Weird Crap In Australia

Eighteen-year-old Niamh Maye disappeared on Easter Sunday, 2002, near Tumut, New South Wales. Having traveled to the Riverina region for a gap year with two friends, Niamh was last seen getting into a black hearse with a man she met on the road, Jack Nicklason. Despite extensive searches, no trace of her has been found. The main suspect in her disappearance, Nicklason, was arrested for the rape of a 19-year-old in October that year and committed suicide, leaving many questions unanswered.Maye's disappearance remains one of Australia's enduring mysteries, fed by small town gossip and uncertain sources. Efforts by law enforcement and appeals for information continue, but her case remains unsolved, leaving her family and friends without closure.Join Holly and Tumut-area expert Matthew as they look into the case, where it went wrong, ad who might have been responsible for diverting police attention from the more probable killing ground.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-cra

In 1969, man walked on the moon.In 2000, someone made a film about the unsung heroes. NASA's Apollo 11 mission, featuring astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, successfully landed on the moon. Australians played a crucial role in this historic event, with the Parkes Observatory and Honeysuckle Creek tracking station providing vital communication support. These facilities broadcast Armstrong's first steps to the world, symbolizing global unity and the shared human spirit of exploration.Join Holly and Matthew as they contextualise both the film and the event, their influences on their respective histories, and world around them. Bonus conspiracy theories!acBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In 1977, Griffith-based anti-drug campaigner Don Mackay disappeared, and despite strong suspicions of mafia involvement, his body was never found. The case remains unresolved, an intriguing mystery that continues to haunt and captivate those fascinated by the dark underworld of organized crime.Will he ever be found? That's something only the fishes can answer. Join Holly & Matthew as they close out Year 6 with a close look at the case, the suspects, and the trade.Sources used: Donald Bruce (Don) Mackay (1933–1977) | C. A. Gregory | Australian Dictionary of Biography | 2000 | Volume 15 | https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/mackay-donald-bruce-don-10976Drug case: $1m reward plan | The Canberra Times | 26 Jul 1977 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110856526 Drugs truth will come out: Wran | The Canberra Times | 22 Jul 1977 | Page 1 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/110855965Forty years after Donald Mackay's murder, the Calabrian mafia still thrives | Lesley Hicks | Sydney Morning

When the Pope and the Toad died 2 months apart in 1963/64, chaos overtook the Melbourne arm of the Honorable Society. Men were shot in the streets, in their driveways, and in their beds as the search for the new heads of power came to a close.Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the series of shotgun killings known as the Victoria Market Murders, and their impact on the peace of the city.Sources used: £5,000 Reward For Murder Evidence | The Canberra Times | 18 Jan 1964 | Page 4 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1317399763rd 'Mafia Type' Killing | The Canberra Times | Fri 17 Jan 1964 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131739820Cold Case file remains open on the suspected Mafia slaying of Vincenzo and Alfonso Muratore | Keith Moor | Herald Sun | 25 Mar 2013 | https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/cold-case-files-remain-open-on-vincenzo-and-alfonso-muratore/news-story/33856e7d08d84992001149e86d5eace8Coroner commits man over shotgun killing | The Canberra Times | 29 Sep 1

The Black Hand Gang's reign of terror from 1929 to 1938 left a chilling imprint on Australia. From Jean Morris's tragic murder to a series of mysterious deaths in Ingham, their ruthless tactics instilled fear across communities. Despite law enforcement's efforts, their legacy endures as a reminder of organized crime's dark underbelly.As whispers of their deeds echo through history, the tale of the Black Hand Gang serves as a cautionary reminder of the lengths to which criminal organizations will go to maintain power and control.Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the activity and the consequences of the Gang's reign in Queensland.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Jean Morris's murder in 1932 remains a haunting enigma with a simple answer. Found stabbed 43 times in her home, suspicions fell on her Italian associates Joe Maganetti and Michael Gudas.The brutality suggested the involvement of foreign criminal elements, possibly by the notorious Black Hand. Italian national Vincenzo Dagostino emerged as a suspect, allegedly ordering her death for rejecting his advances and knowing too much about Mafia activities. As the investigation intensified, the shadows of conspiracy grew darker, leaving Jean Morris's death a chilling tale of crime and secrets.Join Holly & Matthew as they begin their journey into the secrets of L'Onorata Societa - the Honored Society. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

"Ferals" was an Australian children's TV gem that aired on ABC from 1994 to 1995. In a zany share-house setting, puppet pals like Rattus P. Rattus and Mixy wreaked havoc, challenging their human landlord, Joe, at every turn. With uproarious antics and a rebellious spirit, this cult classic delivered laughs and life lessons in equal measure, captivating young audiences Down Under with its unforgettable characters and offbeat charm.Join Holly & Matthew as they wander down Nostalgia Avenue again, and argue about what the Ferals actually were.Clips copyright of their respective owners. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

