Celebrating 52 weeks of our Norfolk Island Sound Heritage - 

After an incredible journey spanning an entire year, I’ve now reached the end of Season 1.

What began as a simple idea has blossomed into 52 extraordinary episodes where we've explored countless topics, shared old audios from my archival collection, and created a library of conversations that I hope will continue to provide curiosity, intrigue and inspiration, long after today.

Each week brought something new—and whilst creating each individual episode there would consistently be unexpected insights that seemed to connect and weaved together a capturing of the beauty of sound in voice and song, with moments of laughter and also tears, as well as profound reflections to share with you all about who we are as people and community, here on Norfolk Island.
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I hope I’ve been able to create episodes that aren't just standard recordings—but that they can be almost like time capsules of historical & heritage facts and events, emotions and points of view, and descriptive experiences that will remain available in this Podcast Series - Season 1 - for you to revisit whenever you need them.

I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to those who have listened - whether during during morning commutes, on weekend walks, whilst cooking dinner, or perhaps during those quiet moments when you needed inspiration or a reminder of ‘home’.

To those who discovered us along the way and decided to stay—thank you for giving us a chance and listening to our community. To the casual listeners who dipped in and out, choosing episodes that resonated with your interests—I appreciate your precious time within this busy world of ours. And to those who are just finding us now, welcome! You have 52 incredible episodes waiting for you to explore.

To wind up, I’d like to share a compilation of sound-bytes and snippets as a tribute collective randomly selected from across the 52 episodes.

AUDIO >>>

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of my sponsor, Baunti Tours and the team who believed in my vision from the very beginning. Their sponsorship allowed creators like me to focus each week on quality rather than quantity, to be able to support and yet also respect that each episode content ownership remains my own, as I’ve been able to concentrate on  authenticity rather than just algorithms.

Whilst this marks the end of Season 1, your journey through my content library is far from over. I encourage you—whether you're a long-time listener or just discovering this Untold Norfolk Island Travel Podcast—to explore the full collection of 52 episodes. 

Each one stands on its own as a complete experience, offering insights, layers of understanding about our way of life on the island, how we do things and who we are as a people and community.

Think of this collection as a resource you can return to whenever you need inspiration, a deeper understanding, or simply good company. These 52 episodes represent countless hours of preparation, recording, and editing—all designed to provide lasting value. They're not time-sensitive content that loses relevance; they're timeless conversations that can enrich your life whenever you choose to listen.

And from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for your time, your attention, your feedback, and your unwavering support. 

Whilst I’m saying goodbye for now, the conversations we've shared will continue to live on, ready to welcome new listeners and hopefully continue to enrich returni

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Our Norf'k language as spoken in 1957 - 

In a couple of my earlier podcast episodes, I have shared some of the recordings as captured in 1957, by linguist and fieldworker, Elwyn Flint from the University of Queensland. His visit to the island involved his capturing in sound recordings some of the first in-depth documentation into the Norf’k language.

Upon delving into the old typewritten copies of his journals, there was a list which highlighted 17 dialogues which he recorded on the island. Within my own collection, I had been gifted a copy of 10 of these, and I always wondered where the others that seemed to be missing were filed? The ten audios I had, were transposed from a record to digital format. And I would wonder, perhaps there had been another record copy which has been lost to time?

So, it was to my absolute delight, that this week, whilst re-filing and cataloguing old audio tracks, that I came across a file randomly named in numbers. I exported this file into my sound program to listen to the track. And now, I can share this with you all - the other dialogues which had been missing from Flint’s collection we have on hand!

Life for children on Norfolk Island during the 1950s was a remarkable blend of freedom, adventure, and tight-knit community spirit. Far removed from bustling cities, young islanders enjoyed a childhood defined by the rhythms of nature and the warmth of tradition. The island's rugged beauty became their playground, where every rock pool, every stretch of sand, and every winding forest track held the promise of adventure and discovery.

Norfolk Island’s geographic isolation often fosters self-reliance and creativity amongst our youngest residents. Particularly during the eras without television or modern distractions, children crafted their own entertainment from the abundant natural resources surrounding them.

