Australian Stories from our Past

Send us Fan MailNine weeks on the road and the Murray finally slips behind them, but Bendigo still doesn’t feel real.  We pick up our 1852 overland trek right where the party crosses into Victoria, a colony gripped by Australian gold rush fever, and we track the next month of slow, stubborn progress through Mallee scrub, sandhills, swamps, and half-formed bullock dray tracks that barely resemble modern roads.We also step back to ask a messy question with big consequences: who actually “owned” the land they’re moving through?  Squatters have rushed across the Murray frontier, and the colonial government is stuck playing catch-up, registering pastoral runs with boundaries described by river bends and tree stumps. To make sense of it, we lean on a crucial 1851 Survey Map of the Murray’s southern bank, cross-check station names in the diaries, and follow the chain of homesteads and outstations that guided travellers long before highways existed.Along the way, we meet the landscape by name: Hattah-Kulkyne and the lakes later standardised as Lake Mournpall, the station world of Bumbang on Country significant to the Lati Lati and Dadi Dadi people, and the approach to Swan Hill.  We talk about Peter Beveridge and his writings, Lake Boga and its Moravian mission, the dead-flat 25 Mile Plain with Mount Hope in the distance, and the pivotal stop at Booth and Argyle’s Durham Ox Inn where bullocks, drays, and horses are sold before the last grind.If you love Australian history podcasts, goldfields stories, and the real logistics of migration by wagon, you’ll want this leg of the journey. Subscribe, share it with a mate who’d never survive a bullock track, and leave a review telling us what you think happens when they finally hit the Bendigo goldfields.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailA river in flood can be a teacher and a judge.  We open on the Murray–Darling Basin’s split personality—winter-and-snowmelt-fed Murray versus summer-storm-fed Darling—to explain why our 1852 trek met a swollen Murray while the Darling ran lower.  From there, the story flows to Gundagai, a town mapped neatly between a big river and an anabranch despite Wiradjuri warnings.  Earlier floods wrote clear messages in mud, yet officials kept the town on the plain until the Murrumbidgee rose in June 1852 and carried away lives, homes, and any illusion that tidy grids beat water.At the heart of the tragedy are two names more people should know: Yarri and Jacky.  In bark canoes, they moved through wreckage and current to save at least 34 people.  We talk about why their recognition arrived late, how memory gets made, and why First Nations knowledge is not a footnote but the backbone of survival along the river.  Their skills—choosing landing trees, reading the pull of the main channel, timing the ferrying of loads—echo downstream in the practical rivercraft that helped our gold-rush convoy cross  the Murray at Gol Gol.Then the journey turns mechanical, muddy, and mesmerising: empty hogsheads lashed under drays, a five-gallon keg on the pole for lift, long ropes ferried by canoe, and bullocks chest-deep on the inner floodplain dragging frames toward higher ground.  Plans to speed things up with a midstream buoy meet a firm no from the experienced river workers, and for good reason.  We sit with the friction between haste and safety, track a rogue horned bullock a mile downstream, and keep flour and port above four feet of brown water across a swamp one and a half miles wide.  Nearby at Euston, another party uses near-identical methods, proof that river wisdom travels faster than roads.History adds a twist: Joseph Hawdon once crossed the Murray on a marked sandy bank “without much trouble.” Same river, different stage. That contrast underlines the theme running through every scene—hydrology sets the conditions, but listening to Country, choosing where to build, and respecting those who read water decide the outcome.  If you love Australian history, disaster lessons, and ingenious problem-solving, you’ll feel the pull of this story from the first eddy to the last rope knot.If the journey resonates, follow the show, share this episode with a mate, and leave a review telling us the moment that stuck with you most. Your words help others find the story.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailA newborn in a spring cart, a flood-swollen river, and a punt that won’t run on Sundays—our 1852 trek along the Murray is a study in grit, chance, and consequence.  We read the original diaries aloud and sit with what they reveal: Regent parrots blazing over saltbush, lost stockmen saved by First Nations know-how, and the stark reality of cattle drowning as they “ring the water” mid-crossing.  Every scene is anchored in place—Frenchman’s Creek, Bagot’s Billabong, the Great Darling Anabranch—so you can feel how the landscape sets the agenda.We trace the web of stations claimed by Ned Bagot and unpack squatting in plain terms: land taken, lines drawn, and law arriving after the fact through Commissioners of Crown Lands.  From McLeod’s rough inn to a government-proclaimed ferry, the junction that becomes Wentworth shows how a track hardens into a town.  Along the way, river science meets story: the Darling’s brown current sliding beside the Murray’s clearer flow, a two-toned seam that Sturt and Hawdon both recorded.  Those split waters echo the cultural currents that meet without blending—overlanders relying on local canoe crews while the diaries stay quiet on payment and credit.There’s tension and tenderness in the details: Mary Emmett nursing two small children while the drays inch through bog and scrub, horses swimming clean while bullocks panic, tolls posted while floodwater erases the “original road.”  We follow the rise of policing and lockups on the riverbank and the later heritage that preserves bricks while we argue over meaning.  By the time the convoy reaches Gol Gol, the Murray has the last word, forcing a pause and a plan for another day.  If you care about Australian history, river systems, First Nations labour, overlanding, and how towns like Wentworth came to be, this story gives you the map and the mud.If this journey moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves Australian history, and leave a quick review—what moment stayed with you most?Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailA flooded river, a stubborn pony, and a crooked border set the stage for a journey that refuses to fit neat lines on a map.  