On August 5, 1944, the Cowra breakout marked a significant event in Australian military history. Over 1,100 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the prisoner of war camp in Cowra, New South Wales, resulting in the largest prison break in Australian history. The breakout led to a violent confrontation between the prisoners and Australian guards, resulting in the deaths of 231 Japanese prisoners and four Australian soldiers, with many more wounded. The incident highlighted the challenges of managing prisoners of war during wartime and left a lasting impact on both Australian and Japanese societies. The Cowra breakout has since been commemorated through various memorials and remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.TW: Suicide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon?The Cowra Breakout. The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human experience in times of war, offering insights into the psychological, social, and political dynamics that shape such events.By delving into the motivations, actions, and consequences of both the prisoners and their captors, the Cowra Breakout invites deeper reflection on themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring quest for freedom. In a world still grappling with the scars of war, the Cowra Breakout stands as a reminder of the enduring pursuit of dignity and liberty amidst adversity.Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the cause of the breakout, and link the event to 4 different events already covered (with more to come!)Become a supporter of this podcast: htt

What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon?The Cowra Breakout. The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human experience in times of war, offering insights into the psychological, social, and political dynamics that shape such events.By delving into the motivations, actions, and consequences of both the prisoners and their captors, the Cowra Breakout invites deeper reflection on themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring quest for freedom. In a world still grappling with the scars of war, the Cowra Breakout stands as a reminder of the enduring pursuit of dignity and liberty amidst adversity.Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the cause of the breakout, and link the event to 4 different events already covered (with more to come!)Become a supporter of this podcast: htt

The Big Pineapple in Queensland, Australia, isn't just a landmark—it's a hub for agri-tourism. Standing tall at sixteen meters, it represents the region's pineapple industry, offering educational tours and entertainment. Through farmer's markets and festivals, it promotes agrarian experiences, enriching visitors' understanding of rural life. Seamlessly blending entertainment with education, the Big Pineapple sustains cultural significance while boosting the local economy.Join Holly & Matthew as they travel back in time to when this spikey hell-plant was considered a treat, and when people would literally travel for days to see a 16ft tall one.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The "Dumb Ways to Die" campaign launched in November 2012 by Metro Trains in Melbourne, and by the end of next year, it cemented itself as a legendary advertising campaign. Its viral success not only promoted railway safety, but also earned international acclaim for its creative approach, becoming an iconic example of effective public service announcements and a billion parodies.Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into its viral success and profound impact on public awareness, illuminating the intersection of creativity and public safety advocacy in contemporary advertising discourse.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practices, emphasizing the crucial importance of effective communication and safety protocols in maritime operations and the inherent risks involved.Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the aftermath, where reforms sparked by a Royal Commission reshaped naval protocols.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practices, emphasizing the crucial importance of effective communication and safety protocols in maritime operations and the inherent risks involved.Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the aftermath, where reforms sparked by a Royal Commission reshaped naval protocols.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Join Holly & Matthew for our traditional 100-episode celebration! This round, we're publishing an interview previously only seen on Patreon, and answering fan questions!Thanks for all your support, guys, we love you all!Head over to this episode of the Dingo Ate My Movie podcast to hear Matthew reminisce about the Australian cult classic, Stone. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Discover the tale of Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle, and Sam Sawnoff as they guard their magical dessert against the devious schemes of Possum and Wombat. Explore the themes of friendship and greed in this beloved Australian classic. Get ready for a delightful journey filled with laughter, adventure, and a pudding that's more than meets the eye!In this episode, join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the whimsical world of "The Magic Pudding" by Norman Lindsay, his lurid past, and the book's legacy. *** For the uncut version with an extra 5 minutes of episode, subscribe to our Patreon feed.Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeodUsed under a Creative Commons license.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In 1996, a crime rocked Australia when a mother, brother, and sister were brutally murdered in their New South Wales home.As investigators delved into the case, suspicions mounted, but the perpetrator remained elusive. Despite attempts to mask the crime as a robbery gone wrong, clues began to unravel the mystery. Strained family dynamics and a cheating husband emerged as potential motives, casting shadows of doubt over the true culprit. So when 17 year-old Matthew de Gruchy was arrested for the murder, the country gasped.But questions remained as to whether he committed these murders, or whether they were the work of a third party. Was Matthew framed, or was he the unlucky victim of circumstantial evidence?Join Holly & Matthew as they look through the case, and attempt to figure out why this young man would snap so badly as to kill his mother, brother and sister in their own home.

Throughout his criminal career, Donahue and his gang targeted stagecoaches and travelers, using the rugged terrain of the Australian outback to their advantage. Unlike other bushrangers, however, Donahue's group stole more than just valuables - they weren't called the Strippers for nothing.As his exploits grew in infamy, Donahue became a folk hero to some and a menace to others. His ability to outwit law enforcement and continue his criminal activities captivated the public imagination.In this episode, we chronicle Donahue's life as a bushranger, highlighting the impact of his actions on Australian society and his enduring legacy as one of the most infamous outlaws in Australian history.

**Child friendly listening!**First, there was Dora the Explorer. Then there was Pepper Pig.Now, there is Bluey.Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into world of the Blue Heeler, celebrating the pup's universal appeal and Australian attitude. Explore the show's unique storytelling, blending humor, emotion, and valuable life lessons with their distinct Brisbane-ness.Join Holly & Matthew as they discover how Bluey transcends generations with relatable family dynamics, from imaginative games to heartfelt conversations, the series captures the essence of family bonding.

James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in construction throughout Australia and globally. However, by the 1970s, concerns about asbestos-related health risks began to emerge, leading to a shift in public perception and regulatory scrutiny.Join Matthew and Holly as they work their way through the history of the company who has become synonymous with asbestos exposure, their deeds and missteps, court cases and extradition treaties.