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A tribute to historians of Norfolk Island's penal colonies - 

Norfolk Island stands as one of the most significant penal settlements in the British Empire's history. The stories of those who endured transportation, forced labour, and brutal punishment might have been lost to time were it not for the dedicated historians who committed themselves to documenting, preserving, and interpreting this complex colonial heritage. 

These past historians who dedicated their love of history to the documentation of Norfolk Island's penal heritage often faced numerous challenges. Primary sources were often fragmentary, biased towards administrative perspectives, and silent on the experiences of convicts themselves. Many records were lost, destroyed, or never created in the first place. Yet through creative methodologies—cross-referencing multiple sources, reading against the grain of official documents, and incorporating archaeological and oral evidence—these historians have contributed to our archival collection showcasing the many remarkably rich accounts of our remote Norfolk Island penal outpost. 

In this episode it is with thanks and appreciation again to the late John Anderson for the audio track segments from his 1980s film production on the island, and we pay tribute and gratitude to those past historians, Gil Hitch, Les Brown, Robert Varnam and Merval Hoare.

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History, heritage & conservation - an audio lens! - 

In the 1980s, filmmaker John Anderson embarked on a remarkable endeavour to document Norfolk Island's rich tapestry of history, conservation, and heritage through the emerging medium of documentary film. Working with limited resources but boundless vision, John recognised that our remote South Pacific island held stories that deserved preservation and sharing with the wider world.

These pioneering films which he would show to visitors at his Cascade Hall venue captured the island's raw charm and unique cultural narratives, meticulously preserving stories of its early discover, convict past, Pitcairner settlement, and the delicate balance of its natural environment. John’s films revealed a place where history lived and breathed in every weathered stone and windswept Norfolk pine.

AUDIO>>> I would like to share now, a compilation of a collection of audio snippets from filmmaker, the late John Anderson in the 1980s.

These audios from John Anderson’s films are a treasure within my sound heritage collection which reveals the many hidden layers of Norfolk Island's people and place, beyond its scenic beauty.

John’s early visual storytelling helped lay a foundation for a heritage focus within tourism and demonstrated that even though we are small & isolated here on the island, our narratives are very much worth preserving and sharing.

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Voices of 1970 in speech and song -

In the late 1960s, when the world was changing rapidly around them, one visionary man on Norfolk Island recognised that something precious was slipping away. Armed with pioneering sound recording equipment—a rarity in those days and costly to acquire for such a remote location—he embarked on a mission that would prove invaluable to future generations. John Anderson had moved to Norfolk Island when he was 12 years old with his parents.  Over the years, he not only had a passion for electronics, radios, film, aviation and the island’s natural history. He understood that the voices of Norfolk Island's elders carried within them the very soul of the island: stories of survival, tradition, and community life that had been passed down through generations of Pitcairners who arrived on the island and the next generations of Norfolk Islanders.

AUDIO >> have a listen now to his interview with Brad Adams and Alex Carr in 1970.

These precious recordings by John Anderson, have now found a new life in the digital age of today. His personal mission to document Norfolk Island's heritage has now allowed me to share this recording and allows for a personal glimpse into the daily rhythms of island life of the early islanders.

The transformation from analogue tape to digital podcast represents more than technological progress—it's a bridge across generations. Visitors to Norfolk Island can now prepare for their journey by listening to the actual voices of those who lived through the island's most formative years, understanding not just what happened, but how it felt to live through those times.

AUDIO >>> Have a listen now to the full recording of our hymn, Gethsemane as captured by John Anderson at a Methodist Church service in 1969.

These voices from the past can help to illuminate the present, gifting an understanding for visitors to the island that our Norfolk Island isn't just a destination—it's a living museum where every sunset carries the whispers of generations who call this tiny speck in the Pacific their home.

Today, as you explore Norfolk Island's dramatic coastlines and historic sites, I hope that this podcast series serves as an invisible guide, enriching every experience with the depth of understanding that only comes from hearing history told in the voices of those who lived it. 

This preservation in sound recordings ensures that the spirit of Norfolk Island—resilient, community-minded, and deeply connected to place—continues to resonate with each new generation of visitors who discover our extraordinary corner of the world.

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Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) & stewardship - 

 Step into a world where heritage conservation meets hands-on craftsmanship and where the reverence for traditional tools and hand-worked mastery defined every restoration project in KAVHA. 