We follow our hardy party from Lake Bonney through sand and scrub toward Lake Victoria, rebuilding their path from terse diary entries and hard choices made under rain-heavy skies.  What some call Freeman’s Creek aligns with Ral Ral, and distances snap into focus: eighteen rough miles off the river flats, then a camp where a stockkeeper, local guides, and a “mungo” canoe become essential to keeping the trek alive.The path knots around station histories that blur and split—Bookmark, Chowilla, Calperum—revealing how names shift as leases change hands and memories fade.  Ten days vanish as bullocks wander deep into the saltbush, and the camp becomes a crossroads of labour and knowledge. Flooded lowlands force a northern swing around Lake Victoria, past salt springs that earlier travellers noted for their bite and their perfume.  Flowing out of Lake Victoria is the Rufus River, a calm name that carries a darker legacy, where contact turned to conflict after waves of stock and squatters pressed hard on country that had sustained First Nations trade and life for generations.Threaded through the map is another story: a boundary meant to be straight but surveyed askew.  The 141st meridian collides with timekeeping limits, courtrooms, and politics, leaving a permanent jog across the Murray and an obelisk to mark both precision and compromise.  And yet, in the midst of lost cattle and contested lines, something tender happens at dawn by the lake: Mary Emmett gives birth, and a new voice joins the caravan of history.  It’s a reminder that every route is walked by people whose days are made of small meals, shared words, and the will to carry on.If this story moved you or taught you something new about the Murray, Chowilla, and the people who crossed and cared for this country, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves Australian history.  Your notes help others find the journey.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailA river can be a map, a memory, and a meeting place all at once.  We follow the Murray’s sweep from Charles Sturt’s gruelling 1830 voyage and the collapse of the inland sea myth, to Joseph Hawdon’s cattle drive that carved the overland stock route, and then into the gritty detail of our 1852 party wrestling a stubborn Timor pony through sand toward Overland Corner and Lake Bonney.  The story unfolds in raw diary lines, vivid landscapes, and the older truths of Country that surface in shell middens and trade paths.Sturt’s crew linked the Murrumbidgee, Darling, and Murray, reached Lake Alexandrina, and found a mouth barred by lagoons and sand.  Their triumph rewired maps but came at a physical cost.  Hawdon’s journal picks up where the boats could not: on the top of cream limestone cliffs and along plains thinly brushed with grass, he meets First Nations travellers carrying mussels and news, trading on an ancient network that ran the river long before drays.  Our 1852 trekkers move within that web, buying sheep from Jacob Hart, negotiating rain and sand, and learning how an untamed Murray set every pace, flood, and crossing.Overland Corner turns from a bend into a hub: police station, smithy, hotel, and a staging point for drovers and coaches.  Devlin’s Pound holds two tales at once, a natural corral and a red-bearded ghost riding storm light above rumours of illegal grog and stolen cattle.  At Lake Bonney, or Nukamka, the night echoes with swan calls and the slap of wings, and the camp fills with First Nations families whose presence, ceremony, and trade point to older sovereignty.  Later, locks and weirs tame flows for navigation and water supply, but in these pages, the river still breathes in floods and droughts, reminding us why routes bent where they did and why stories pooled where cliffs meet water.If this journey stirred your curiosity about the Murray’s layered past—explorers and drovers, middens and myths—follow the show, share it with a friend who loves Australian history, and leave a review so more listeners can find these river stories.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailA desert boundary, a flooded creek, and forty bullocks that won’t stop heading home—this is the uneasy start of a family’s 1852 push from Kooramoora to the Bendigo goldfields. We open with the puzzle of Goyder’s Line, the fenceless border where rainfall drops, Mallee yields to saltbush, and the dream of cropping often turns to stone ruins.  Then we set our wheels on the Upper Murray track, chosen to dodge rutted southern routes and the bottleneck at the Wellington ferry, only to find the “dry” path drowned by a storm that swells Burra Creek and bogs every crossing.Through first-hand diaries, we trace the rhythms and frictions of moving a small economy across harsh country:  pre-dawn tea, yokes on, scouts probing unknown creeks with whip handles, and a relentless cycle of finding water and feed before dusk.  Worlds End Gorge becomes both gateway and refuge—permanent waterholes under towering River Red gums, flanked by semi-arid flats that blur toward the Murray.  When the livestock bolt, Joe rides through the night, reads tracks by first light, and turns the mobs fifteen miles from home. The camp adapts with bush yards, hobbled horses, and hard choices, inching toward the river’s North West Bend as cliffs rise and floodplains widen.Along the way, we unpack the wider story: how Goyder’s 1865 survey codified climate reality, why “rain follows the plough” led settlers astray, and how old coach roads, squatter runs, and the modern Goyder Highway mirror each other across time.  Route selection becomes a study in risk management—shorter isn’t safer if the sand is churned and the feed is gone, and “longer” may win when water, ground, and patience align. By the end, progress is slow but earned, the line on the map feels less abstract, and the lessons are plain: respect the country, move with its limits, and expect weather to rewrite plans.If this journey hooked you, follow the show, share it with a history-loving mate, and leave a quick review so others can find these stories.  Tell us: would you risk the desert track or queue for the ferry?Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailBankruptcy to gold fever—William Henry Neale's remarkable journey captures the essence of Australia's 1850s transformation.  After two financial collapses, including a £6,000 debt in England (equivalent to $1.8 million today), Neale found himself working at South Australia's famed "Monster Mine" in Burra, then the continent's seventh most populated area and largest inland settlement. The Monster Mine was truly extraordinary — employing over 1,000 workers and paying shareholders an astonishing 800% return on investment.  