didn’t begin there. In this episode, Holly and Matthew trace Freeman’s journey from a young athlete in Queensland to a global symbol of achievement, resilience, and reconciliation. From her early rise in athletics to the cultural significance of her Olympic victory, this is a story about more than sport — it’s about identity, pressure, and a moment that brought a nation to a standstill. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

They’re loud, they’re messy, and they’ve become one of Australia’s most controversial native animals — the grey-headed flying fox. Found along the east coast, these large fruit bats play a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal, yet their presence in urban areas has made them the centre of ongoing conflict between conservation and community concerns. From mass colonies in suburban parks to debates over relocation and protection, it’s a story that sits at the intersection of environment, policy, and everyday life. In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore the history, behaviour, and ecological importance of grey-headed flying foxes, along with the challenges they present in towns and cities. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In 1973, a global oil shock reached Australian shores and changed everyday life almost overnight. Fuel shortages, price spikes, and uncertainty rippled through the country, forcing governments and communities to rethink how they used energy. In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore how the oil crisis played out in Australia — from petrol rationing and changing driving habits to the political decisions that shaped the nation’s response. What began as an overseas conflict quickly became a local disruption, exposing just how dependent Australia had become on global supply. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla. In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear. This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia. --- Sources used this episode (in appearance order):  A Current Affair Staff. (2022, December). Grieving widow remembers hero neighbour husband killed in cop shooting. A Current Affair. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/wieambilla-shooting-grieving-widow-heartbroken-by-treatment-of-husband-s-body-after-police-shooting/9484a2f5-2b10-4fe6-bcc6-d0e410756e76Read, C. (2023, January 22). “Mum didn’t like guns”: Police killers’ daughter says her parents were gentle. Brisbane Times. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/mum-didn-t-like-guns-cop-killers-daughter-says-her-parents-were-gentle-20230122-p5cell.html   Nolan, M., Devon, E., & Burley, M. (2022, December 13). Neighbours describe hearing chilling gun fight “like World War III”. The Chronicle. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-toowoomba/residents-in-chinchilla-and-tara-are-coming-to-terms-with-the-horror-events-that-unfolded-last-night/news-story/e4fbe7f031cac6308037fc561a8429d7  Chamberlin, T., Kyriacou, K., Scott, S., Nolan, M., Philp, J., Devon, E., & Morri, M. (2022, December 17). Qld police shooting: Local cops formed extraction team to save colleagues. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/qld-police-shooting-local-cops-formed-extraction-team-to-save-colleague/news-story/bff3da3bcc6bfa446f9e6ea583f191b1  Brennan, A. (2022, December 14). Cold-blooded cop killers’ twisted final act after shooting police officers dead. News.com.au. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.news.com.au/national/queensland/crime/final-act-of-train-trio-who-executed-police-in-wieambilla-qld-siege/news-story/042ba4f3b07e94ff1c5ffe90f83c49fb  Sutton, C. (2022, December 15). Our daring dozen. The Daily Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11536289/Wieambilla-police-shooting-cops-saved-officer-siege-braved-kill-zones-booby-traps.html  Silk. (2022, December 16). “We killed them”: Chilling video emerges of boasting cop killers. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/we-killed-them-chilling-video-emerges-of-boasting-cop-killers/news-story/a0fcf8635f50851ea14b6b2173cd53b1  Gillespie, E. (2022, December 21). Queensland shooting sparking “false flag” conspiracy theories, experts warn. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/21/conspiracists-create-theories-to-avoid-uncomfortable-truth-about-queensland-shooting-expert-says  AAP. (2022, December 14). Ambushed police thankful to survive attack. Canberra Daily. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://canberradaily.com.au/ambushed-police-thankful-to-survive-attack/  Coroners Court of Queensland. (2025, November 25). Findings of inquest into the deaths at Wieambilla. https://www.coronerscourt.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/888627/Findings-of-inquest-into-the-deaths-at-Wieambilla-Redacted-25.11.2025.pdf  Kruk, C., Read, C., & Atfield, C. (2025, December 5). Wieambilla families launch damages claim against Qld, NSW police. Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/national/queensland/wieambilla-families-launch-damages-claim-against-qld-nsw-police-20251205-p5nl3y.html   6 News Australia. (2022, December 13). Breaking: Anthony Albanese speaks after 6 were killed in Queensland shooting [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://youtu.be/gfjCkH_yxD0  Hitch, G. (2022, December 15). Peter Dutton becomes emotional during condolence motion for Queensland police officers killed in shooting. ABC News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-15/peter-dutton-emotional-condolence-queensland-police-shooting/101776036  Gillespie, E. (2026, February 13). US man linked to Wieambilla shooting sentenced to three years’ prison. ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-13/donald-day-wieambilla-shooting-sentence/106342394 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla. In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear. This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia. --- Sources used this episode (in appearance order):  Hinchcliffe, J. (2022, December 16). Wieambilla shooting: Stacey Train had limited contact with family after entering ‘controlling’ relationship with brother-in-law. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/15/wieambilla-shooting-stacey-train-had-limited-contact-with-family-after-entering-controlling-relationship-with-brother-in-lawDaily Mail Staff. (2022, December 15). Tracing the Trains. The Daily Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/fb-11540187/TRACING-TRAINS.htmlCallinan, R., Andre, J., & Stone, L. (2022, December 15). Nathaniel, Gareth and Stacey Train carried out a deadly police shooting. Their twisted backstory is revealed. ABC News. Retrieved january 29, 2025, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-15/qld-police-shooting-offenders-nathaniel-gareth-stacey-train/101766720Nolan, M., Devon, E., & Burley, M. (2022, December 13). Neighbours describe hearing chilling gun fight 'like World War III.'. The Chronicle. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.thechronicle.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-toowoomba/residents-in-chinchilla-and-tara-are-coming-to-terms-with-the-horror-events-that-unfolded-last-night/news-story/e4fbe7f031cac6308037fc561a8429d7Smee, B., & Bucci, N. (2022, December 15). God and guns: the strict religious upbringing of the Wieambilla shooters. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/14/god-and-guns-the-strict-religious-upbringing-of-the-wieambilla-shootersMeacham, S., & Walsh, S. (2023, January 22). 'Fear of the unknown' led to Queensland cop slayings, daughter claims. 9 News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.9news.com.au/national/queensland-police-massacre-wieambilla-daughter-madelyn-train-interview-part-one/8e86f5f0-bd2c-4e32-b370Train, G. (2020, November 24). Dodgy Tasmania Police Still Covering Up Port Arthur Scam. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CairnsNews.org: https://cairnsnews.org/2019/11/09/dodgy-tasmania-police-still-covering-up-port-arthur-scam/#comment-119937Train, G. (2020, October 18). Why the Rats are Abandoning Ship. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CIR Now: https://cirnow.com.au/why-the-rats-are-abandoning-ship/#comment-13295Train, G. (2021, May 26). Channel Seven clearly being managed by Deep State after unbelievable Port Arthur segment. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from CairnsNews.org: Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla. In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear. This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia. --- Sources used this episode (in appearance order):  Smee, B., & Bucci, N. (2022, December 15). God and guns: the strict religious upbringing of the Wieambilla shooters. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/14/god-and-guns-the-strict-religious-upbringing-of-the-wieambilla-shootersChamberlin, T., Kyriacou, K., & Scott, S. (2022, December 14). Three shot dead by police after two officers, member of public killed in ambush. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/police-shooting-officers-unaccounted-for-after-coming-under-attack/news-story/351e6044ef2050891d4cfefa48005443Baker, J. (2022, December 14). Missing persons report sparked ‘vicious’ fury from killer brother. Brisbane Times. Retrieved Januray 29, 2025, from https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/missing-persons-report-sparked-vicious-fury-from-killer-brother-20221214-p5c6ey.htmlCallinan, R., & Stone, L. (2022, December 17). Police shooter Nathaniel Train breached Queensland border in a car carrying weapons months after school resignation. ABC News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-17/qld-police-shooting-nathaniel-train-rammed-border-dumped-guns/101783696 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In December 2022, a routine missing persons check in rural Queensland turned into one of the deadliest attacks on police in recent Australian history. Two officers and a neighbouring resident were killed in a violent ambush at a remote property near the small community of Wieambilla. In this episode, Holly and Matthew walk through the events as they unfolded — from the initial police attendance to the hours-long emergency response that followed. As investigators pieced together what had happened, the scale and planning of the attack became increasingly clear. This is a careful reconstruction of the incident itself: the timeline, the confrontation, and the aftermath of a tragedy that shocked communities across Australia. --- To celebrate episode 400, stick around after the show for a Q&A with Holly & Matthew, featuring questions from you, our listeners! Sources used this episode (in appearance order):  Clarke, H. (2022, December 12). The deep grief felt by Rachel McCrow’s former partner. Country Caller. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://countrycaller.com.au/2022/12/15/the-deep-grief-felt-by-rachel-mccrows-former-partner/Sutton, C. (2022, December 15). Wieambilla shooting: Constable Matthew Arnold's girlfriend Arli shares final texts. The Daily Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11537317/Wieambilla-shooting-Constable-Matthew-Arnolds-girlfriend-Arli-shares-final-texts.htmlRead, C. (2023, January 29). Police killers’ daughter tells of phone call hours before parents started shooting. Brisbane Times. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/police-killers-daughter-tells-of-phone-call-hours-before-parents-started-shooting-20230123-p5ceu0.htmlIssa, A. (2022, December 22). Nathaniel Train had warrant for his arrest. The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/22/afternoon-update-nathaniel-train-had-warrant-for-his-arrest-teens-unwanted-sex-and-low-quality-apartments-selling-for-a-lossNathaniel Train had warrant out for his arrest at time of Wieambilla shootings, police reveal. (2022, December 22). The Guardian. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/dec/22/nathaniel-train-had-warrant-out-for-his-arrest-at-time-of-wieambilla-shootings-police-revealGreen, E. (2022, December 15). Father of cop killers Nathaniel and Gareth Train breaks silence. Couorier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/father-of-wieambilla-cop-shooters-nathaniel-and-gavin-train-speaks-out/news-story/0c13540084d0e4502ea80fb6259b9d9bMcMillan, A. (2022, December 13). Rookie officer hid in burning grass, sent goodbye texts to her family. Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.smh.com.au/national/slipping-through-the-killers-sights-a-rookie-cop-hid-in-burning-grass-and-sent-goodbye-texts-to-her-family-20221213-p5c5vv.htmlChamberlin, T., Kyriacou, K., Scott, S., Nolan, M., Philp, J., Devon, E., & Morri, M. (2022, December 17). Qld police shooting: Local cops formed extraction team to save colleagues. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/qld-police-shooting-local-cops-formed-extraction-team-to-save-colleague/news-story/bff3da3bcc6bfa446f9e6ea583f191b1.Scott, S. (2022, December 16). Qld police shooting: Alan Dare’s wife recounts last conversation. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/qld-police-shooting-alan-dares-wife-recounts-last-conversation/Nolan, M., & Burley, M. (2022, December 18). Mates are raising money for Alan Dare’s partner after he was shot and killed at Wieambilla. The Courier Mail. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/toowoomba/mates-are-raising-money-for-alan-dares-partner-after-he-was-shot-and-killed-at-wieambilla/news-story/fb4c6301a7dcb8ec5874c7ea7e53cbbbTassell, D. (2022, December 17). Family of Wieambilla shooting victim Alan Dare say he deserved better on Monday night. 7News. Retrieved January 29, 2025, from https://7news.com.au/news/qld/family-of-wieambilla-shooting-victim-alan-dare-say-he-deserved-better-on-monday-night-c-9160991Coroners Court of Queensland. (2025, November 25). Findings of inquest into the deaths at Wieambilla. https://www.coronerscourt.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/888627/Findings-of-inquest-into-the-deaths-at-Wieambilla-Redacted-25.11.2025.pdfWu, D. (2022, December 16). Devastated wife of Alan Dare reveals final words he uttered before he was killed while rushing to investigate sound of gunfire. Sky News. Retrieved January 29, 225, from https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/devastated-wife-of-alan-dare-reveals-final-words-he-uttered-before-he-was-killed-while-rushing-to-investigate-sound-of-gunfire/news-story/b9ac0d0819b4982610b653217b19797a Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Between Morwell and Traralgon in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley lies a stretch of road with a reputation that refuses to fade. Known locally as Haunted Hills, this unassuming patch of bushland has generated decades of whispered stories — strange lights drifting through the trees, shadowy figures on the roadside, unexplained cold spots, and the unnerving sense that something is watching from the dark. In this episode, Holly and Matthew explore the origins of the legend, the reported sightings, and the possible explanations behind them. Are the stories tied to tragic accidents, natural phenomena, or something more sinister? ** One more episode to 400! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For decades, Australia treated video games differently. Titles were banned. Content was refused classification. Games were edited, delayed, or never released at all. For years, we didn’t even have an R18+ category for games — meaning adult players were restricted by a system built for something else entirely. In this episode, we trace the history of video game censorship in Australia — from early classification battles to moral panics, high-profile bans, and the eventual fight for an R rating. What was actually being censored? Who decided? And why were games singled out? Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For decades, Australian audiences were told what they could and couldn’t watch — often with scissors, black ink, and outright bans. From silent films and imported reels to grindhouse classics and modern cinema, Australia developed a reputation as one of the most restrictive film-censoring countries in the Western world. Join Holly & Matthew as they trace the history of Australian film censorship, from early morality laws and customs seizures to the creation of classification boards and the long fight over violence, sex, and “community standards”. Along the way, we'll examine infamous bans, bizarre edits, and the cultural anxieties that shaped what Australians were allowed to see on screen. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For decades, Australian audiences were told what they could and couldn’t watch — often with scissors, black ink, and outright bans. From silent films and imported reels to grindhouse classics and modern cinema, Australia developed a reputation as one of the most restrictive film-censoring countries in the Western world. Join Holly & Matthew as they trace the history of Australian film censorship, from early morality laws and customs seizures to the creation of classification boards and the long fight over violence, sex, and “community standards”. Along the way, we'll examine infamous bans, bizarre edits, and the cultural anxieties that shaped what Australians were allowed to see on screen. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

For decades, Australian audiences were told what they could and couldn’t watch — often with scissors, black ink, and outright bans. From silent films and imported reels to grindhouse classics and modern cinema, Australia developed a reputation as one of the most restrictive film-censoring countries in the Western world. Join Holly & Matthew as they trace the history of Australian film censorship, from early morality laws and customs seizures to the creation of classification boards and the long fight over violence, sex, and “community standards”. Along the way, we'll examine infamous bans, bizarre edits, and the cultural anxieties that shaped what Australians were allowed to see on screen. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Yes… we’re doing it again. Holly & Matthew return to Wolf Creek for a full watch-along commentary, folding in everything they learned while researching Episode 272 — the trivia, the controversies, the odd little production quirks, and the lingering weirdness that’s cropped up since. If you’ve ever wanted to watch the film armed with far too much context (and a healthy sense of unease), this one’s for you. Hit play, sync up, and come suffer joyfully alongside us. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In the late 1970s, a string of disappearances around Adelaide quietly escalated into one of South Australia’s most disturbing serial crime cases. Young women vanished after accepting lifts, their movements barely noticed until the pattern became impossible to ignore. What followed would expose a trail of violence, manipulation, and institutional blind spots that still haunt the case today. Join Holly & Matthew as they unravel the timeline of the Truro Murders — the victims, the offenders, the police investigation, and the failures that allowed the crimes to continue for so long. They examine how early warning signs were missed, how survivor testimony reshaped the case, and why this remains one of the most confronting chapters in Australian true crime. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In the late 1970s, a string of disappearances around Adelaide quietly escalated into one of South Australia’s most disturbing serial crime cases. Young women vanished after accepting lifts, their movements barely noticed until the pattern became impossible to ignore. What followed would expose a trail of violence, manipulation, and institutional blind spots that still haunt the case today. Join Holly & Matthew as they unravel the timeline of the Truro Murders — the victims, the offenders, the police investigation, and the failures that allowed the crimes to continue for so long. They examine how early warning signs were missed, how survivor testimony reshaped the case, and why this remains one of the most confronting chapters in Australian true crime. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.