This KAVHA area is deeply seeped in a layered history—from early Polynesian occupation and navigation pathways, through successive British colonial architecture, to the traditions and way of life of the Pitcairn Islanders who arrived in 1856. 

Each era has left tangible evidence that requires careful conservation. 

This site encompasses a remarkable coastal lowland and bay with fringing reef on our Norfolk Island's southern foreshore. The site's recognition spans multiple heritage registers, culminating in its 2010 World Heritage inscription.

Our harsh Pacific environment poses continuous challenges with the salt spray, tropical storms, and natural weathering which demand ongoing conservation efforts using traditional materials and techniques.

AUDIO >> The late Puss Anderson held the role of Restoration Works Manager for 35 years until his retirement in 2010, and he was instrumental in developing this area. Puss was devoted to KAVHA and he was often sought out for his wealth of historical information and colourful stories. He was dedicated to his team of men who worked with him and their outstanding achievements of which he was justifiably proud. 

Working at KAVHA has been described like stepping into a treasure trove of discovery. Every restoration project could reveal new archaeological evidence—forgotten tools and artefacts, construction techniques, or building materials that tell stories of the craftsmen who came before. 

Heritage archaeologists who oversee excavation works with meticulous care, ensure that each discovery is treated with the respect and reverence it deserves, recognising that these finds connect today's tradesmen to centuries of skilled craftsmanship.

Cyclical maintenance represents a most crucial aspect of heritage conservation at KAVHA guiding regular, systematic care that prevents small problems from becoming major structural issues and understanding each building's unique characteristics, our seasonal behaviour, and vulnerability patterns. 

The significance of respectful conservation becomes immediately apparent as visitors explore the Commissariat Store, the Military Barracks, and the exquisite Government House. Each building tells its own story through well-preserved historical spaces which evoke powerful emotional responses, helping visitors to understand the human stories behind the stones and to develop deeper appreciation for the complex narratives embedded within Norfolk Island's heritage landscape.

The ongoing commitment to respectful restoration and maintenance of KAVHA's Georgian buildings represents more than preservation—it constitutes an act of cultural stewardship that honours both the architects and builders of the past and the visitors of the future. Through dedicated conservation efforts, these remarkable structures can continue to serve their highest purpose: inspiring wonder, fostering understanding, and creating meaningful connections between contemporary visitors and the profound historical narratives that shaped the Pacific region. Every restored building becomes a bridge across time, ensuring that Norfolk Island's extraordinary heritage remains accessible, authentic, and deeply moving for generations of heritage visitors yet to come.

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Norfolk Porpay Jelly & a Jam! - 

What is porpay?

Seasonally, Norfolk bestows a delicious gift, the red guava fruit. They grow in thickets in many parts of the island.  We call them "porpay" in the Norf’k language and they grow wild here.

To look at, the porpay grow about as round as a ten cent piece, and when they are ripe they are a very deep, dark burgundy colour and they have a glorious taste, something like a cross between a cherry and a sweet lemon. 

AUDIO>> In the warmth of her home kitchen, Ruth McCoy shares with us how she makes porpay jelly with all the delightful sonic ambience of gentle bubbling of fruit and sugar on the stove and the cooking preparation sounds as captured with my audio recorder. 

Highlighting how much we love our porpay, a local singing group have chosen to call themselves the 'Porpieh Jam’. It’s far more  than a clever name—they have forged a perfect circle connecting music, our Norf’k language, food, and community spirit. Their choice of name for their performance group represents the deep understanding that traditions are not compartmentalised into separate components, but are interweaved through all aspects of daily life, connecting the songs we sing to the food we prepare, to the language we speak and to the gifts that we share.

AUDIO>>> Have a listen now… to the local singing group ‘Porpieh Jam’

When guava season arrives on Norfolk Island, kitchens across our whole community come alive with purposeful activity. Each jar of porpay jelly represents hours of careful attention, but more importantly, it embodies the spirit of generosity that defines island life.

Jars of porpay jelly are tokens of affection and gratitude strengthening the social fabric that holds small communities together.

This practice of gifting transcends simple neighbourly kindness—it highlights our community networks of reciprocity and mutual support that are essential to our island life. When someone receives a jar of lovingly made porpay jelly, this jelly serves as a delicious reminder that some of the most valuable things in life cannot be purchased; they must be cultivated through patience, shared through generosity, and received with gratitude.