But when gold was discovered in Victoria, everything changed.  Almost overnight, this thriving community watched its workforce dwindle from thousands to fewer than 100 as gold fever swept through the colony. Through rare first-hand accounts from William's sons-in-law, we follow the Neale family's ambitious plan to assemble a 19-person convoy with bullocks, drays, and supplies for the 600-mile trek to Bendigo. Their expedition included William's extended family, a doctor who had recently lost his wife, several colourful bullock drivers, and even a man known as "Five Finger Jack." The convoy itself was substantial—six bullock drays, a horse dray, a spring cart, approximately 36 bullocks, plus horses, dogs, a dairy cow, and likely chickens suspended under the drays.What makes this story exceptional is how it illuminates the social upheaval of Australia's gold rush era.  As Bill Emmett noted, "More than half of the houses in the farming district of South Australia were empty.  Six or seven married women whose husbands had left for the fields would be found living in one house." Join us as we uncover the human stories behind one of Australia's most dramatic economic transformations—when the promise of gold emptied mines, transformed communities, and sent thousands trekking across country in pursuit of instant fortune.  The Neale family's journey, preserved in daily diaries, provides a fascinating window into the ambitions, hardships, and entrepreneurial spirit of Australia's pioneering families. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailThe deadly journey to Australia wasn't just about surviving treacherous seas—it was about escaping invisible killers that stalked passengers in the cramped confines of sailing ships.  Dr. George Mayo's diary from his second voyage records the heartbreaking reality: "Friday March 15th, aged two years three months, dead."We're joined by a medical expert who unpacks the devastating diseases that claimed so many lives on these early voyages.  Measles, often mistakenly considered benign today, killed millions annually before vaccination, with mortality rates reaching alarming heights in young children.  The characteristic fever, rash, and respiratory symptoms proved fatal for many youngsters trapped in the close quarters of migrant ships.Our discussion clarifies the crucial difference between measles and German measles (rubella)—the latter being particularly catastrophic for pregnant women.  We learn about Australian ophthalmologist Norman Gregg's groundbreaking 1941 discovery linking rubella in pregnancy to congenital defects, a finding that would eventually save countless unborn children.The conversation turns to whooping cough, aptly named the "100-day cough" for its persistent, violent spasms that could fracture ribs or cause bleeding in the eyes.  Without modern antibiotics, this bacterial infection was especially lethal for infants.  We also explore "the itch" (scabies), a non-fatal but miserable skin condition that spread rapidly in shipboard environments and was treated with remedies as dangerous as mercury compounds.This episode provides remarkable perspective on our medical progress.  Diseases that once decimated populations on voyages to Australia have been largely conquered through vaccination campaigns and antibiotics, though they remain threats when preventive measures falter.  The suffering of early migrants reminds us how fortunate we are to live in an age where these once-inevitable killers can be prevented with a simple injection.Ready to learn more about the medical challenges faced by Australia's early settlers? Subscribe now and join us next episode as we continue our exploration of 19th-century diseases.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailDeadly epidemics swept through 19th-century cities with terrifying regularity, leaving medical practitioners like Drs. Watts and Mayo powerless against invisible killers they couldn't understand. What made these diseases so devastating, and how did we finally conquer them?  Our medical expert takes us through the horrifying reality of cholera – nicknamed "the blue death" for the distinctive colour it turned victims' skin.  The disease could kill within hours as patients lost up to 20 litres of fluid daily.  During London's 1854 Soho outbreak, over 600 people died in a small neighbourhood within days.The prevailing "miasma" theory blamed disease on foul air, until pioneering physician Dr John Snow meticulously mapped cholera cases around a contaminated water pump.  His groundbreaking work effectively birthed modern epidemiology, proving disease spread through water rather than air – though the actual cholera bacterium wouldn't be discovered until decades later by Robert Koch.We also explore the devastating impact of smallpox, which killed 30% of those infected and left survivors permanently scarred.  The disease proved particularly catastrophic when introduced to populations with no previous exposure – like Australia's First Nations peoples, who suffered up to 70% mortality after the 1789 Sydney outbreak.  The controversial origins of this epidemic raise difficult questions about early colonial history.The podcast reveals fascinating stories behind smallpox vaccination – how Chinese and Islamic practitioners performed early forms of inoculation centuries before Edward Jenner, and how the famous "milkmaid story" about Jenner's discovery was actually fabricated by his biographer.  Even more surprising, we discover that vaccine hesitancy isn't new – cartoons from 1802 show the same concerns we see in modern debates.Join us for this eye-opening journey through medical history that shows how far we've come in disease understanding and treatment, while highlighting the crucial public health measures – like clean water systems – that save countless lives today.  Next episode, we'll examine specific diseases encountered during Dr Mayo's 1836 voyage to Australia.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

