Close Shaves & Gems

Exploring Australia’s iconic early car history from 1948 to 1978. A brief, nostalgic tour of Holden’s early history in Australia, from the 48/215 through the classic models up to 1978. Mr Brown shares model milestones, memories of changing car technology, and briefly touches upon Holden’s racing culture. Sadly, the manufacturing of Holden cars ended in 2017.In this edition, we delve into the fascinating early history of the Holden car, a significant part of Australia's automotive heritage. Mr. Brown takes us on a journey that spans three decades of Holden cars, showcasing their evolution and impact on the Australian landscape. After 1978, the manufacturing of Holden cars continued for another 39 years until 2017. . The Birth of an Icon Mr. Brown shares the story of the first Holden model, the 48-215 series, which was launched in November 1948. With a production number of 120,402, this car marked a pivotal moment in the Australian automotive industry. It's informally known as the FX, named after its engine size of 215 cubic inches, which reflects the transitional period between British and metric measurement systems. In the autumn of 1946, a group of engineers and production men and their families left Detroit on a specially charted Canadian Pacific train to Vancouver... with them were three prototype cars built in America. A Historic Journey The journey of the Holden cars began with a significant expedition across the Pacific. As Mr. Brown recounts, engineers travelled to Australia with essential materials and prototypes. This ambitious project laid the groundwork for what would become a national treasure. As we explore the Holden collection, we appreciate not just the cars themselves, but the stories and efforts behind their creation. Each model represents a piece of history, reflecting the changing times and technological advancements. Reflections on the Legacy The Holden collection is more than just cars; it is a reflection of Australian identity and innovation. As we remember these iconic vehicles, we also acknowledge the engineers and visionaries who brought them to life. In 2017, following 68 years and 11 months of car manufacturing, General Motors ceased production of Holden cars and the very last Australian-made Holden, a red Commodore V8, rolled off the assembly line in Elizabeth, South Australia, on October 20, 2017. But that's another, longer story…---------------------------- Attribution: The HOLDEN Collection - Souvenir Edition by A.C. Bushby, published 1978.

Sit back and enjoy a sojourn through memory lane with an echo.

"I was staring straight into the eye of a great white shark""My heart nearly stopped, I paddled faster than ever""One moment I was chasing the perfect wave, the next I was dinner"In this episode, Mick shares a gripping real-life shark encounter from the NSW coast, recalling the moment a great white appeared just offshore and changed everything in an instant. What starts as a relaxed conversation quickly becomes a vivid story of survival, instinct, and the power of the ocean..

Growing up, we all have that one adventure that sticks with us; for me, it was a journey to Bathurst that I took at the age of 16. This blog post recounts my experience cycling to the famous Mount Panorama racing circuit, a trip filled with excitement, curiosity, and a few unexpected twists along the way.

The Journey Begins: Setting Out on My Bicycle

I remember waking up early one morning, filled with anticipation. Living in Katoomba, I had always heard stories about Bathurst's motor racing circuit. The thrill of seeing it firsthand was too enticing to resist. After gathering my courage, I hopped on my bicycle and set off on what would become an unforgettable adventure.

A Stop at the Pie Shop

As I pedaled along the winding roads, I made a pitstop at a local pie shop in Bowenfels. The owner was friendly, and I shared my destination with her. She wished me well and served me one of the best pies I’ve ever had, fueling me for the ride ahead. Little did I know, this would be just the first of many memorable interactions on my journey.

Reaching Mount Panorama

After numerous stops and a few miles later, I finally caught my first glimpse of Mount Panorama. The exhilaration was palpable as I cycled up the mountain. The winding roads of the circuit were breathtaking, and I felt a rush of adrenaline as I navigated through the twists and turns, imagining the roaring engines of race cars that would usually occupy the track. It was a surreal experience that left me speechless.

The Return Trip: An Unexpected Ride

On my way back, I encountered a sudden rain shower, which forced me to seek shelter. A kind stranger driving a utility truck offered to give me a lift, which I gratefully accepted. This act of kindness reminded me of the simple camaraderie that existed back in the early 1960s. After a brief chat, I was dropped off, and I continued my journey home, reflecting on what a wonderful day it had been.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Ride

That day, I cycled over a hundred kilometers, and it wasn't just about reaching Bathurst; it was about the experiences along the way. I returned home tired but elated, ready to share my story with friends at the fellowship meeting that night. My adventure to Bathurst taught me that sometimes, the journey itself is just as important as the destination.

Key Takeaways

- Adventure Awaits: Don't hesitate to explore. You never know what amazing experiences lie ahead.

- Kindness Matters: Small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone's day.

- Cherish the Journey: Life is about the moments we create along the way, not just the places we go.

In this compelling episode, Evan chats with Lorraine, who shares her extraordinary story of surviving a catastrophic car accident, defying medical predictions and transforming her life through resilience, determination and hope. Her journey from trauma to recovery will inspire anyone facing life's challenges.

• Lorraine describes her early life, including her careers and athletic pursuits (0:33)

• Insights into her accident: what happened, the rescue operation and immediate aftermath (7:18)

• Her experiences in hospital: coma, brain injury, surgeries and medical procedures (8:48)

• Conversations with medical professionals who treated her (15:04)

• Reflections on societal attitudes towards injury and disability (21:22)

• Her journey to walk again: the challenges, muscle re-learning and rebuilding her body (23:22)

• How she successfully taught herself to walk and move on her own (24:12)

• Personal life updates: raising her children and inspiring her son to become a paramedic (41:27)

• Final thoughts on resilience, hope and life after trauma (42:02)

In this conversation, Che shares his incredible journey from being an industrial abseiler to surviving a life-altering accident. He discusses his passion for rock climbing, the thrill of adventure and close calls with nature. Che reflects on the trauma of the accident, the challenges of recovery and how he transformed this trial into purpose by working in the prosthetics industry. His story is one of resilience and the power of personal growth through adversity. Che has turned a life-changing challenge into triumph and unstoppable forward motion.

In this conversation, Che shares his incredible journey from being an industrial abseiler to surviving a life-altering accident. He discusses his passion for rock climbing, the thrill of adventure and close calls with nature. Che reflects on the trauma of the accident, the challenges of recovery and how he transformed this trial into purpose by working in the prosthetics industry. His story is one of resilience and the power of personal growth through adversity. Che has turned a life-changing challenge into triumph and unstoppable forward motion.