In a world increasingly dominated by digital connections, the simple act of making and sharing homemade jam represents a return to authentic human values. It reminds us that true wealth lies in the relationships we nurture, the traditions we honour, and the care we show for those around us.

We look forward to welcoming you to the island!

Thanks so much for joining me this week!

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The Pitcairn-Norfolk connection - 

Nestled in the vast expanse of the South Pacific, two remarkable islands share extraordinary histories whilst maintaining their own unique identities. Norfolk Island and Pitcairn Island, separated by thousands of kilometres of ocean, tell stories of human perseverance in some of the world's most remote locations, where small communities have carved out distinctive ways of life..

As a comparative, Norfolk Island is located approximately 1,600 kilometres east of Australia, and spans 35 square kilometres. Pitcairn Island sits approximately 2,000 kilometres southeast of Tahiti, and is a 4.6-square-kilometre volcanic outcrop that today, supports one of the world's smallest populations—just 47 residents as of recent counts. 

In this episode I’d like to share a very special interview with Tom Christian from Pitcairn Island who visited in Norfolk Island in 1986.

At just 17 years old, Tom's eyes were opened to the magical world of shortwave radio, sparking a passion that would define his life's work. His dedication extended far beyond his official duties as Chief Radio Officer on Pitcairn Island, as he became the island's primary link to the outside world, relaying messages, coordinating supply deliveries, and sharing news with ham radio operators worldwide. 

His 1986 visit to Norfolk Island created a special connection between the islands, strengthening bonds forged by our shared Bounty heritage. Have a listen now to Tom as interviewed by Kathy Lecren.

You have also just heard a recording of ‘In the Sweet by & By” as captured by Colleen Crane in 2013 when she visited Pitcairn.

It was in 2013 that Tom Christian passed away on Pitcairn Island. He was renown as ‘the voice of Pitcairn’. 

Norfolk Island and Pitcairn Island, separated by over 6,000 kilometres of churning ocean waters, share bonds that transcend geographical distance—connections forged through shared ancestry, common struggles, and an enduring sense of kinship.

In 1856 when the entire Pitcairn population relocated to Norfolk Island, it was during the years of 1859-1864 that some families returned to Pitcairn Island.

Historical migration is what anthropologists describe as a "transnational kinship network”—whereby families literally split between two islands, maintained connections across thousands of kilometres of ocean. 

Linguists have documented how certain phrases and expressions of the Pitcairnese and Norf’k language have evolved differently on each island but that  communicative bonds have been preserved and reminds us that distance, however vast, cannot sever the bonds of shared history and family connection.

Thanks so much for joining me this week!

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Norfolk Island's Centenarian Legacy - 

 Since the arrival of the Pitcairners in 1856, Norfolk Island has celebrated seven residents who reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years. Unlike many modern societies where the elderly are sometimes marginalised, Norfolk Island continues to value and honour its older people in meaningful ways.

When someone reaches their centenary on Norfolk Island, the community acknowledges this extraordinary milestone in a special way that both celebrates the individual and enriches the island. One hundred plants are established somewhere on the island in their honour, creating living memorials that transform the landscape and provide visitors with unexpected discoveries of beauty and history.

Finding these commemorative plantings—whether along an avenue, at a scenic lookout, or in a garden—offers visitors a meaningful way to explore the island while connecting with its living history. Each collection of 100 plants tells a story not just of longevity, but of a community that honours its elders through sustainable, growing tributes that become increasingly beautiful with the passage of time.

Jemima Robinson, affectionately known as 'Aunt Jemima', holds the distinction of being Norfolk Island's first documented centenarian. When she turned 100 on 13 September 1970, a tradition was born that would honour all of Norfolk's future centenarians. In her memory, 100 Norfolk Island pines were planted along Country Road towards Kingston, near Watermill dam.

A teacher by training, a mother by vocation, with a beautiful singing voice, Aunt Jemima raised eight children, and exemplified the strong, resourceful character that is common amongst Norfolk's elders.

One story that captures Aunt Jemima's determination involves an occasion when, needing to deliver an urgent message to her husband Enoch (thought to be on Phillip Island), she placed her children in a boat and personally rowed across the challenging 6½ kilometre channel. Finding he wasn't there, she simply rowed back - a remarkable feat of strength and determination.