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Send us Fan MailIn the unforgiving landscape of 1840s South Australia, economic disaster struck with devastating consequences. This deeply researched episode unveils the human story behind colonial financial collapse through the experiences of 22-year-old John Watts, who arrived in 1842 with £500 and dreams of prosperity, only to find himself destitute within a year.  The narrative takes us to Echunga Springs, where the once-prosperous Hack brothers had established impressive vineyards, wheat fields, and a profitable dairy.  Through John's firsthand account, we witness his initial optimism as he works the land, milking sixteen cows per hour and watching as dray loads of melons, fruits and vegetables were sent to market. But beneath this productive surface, financial disaster loomed.South Australia's economic fabric was unraveling rapidly.  With communication to England taking eighteen months round-trip, immigrants had no way of knowing they were sailing into financial catastrophe.  By December 1842, one-third of Adelaide's houses stood empty, Governor Gray's drafts on the British Treasury were dishonoured, and only seven merchants remained solvent out of thirty.The most heart-wrenching moment comes when bailiffs strip everything from the home of Stephen Hack's wife, who had given birth just three days earlier. "Two men took hold of the mattress Mother and I were lying on, lifted us off the bedstead onto the floor and carried that away also," wrote Stephen's son years later.  This callous act caused a permanent rift between the Hack brothers.Through primary sources including letters, diaries and court records, we piece together the manipulated auction that saw valuable assets sold for a fraction of their worth, and how Jacob Hagen, supposedly a friend and fellow Quaker, orchestrated proceedings to acquire the Hack property at far below market value.Join us for this remarkable journey into Australia's colonial past that reveals not just economic history, but the resilience of settlers like John Watts who, despite losing everything, found work cutting wood at two shillings per load and began saving for passage home.  Their stories continue to resonate as powerful reminders of Australia's challenging early years, and the determination required to survive them.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailA young man's rejection of medical destiny leads to an epic sea journey and colonial adventure in this fascinating exploration of early South Australian settlement.When John Watts turned away from following his surgeon father's footsteps, he made a decision that would take him across multiple oceans, through terrifying storms, and into a colony teetering on economic collapse. This extraordinary tale of ambition, preparation, and perseverance reveals the complex web of connections that facilitated migration to Australia in the 1840s.Through John's remarkable personal reminiscences, written at age 80 and preserved by his family for over a century, we gain intimate insights into how colonial dreams were both constructed and challenged. The story begins with a fateful meeting between Dr. Mayo and John's father in Gloucestershire, sparking the idea of sending John to South Australia. Rather than pursuing medicine like his brother, John pragmatically prepares for colonial life by learning farming, butchery, and blacksmithing – essential skills for frontier survival.The six-month voyage aboard the Guiana proves both arduous and tragic. While crossing the turbulent seas near the Cape of Good Hope, all ten donkeys destined for the Hack family farm are lost overboard during violent storms – a poignant reminder of the perils facing colonial enterprises. Meanwhile, a young bride meets her new husband in Adelaide only to die at sea months later, highlighting the precariousness of colonial life.What makes this episode particularly compelling is the economic context of John's arrival.  Landing in March 1842, he steps into a colony experiencing financial meltdown, with unemployed labourers, failing merchants, and British intervention to save South Australia from bankruptcy.  Through personal stories and historical context, we witness how individual ambitions intersected with imperial policies and economic cycles to shape Australia's early development.Want to understand how ordinary people navigated the extraordinary challenges of colonial settlement?  This episode offers a rare window into one man's journey from reluctant doctor's son to Australian pioneer. Subscribe now to follow John's next adventures as he confronts the harsh realities of colonial life during South Australia's worst economic depression.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailDr George Mayo's private diary from 1839 opens a rare window into the social world of a migrant ship bound for Australia. As ship surgeon aboard the Asia, Mayo moved freely between social classes—something no other passenger could do—and recorded his unfiltered observations about everyone from the captain to the stewards.His candid entries reveal the fascinating dynamics of shipboard life across a five-month journey.  The cabin passengers maintained strict hierarchies, with Mrs Duff (described as "rather vain" with "an awful talking" habit) and Mrs Garrett locked in an ongoing feud over perceived slights, nursemaids showing insufficient respect, and mysterious family histories.  Mayo records their dramatic reconciliation with bemused detachment, noting how they became "sworn friends" after months of conflict.Below decks, steerage passengers managed their own cooking and living arrangements while occasionally being brought before the captain for disciplinary issues.  The traditional "crossing the line" ceremony at the equator nearly erupted into violence when reluctant participants threatened sailors with pistols and wooden legs rather than submit to Neptune's rituals.Most alarming were Mayo's entries about Captain Freeman, repeatedly described as fond of "brandy and water."  Near journey's end, the intoxicated captain nearly steered the Asia onto rocks at Cape Borda.  Only the intervention of Captain Duff, himself a passenger but experienced sea captain, saved the vessel from disaster.  While Freeman slept off his drinking, Duff remained "up all night" navigating the ship to safety.These stories remind us that colonial settlement journeys were fraught with danger—not just from pirates and storms, but sometimes from the very people entrusted with passengers' safety.  Through Mayo's critical eye, we gain unprecedented insights into the complex human reality behind Australia's maritime migration history.Explore our episode archives for more stories about early colonial Australia and the voyages that brought settlers to these shores.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailEmbark on a journey back to 1839 as we unravel the remarkable tale of Dr. George Mayo aboard the migrant ship Asia. This episode reveals a gripping narrative filled with adventure, health struggles, and even threats of piracy during a time of mass migration to Australia.  