The history of the Australian Football League (AFL) is rich and multifaceted, beginning in the mid-19th century. Australian Rules Football was officially codified in Melbourne in 1859, with the establishment of the Melbourne Football Club.  The Victorian Football League (VFL), which would later become the AFL, was founded in 1896. The league expanded nationally in the 1980s and 1990s, evolving into the AFL in 1990. Today, the AFL is the premier professional Australian Rules Football competition, boasting a passionate fan base and significant cultural impact in Australia. Join Holly & ..read more

In 1998, a home in Humpty Doo, NT, became the site of intense paranormal activity. Objects flew through the air, gravel and shells rained from the ceiling, and Scrabble tiles spelled eerie messages. Priests, journalists, and police witnessed the chaos, which the residents linked to a deceased friend named 'Troy'. Despite multiple exorcism attempts, the poltergeist's violent behavior persisted until the tenants fled. Join Holly & Matthew as they examine the Humpty Doo Poltergeist, Australia's most documented poltergeist. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcas ..read more

In 1946, on the back of decades and generations of racist government and pastoralist policy 800 First Nations people walked off the stations they'd been assigned in the Pilbara Region, risking prosecution and assault by the law-keepers. Three years later, the strike broke, but only through underhanded tactics by the government and farmers put out by the strike. This was a failed strike in terms of their £1 per week demands, but in terms of scaring the Western Australian government and gathering sympathy in the people of Perth, it was a winner. This was the longest industrial action strike in ..read more

In 1946, on the back of decades and generations of racist government and pastoralist policy 800 First Nations people walked off the stations they'd been assigned in the Pilbara Region, risking prosecution and assault by the law-keepers. Three years later, the strike broke, but only through underhanded tactics by the government and farmers put out by the strike. This was a failed strike in terms of their £1 per week demands, but in terms of scaring the Western Australian government and gathering sympathy in the people of Perth, it was a winner. This was the longest industrial action strike in ..read more

When Americans talk about how dangerous our country is, especially with our snake, spider and drop bear populations, most Australians laugh. How could anyone who lives in the same space as a mountain lion, a grizzly bear and a coyote really think our animals are dangerous? What, you think the cuddly koala or the beefy wombat could kill you? It turns out that Americans might be right after all. Join Holly & Matthew as they explore the world of the Wombat, its ancient stories, and some terrifying encounters. ____ The story of Mirram The Kangaroo and Warreen The Wombat can be found here: h ..read more

The Twelve Tribes cult established its first community in Australia in the late 1990s. Known for its communal lifestyle and strict adherence to a unique interpretation of the Bible, the Twelve Tribes attracted followers seeking a close-knit, spiritual community. However, the group has faced significant controversy, including allegations of child labor, physical punishment, and indoctrination. The Australian branches of the Twelve Tribes have been investigated multiple times for their treatment of children and their isolationist practices. In 2020, their ex-leader was murdered. Join Holly &am ..read more

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 uncertai ..read more

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 ..read more

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 | 200 ..read more

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/131739976 3rd 'Mafia Type' Killing | The Canberra Time ..read more