In an extraordinary family pattern of longevity, one of Norfolk Island's most recent centenarians was none other than the daughter of its first. Sylvia Esther Nobbs, known affectionately as 'Girlie', was Aunt Jemima's sixth child. Born on 18 March 1910, Girlie carried forward her mother's legacy of longevity, reaching her own 100th birthday in March 2010.

An enthusiastic gardener and sportswoman, Girlie maintained an active lifestyle well into her advanced years. Many recall seeing her zipping down Taylor's Road in her car almost until she reached her milestone 100th birthday—a testament to her independent spirit and vitality. 

A common thread running through the lives of Norfolk's centenarians suggests a lifestyle full of physical activity, meaningful social connections, purposeful daily activities, and a positive outlook. From Aunt Jemima's remarkable rowing expedition to Girlie's enthusiastic gardening well into her 90s, these centenarians maintained active lifestyles throughout their lives.

Our other centenarians: Charlotte ‘Mum’ Bailey, Ruby Matthews, Gordina Beveridge, Hazel Martin and Ralph Weslake.

Our social infrastructure on the island—where older people remain valued, included, and respected—may well contribute to the psychological wellbeing that supports longevity.

Rather than viewing advanced age as a private milestone, Norfolk Island celebrates it as a community achievement worthy of public recognition and lasting tribute. 

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The Pitcairn Register - 

The Pitcairn Register stands as a most significant historical document for the people of Norfolk Island, representing our unique heritage. Created by John Buffett on Pitcairn Island in the early 19th century, this meticulous record chronicles the births, deaths, and marriages of the community from January 1790 until 1854.

Here, on Norfolk Island as we prepare to celebrate next year in 2026, the 170th anniversary of the Pitcairn Islanders' relocation, an ambitious fundraising campaign is underway to bring this treasured register home from the Royal Museums Greenwich in England. This initiative was instigated by Merv Buffett and Clare McPherson on Norfolk Island.

John Buffett, who arrived on Pitcairn in 1823 was not a mutineer himself but became an integral part of the island's legacy as he  began the painstaking work of documenting the island's demographics. The Register he created was not merely a bureaucratic document but a conscious effort to preserve the identity of a unique society that had emerged from extraordinary circumstances.

What makes the Register particularly remarkable is that it records not just the European mutineers but equally documents the Polynesian women and together, their children.

For the descendants of the Pitcairn Islanders now living on Norfolk Island, the Register represents far more than a historical curiosity. It serves as a tangible connection to our origins and a foundation document for our unique cultural identity.

As a living legacy, the Register embodies the remarkable story of cultural resilience. It charts how a community born from dramatic circumstances—mutiny, flight, and the meeting of different worlds—managed to forge a stable society with its own distinctive identity.

The Norfolk Island Museum Trust's campaign to temporarily bring the Pitcairn Register from the Royal Museums Greenwich represents a significant cultural moment. Planned as the centerpiece of celebrations marking the 170th anniversary of the Pitcairn community's relocation to Norfolk Island on 8 June 1856, the exhibition promises to be much more than a simple display of a historical document.

AUDIO >>Have a listen now to Norfolk Islander, Pauline Reynolds as Chair of the Norfolk Island Museum Trust

For visitors to Norfolk Island in 2026, the exhibition of the Pitcairn Register offers a rare opportunity to engage with a remarkable chapter of Pacific history.

Visitors may be drawn to the human drama behind the Register—a tale of mutiny, survival, and the founding of a new society that can often read like an adventure novel but in actual fact, is documented with remarkable precision.

The opportunity for visitors to meet descendants of the families recorded in the Register while visiting Norfolk Island creates a living connection to history that few tourist destinations can offer—history that walks and talks among our visitors.

Beyond historical interest, many visitors find themselves reflecting on broader themes that resonate in our contemporary world: how communities forge identities, the importance of keeping accurate records for future generations, and how small, isolated groups maintain cohesion and purpose. In an age of digital records and globalization, the handwritten Pitcairn Register stands as a powerful reminder of how historical documentation helps communities stand strong, understand themselves and preserve their unique ancestry across generations.

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email: [email protected]

phone: (International +6723) 23693
To call from Australia: (02) 91368062