As a ship's surgeon, Mayo faced dire circumstances—gunfire and rampant diseases among the passengers.  His diary offers a raw and intimate glimpse into the emotional resilience and tenacity required to survive such a perilous journey.We explore the labyrinth of human stories intertwined with Mayo's account, revealing a community of immigrants confronting fear, loss, and the unknown.  The gripping accounts not only highlight Mayo's efforts to treat sick children afflicted by measles but also the unique interactions amongst a diverse group on board.  As he successfully navigated the challenges, Mayo's tale transitions into his legacy within a growing nation, contributing to the early days of Australian medicine.Prepare for touching moments and riveting accounts as we dive deep into the daily lives of those aboard the Asia.  What lessons can we glean from their experiences?  Join us and reflect on the sacrifices and hopes of a bygone era, and stay tuned for the next episode as we continue to explore the profound narratives from Dr. Mayo's journey. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share your thoughts!Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailCurious about your family's past? Discover the fascinating story of the Watts family crest, featuring a greyhound and a golden arrow—a symbol born from a dramatic saga involving survival and colonial legacy.  This episode dives deep into the history of family crests, untangling their significance in linking individuals to their lineage and societal standing during the Victorian era.Our hosts unpack the difference between a family crest and a coat of arms while sharing the intertwined stories of ancestral identity and social ambition.  The discussion navigates through the life of William Watts, illustrating the complexities of colonial influence and personal enrichment.  The episode further explores the philosophy behind the Watts family motto, revealing insightful reflections on generosity and community spirit.Listeners will also encounter quirky Victorian customs that underscore the era's fascination with status and reputation.  Each story adds depth to the conversation about how identities are crafted, sustained, and sometimes fabricated through symbols like family crests.  Join us as we draw connections between intrinsic family values and the ever-evolving concept of social climbing.Whether you’re familiar with your ancestry or just curious about the oddities of history, this episode offers thought-provoking insights along with a sprinkle of amusement.  Tune in, share your family stories, and let’s connect as we celebrate the rich tapestry of our past!  Subscribe now and join our journey through time. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailWhat if the legacy of a kind-hearted village doctor could inspire generations and spark dreams of adventure across continents?  Join us as we explore the captivating story of the Watts family, where Thomas Watts defied the Dickensian stereotype of a struggling doctor and rose as a prosperous figure within England's burgeoning middle class.  Discover how his remarkable choice to divide his estate equally among his children, regardless of gender, set the stage for his son John’s daring journey to the colonies. In a vibrant ceremony back in 1839, Thomas Watts was celebrated by his community in Frampton-on-Severn, leaving a lasting footprint of gratitude and respect.  The heartfelt event, marked by music and banners, saw the esteemed doctor honoured with a beautifully engraved silver tea kettle, symbolizing the profound impact of his dedicated service. This legacy extended beyond his lifetime, contributing to the education of young medical minds through the Watts Science Prize, all while shaping the future of medicine in England. As we conclude, we reflect on John's aspirations and the potential influence of his family's standing in the village on his dreams of adventure in South Australia.  With minimal class barriers and the supportive backdrop of his family's legacy, John embarks on a journey that we are eager to unfold in future episodes.  Stay tuned as we continue to uncover these fascinating stories from our past, including the intriguing involvement of the Hack family and Dr. George Mayo, which will further illuminate John's decision to move to South Australia. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailUnearth the captivating story of John Barton Hack, a pioneering figure whose journey from England to South Australia was fuelled by ambition and adventure. What if your investments could shape a new world?  Discover how Hack's Quaker roots, career as a currier, and ties to the Wakefield family propelled him toward the opportunities of a lifetime in the burgeoning colony.  Through gripping anecdotes, we follow his fateful voyages, encounters with notable figures like Captain Lipson, and his decisive move to sell everything and stake his future on South Australian soil.Step into the vibrant life of the early settlers as we recount Barton's entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive that helped lay the foundations of Adelaide.  Despite the trials of lost livestock and harsh conditions, Hack's ventures initially flourished, cementing his influence in the community.  From building bridges to pioneering agricultural innovations, including the first grapevines in the region, Barton's legacy is one of resilience and ingenuity.  Join us as we paint a vivid narrative of colonial life, sharing Barton's heartfelt letters and the indelible mark he and his brother Stephen left on South Australia's frontier.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailWhat if the founding of a colony was more than just a historical event, but a dramatic saga filled with excitement, tension, and tragedy? Join us as we uncover the thrilling story of South Australia's establishment, starting with the arrival of the first fleet and the consequential landing of Rear Admiral Sir John Hindmarsh aboard HMS Buffalo.  Experience the anticipation of the settlers as they navigate strategic decisions and fierce debates over Adelaide's location, revealing the human struggles behind the formalities of colonial government ceremonies.The brushstrokes of history aren't always accurate, but they tell a story nonetheless. We'll delve into the artistic liberties taken by Charles Hill in his painting "Proclamation of South Australia, 1836," exposing the historical inaccuracies that have shaped our perception of these events. Discover the tensions between Governor Hindmarsh and Colonel Light, and the poignant personal losses within the Gouger family, set against the backdrop of Adelaide's birth.  Through these stories, we'll explore the early political turmoil, highlighting the power struggles and personal vendettas that marked the colony's early governance.As we journey through South Australia's growing pains, witness the personal transformations of settlers like Barton Hack amid the colony's challenges.  Their stories intertwine with those of William Henry Neale and Charles Nantes, weaving a rich tapestry of hope and resilience.  We'll reflect on these foundational moments that continue to shape the region's legacy, providing a deeper understanding of the human spirit in the face of adversity.  Join us for an enlightening exploration of the past that still resonates today.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailCould more accurate early reports have changed the fate of South Australia? Join us as we unravel the chaotic beginnings of this unique colony, influenced by misconceptions and missteps, starting with the ill-fated decision to settle on Kangaroo Island.  We'll explore the murky waters of early exploration and question how the colony's development might have differed had settlers gone directly to Adelaide, armed with precise information from figures like Captain Barker, Captain Jones, and Matthew Flinders. Journey with us through adventurous tales of explorers like John Jones, Captain Collett Barker, and Charles Sturt, whose findings and interactions shaped the region's colonial history.From the mysterious disappearance of settlers like Slater and Osborne to the strategic crafting of public perception, we discuss how reports, particularly those from Sturt and Sutherland, influenced immigration narratives.  We'll also touch on the efforts to maintain the image of South Australia, minimizing conflicts with First Nations people.  As we wrap up this episode, we set the stage for Proclamation Day and the personal stories of early colonists.  This episode promises untold stories and insights from the rich tapestry of South Australia's past, paving the way for more revelations in our upcoming installment.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailCould internal conflicts lead to tragedy, or is there something more sinister lurking in the mysteries of Kangaroo Island?  As we navigate the puzzling disappearance of trekkers, Slater and Osborne, we uncover the heated exchanges that fuelled suspicions of foul play.  With the Africaine's arrival at Nepean Bay, the settlers' anxiety is palpable, documented in Robert Gouger's diary and further fuelled by the desperate, yet unsuccessful, search efforts involving First Nations women familiar with the land. Journey with us through the harsh realities of life for early South Australian settlers, where misinformation about Kangaroo Island's treacherous terrain added to the community's struggles.  The emotional toll of waiting for news about the missing trekkers is captured through Mary Thomas's poignant diary entries, revealing the settlement's vulnerability following the Africaine's departure.  As we recount the events, only four of the six trekkers were found, leaving the fates of Slater and Osborne shrouded in uncertainty and speculation. Enter the unresolved conflict and suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance of these explorers.  Mary Thomas's efforts to dispel harmful rumours of native involvement contrast with hints of internal discord within the group.  We explore various theories that have emerged over time, including the potential influence of figures like Charles Nantes, Robert Fisher and Robert Gouger on the unfolding events.  As we piece together this historical puzzle, we ponder its impact on the fledgling colony and the lead-up to the significant Proclamation Day, while reflecting on the enduring nature of these mysteries. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailEmbark on a remarkable journey with us as we navigate little-known events in early South Australian history.  Picture young Charles Nantes, in early 1830’s England, a man pursuing a fresh start away from the shadows of his father's scandalous legacy.   In 1836, Charles boards the Africaine, bound for South Australia, alongside other colonists like Captain John Finley Duff and businessman John Hallett.  We uncover the rich mosaic of dreams and ambitions that propelled these pioneers towards uncharted lands.  Through personal diaries and firsthand accounts, we breathe life into the stories of those who dared to pioneer a new world. Our exploration widens as we step onto the rugged terrain of Kangaroo Island, first sighted by Matthew Flinders in 1802.  Imagine a place teeming with kangaroos yet devoid of First Nations people, offering a new start for European settlers.  Encouraged by Captain Sutherland's report of fertile expanses and bountiful wildlife, Charles Nantes and five other young men begin a trek across Kangaroo Island.   Experience the gritty trials of survival in a land of scarce resources and formidable landscapes through their eyes.   We shine a light on the controversies shadowing Sutherland's report—tales of conspiracy and tragedy involving the trekkers, Slater and Osborne, that demand further exploration.   Join us in illuminating the indomitable spirit of early explorers in their quest for discovery and survival is brought to life.  These captivating stories, where history blends seamlessly with personal accounts and unsolved mysteries, offer a richer understanding of Australia’s past.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we explore the fascinating life of Heinrich Wilhelm Nantez.  A man whose journey from Bremen, Germany to London illustrates both the opportunities and pitfalls of 18th century Europe.  Embracing a new English identity as Henry Nantes, he navigates the complex English mercantile society with the help of his influential ally, Richard Muilman Trench Chiswell.  Their friendship helped Henry become a British citizen, even as his ventures tied him to the contentious world of sugar plantations and the transatlantic slave trade.  This episode paints a vivid picture of Henry's ascent and eventual downfall amidst slave revolts and economic ruin.But the story doesn’t end there.  We follow Charles Nantes, Henry’s son, who seeks solace and a fresh start far away in South Australia.  As one of thirteen children left with an infamous legacy and little else, Charles's story of resilience against a backdrop of societal rejection and financial collapse offers a poignant look at the challenges faced by descendants of controversial legacies.  Discover how the Nantes family's saga continues to unfold with hope and determination, leaving us to ponder the lasting impact of history on future generations.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailWhat if you were tasked with establishing a new colony, facing the unknown and battling both the elements and human conflict?   Join us as we uncover the incredible journey of the first fleet to South Australia, starting with the courageous voyage of the John Pirie.   Imagine a ship no longer than a cricket pitch, teeming with hopeful settlers, livestock, and supplies, enduring a daunting five-month journey.  We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of the ambitions and trials faced by key figures like Colonel William Light and John Hindmarsh, who navigated personal animosities and a lack of clear command structure to lay the groundwork for a new convict-free colony.  The saga continues with the dramatic voyage of the Cygnet, plagued by mutiny and discord, contrasting sharply with Colonel Light's harmonious expedition aboard the Rapid.  With tales of ego clashes, unscheduled stops, and the eventual choice of Glenelg as the settlement site, we paint a vivid picture of the challenges and decisions that shaped South Australia's beginnings.  Dive into personal narratives, such as that of Charles Nantes, as we set the stage for exploring the motivations behind this monumental journey, promising a rich tapestry of history, struggle, and triumph.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailWhat if you found out that the city of Adelaide was meticulously designed by a visionary figure amidst a backdrop of poor strategic planning and unexpected challenges?  Our latest episode of Today's Stories from Our Past reveals the intricate and ambitious blueprint laid out by the South Australian Company.  We delve into the crucial roles of key officials and surveyors, particularly Colonel William Light, whose iconic layout of the city was well ahead of its time.  Learn how Adelaide earned its name in honour of Queen Adelaide, as chosen by King William IV.Join us on a rollercoaster journey through the life of William Henry Neale, a man who faced relentless financial struggles yet never gave up.  From his beginnings as a corn chandler in Cheam, Surrey, to the collapse of his stagecoach business in Stratford, William's resilience is put to the test again and again.  Despite facing debts of over £6,000 and legal battles that culminated in a significant court appearance in 1835, William's story is a testament to human endurance and the complexities of the Insolvent Debtors Act.Our exploration doesn't stop there.  We uncover the audacious escape and next reinvention of William Henry Neale, who left his debts behind in England to find a fresh start as an assistant surveyor in South Australia.  Navigate the early challenges faced by Colonel William Light’s survey team, including wage disputes and labour strikes, and get to know competent surveyors like Boyle Travis Finnis and George Ormsby.  We also touch on logistical hurdles experienced by Colonel Light, providing a vivid picture of the early, and often tumultuous, days of setting up the colony of South Australia.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailDiscover the surprising irony behind South Australia's convict-free reputation as we unravel the story of how the colony was conceptualized by a convict whose radical ideas shaped its foundation. Explore the grim reality of early 1800s England, where overcrowding, poverty, and the quest for religious freedom drove many to seek new beginnings in the British colonies. Learn why South Australia emerged as a unique opportunity, offering hope and independence free from the constraints of convict labour and land grants, and how this promise set the stage for a distinctive settlement. Meet Edward Gibbon Wakefield, a controversial figure with a criminal past, whose innovative ideas on systematic colonization left an indelible mark on South Australia's founding principles. We delve into the complex network of organizations, including the South Australian Association and the South Australian Colonisation Commission, that brought Wakefield's vision to life. Despite his notorious history, Wakefield's influence persisted even as he distanced himself from the project, with key followers like Robert Gouger advancing his ideals. Their stories paint a vivid picture of ambition and controversy that defined the early days of the colony's formation. Witness the early struggles and triumphs of establishing South Australia, a colony striving for self-sufficiency amidst bureaucratic challenges and conflicting leadership. Hear about the dedication of figures like Governor Hindmarsh, Sir James Hertel Fisher, and Robert Gouger, who navigated the intricacies of the colonization process. Our narrative concludes with a teaser of the trials faced by founding individuals before leaving England, including the introduction of my ancestor, William Henry Neale. Join us on this fascinating historical journey as we continue to uncover the untold stories that shaped South Australia's origins. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered how your family's past could shape your identity today and our country’s future? Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through the annals of Australian history, unearthing long-hidden secrets and stories that have remained shrouded in mystery for generations.  As amateurs in genealogy and history, we, Peter and Greg, have taken on the challenging task of tracing our family roots using tools like Ancestry.com and Trove to uncover our ancestors' tales.  From their arrival in Australia between 1820s and 1870s to their roles in pivotal historical moments like the Black War in Tasmania and the Gold Rushes, their stories are woven into the fabric of the nation’s development.This podcast is more than just a history lesson; it's a vibrant tapestry of personal anecdotes and historical narratives.  We delve into the triumphs and challenges faced by our forebears, including the stories of resilience during the Great Depression and the groundbreaking achievements such as of Australia’s first registered female architect.  Listen as we reflect on how these stories continue to shape our identities and communities and join us as we bring the past to life with humour, insight, and a few unexpected twists. Whether you’re a history buff or simply love a good yarn, there’s something here for everyone. Tune in and discover the legacy of our ancestors in a way you’ve never heard before.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailOver the past 170 years, the story of the Mark’s Murders has been told to Australians in greatly different ways, depending on the era.  At the time, the murders were recorded in detail in official records.  At that time, all Aboriginal people were known individually by name.  Soon after the murders, a newspaper report falsely claimed that James Mark’s son was roasted alive and eaten by cannibals.  This salacious report was perpetuated for the next 100-plus years during the period when ‘white triumphalism’ was taught in schools.  In the last 40 years, ‘conflict studies’ have told the story from both sides but have been accused of exaggerating the number of Aboriginal deaths. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailThe fate of James Mark after his murderous spree on the McIntyre has never been investigated.  We have found that he initially went to the Dawson River valley where he took up three runs which he subsequently sold at a good profit. He then bought Rosewood near Ipswich in Queensland and later moved to Emu Creek near Armidale in NSW.  Along the way, he had three wives and more children. He was in court frequently and served a month in gaol for assault on one of his daughter-in-law’s family.  Despite constant attendance at court, he was never arrested or tried for the murders in the McIntyre. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailAfter the murders by James Mark and the subsequent actions by the Native Police, the Bigambul people were never the same.  Many of the warrior men had been killed and they were excluded from their traditional water sources and hunting grounds.  Hunger and disease killed many.  On the other hand, Jonathan and Margaret Young prospered.  After a few more years on the McIntyre, they sold Umbercollie and lived the remainder of their lives in comfort in the Hunter.  John Watts went from stockman to politician. He used the murder of Mark’s son partly as justification of the continuation of the Native Police in Queensland.  Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailCommissioner Bligh was unable to achieve law and order on the McIntyre.  Partly at the instigation of Augustus Morris on Callandoon Station, the Native Police was formed under the command of Frederick Walker (a friend of Morris).  The Native Police were Aboriginal men under the command of European officers. Walker aggressively pursued “ring leaders” and “trouble makers” amongst the Bigambul.  Peace was achieved on the McIntyre but at the cost of many Aboriginal lives. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailFollowing the murders on Umbercollie, Commissioner Bligh visited the site, inspected the body of Bootha and took depositions. He knew who committed the murders and ordered his Border Police constables to arrest the gang. Some were arrested but not James Mark.  After more arrests, the subsequent court case was corrupted and no one was convicted of murder. James Mark was never arrested. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailFollowing the attack on Umbercollie, a series of tit-for-tat murders occurred.  Aboriginal women and children were murdered on Callandoon and Canning Creek Stations and then a bullock driver who was removing goods from James Mark’s station was murdered. However, there are some inconsistencies in some murders described in the Wallabadah Manuscript. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailIn mid-1847, James Mark and his family moved to Goodar station, about 45 km north-west of modern-day Goondiwindi. Soon after, the Bigambul murdered James’ son and mutilated his body.  James Mark put a gang of stockman together and they roamed the area attacking local Aboriginal people.  In June 1848, Mark’s gang attacked Aboriginal people on Umbercollie and murdered one woman. More murders followed. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailJohn Watts describes how James Mark’s son was murdered and mutilated by the Bigambul, the local Aboriginal people.  Following this, James Mark took revenge and, according to John Watts, he killed an innocent Aboriginal woman.  This episode investigates the early life of James Mark and how James and his family arrived in Australia and moved to the McIntyre. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailJonathan and Margaret Young lived on Umbercollie, a station near where James Mark’s son was murdered by the Bigambul.  Subsequently, many Aboriginal people were killed on their station.  Margaret kept a journal which, although flawed, is an invaluable record of the murders that occurred between 1847 and 1849.  This episode provides the background to Jonathan and Margaret prior to the first murder. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailThe Mark’s Murders occurred in 1847-49 around modern-day Goondiwindi and along the McIntyre River.  Squatters first reached the McIntyre in 1837 but many were forced out of the McIntyre due to fierce resistance by the Bigambul people.  This episode describes the different experiences of two early squatters on the McIntyre – Captain Scott and Tinker Campbell.  Their experiences provide context for the subsequent events that unfolded in 1847. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailThe Mark’s Murders can only be understood by knowing how inland Australia was occupied by the squatters.  This was based on terra nullius so no treaties are agreements were needed before the land was occupied by Europeans, known as squatters.  The story of squatting is told through the life of John Browne, who was the son of convicts but became a successful businessman in the Hunter Valley and claimed huge areas of land. Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.

Send us Fan MailIn 1901, John Watts, an early squatter and politician in Queensland, wrote his Personal Reminiscences. He writes just 700 words about another squatter – James Marks.  Watts says that Marks’ son was murdered and mutilated by the local Aboriginal people. In response, Marks vowed “vengeance against every black he came across”.  Watts says that Marks murdered an innocent Aboriginal woman and was indicted for murder, but he was never captured or convicted.  However, based on what we now know about early Queensland history, there may be more to this story.  This episode is the start of the search for the truth of the Mark’s Murders.Contact us at [email protected] or watch recent episodes on YouTube.