What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon?

The Cowra Breakout. 

The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human experience in times of war, offering insights into the psychological, social, and political dynamics that shape such events.

By delving into the motivations, actions, and consequences of both the prisoners and their captors, the Cowra Breakout invites deeper reflection on themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring quest for freedom. In a world still grappling with the scars of war, the Cowra Breakout stands as a reminder of the enduring pursuit of dignity and liberty amidst adversity.

Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the cause of the breakout, and link the event to 4 different events already covered (with more to come!)

Sources used: 

• 900 Jap Prisoners Mutiny | The Daily News | 8 Sep 1944 | Page 1 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/78522978
• Banzai Charge at Cowra | History.net | https://www.historynet.com/banzai-charge-at-cowra/
• Blankets on the Wire (2006), Steven Bullard, Australian War Memorial, ISBN: 9780975190470
• Cowra breakout, 1944 | National Archives of Australia | https://www.naa.gov.au/help-your-research/fact-sheets/cowra-breakout-1944
• Cowra Camp. Prisoners of war-Japanese escapees. Prime Minister's statement and diary entries | Nathional Archives of Australia | NAA: SP112/1, M 57 Page 14 of 17 1944 https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=267552&S=14&N=17&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=267552&T=P&S=14
• Cowra prisoner of war breakout remembered | Max Blenkin | 4 Aug 2019 | https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/6308887/cowra-prisoner-of-war-breakout-remembered/
• FEATURES: The night the sky was glowing red | The Canberra Times | 9 Jul 1994 | Page 42 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/118189979
• Japanese prisoner of war's ashes recovered in historic, emotional repatriation | Hannah Sinclair | SBS | 12 Sep 2015 | https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/japanese-prisoner-of-wars-ashes-recovered-in-historic-emotional-repatriation/jqswk5qck
• Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45 Prisoners of War | W. Wynne Mason 1954 | Victoria University of Wellington | https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Pris-_N95664.html
• Prisoners Of War Break From Camp At Cowra | The Sun | 5 Aug 1944 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231692065
• Prisoners of war break from camp at cowra | The Sun | 5 Aug 1944 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231692065
• The Bugle and the Breakout | Claire Hunter | Australian War Memorial | 30 Jul 2019 | https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/the-bugle-and-the-breakout
• The Cowra Breakout (2002), Mat McLachlan, Hachette Australia, ISBN: 9780733647628
• War prisoners escape from camp | The Daily Telegraph | 6 Aug 1944 | Page 1 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/247871178

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What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon?

The Cowra Breakout. 

The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human experience in times of war, offering insights into the psychological, social, and political dynamics that shape such events.

By delving into the motivations, actions, and consequences of both the prisoners and their captors, the Cowra Breakout invites deeper reflection on themes of resilience, identity, and the enduring quest for freedom. In a world still grappling with the scars of war, the Cowra Breakout stands as a reminder of the enduring pursuit of dignity and liberty amidst adversity.

Join Holly & Matthew as they look into the cause of the breakout, and link the event to 4 different events already covered (with more to come!)

Sources used: 

• 900 Jap Prisoners Mutiny | The Daily News | 8 Sep 1944 | Page 1 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/78522978
• Banzai Charge at Cowra | History.net | https://www.historynet.com/banzai-charge-at-cowra/
• Blankets on the Wire (2006), Steven Bullard, Australian War Memorial, ISBN: 9780975190470
• Cowra breakout, 1944 | National Archives of Australia | https://www.naa.gov.au/help-your-research/fact-sheets/cowra-breakout-1944
• Cowra Camp. Prisoners of war-Japanese escapees. Prime Minister's statement and diary entries | Nathional Archives of Australia | NAA: SP112/1, M 57 Page 14 of 17 1944 https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=267552&S=14&N=17&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=267552&T=P&S=14
• Cowra prisoner of war breakout remembered | Max Blenkin | 4 Aug 2019 | https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/6308887/cowra-prisoner-of-war-breakout-remembered/
• FEATURES: The night the sky was glowing red | The Canberra Times | 9 Jul 1994 | Page 42 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/118189979
• Japanese prisoner of war's ashes recovered in historic, emotional repatriation | Hannah Sinclair | SBS | 12 Sep 2015 | https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/japanese-prisoner-of-wars-ashes-recovered-in-historic-emotional-repatriation/jqswk5qck
• Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45 Prisoners of War | W. Wynne Mason 1954 | Victoria University of Wellington | https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-WH2Pris-_N95664.html
• Prisoners Of War Break From Camp At Cowra | The Sun | 5 Aug 1944 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231692065
• Prisoners of war break from camp at cowra | The Sun | 5 Aug 1944 | Page 3 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231692065
• The Bugle and the Breakout | Claire Hunter | Australian War Memorial | 30 Jul 2019 | https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/the-bugle-and-the-breakout
• The Cowra Breakout (2002), Mat McLachlan, Hachette Australia, ISBN: 9780733647628
• War prisoners escape from camp | The Daily Telegraph | 6 Aug 1944 | Page 1 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/247871178

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The Big Pineapple in Queensland, Australia, isn't just a landmark—it's a hub for agri-tourism. Standing tall at sixteen meters, it represents the region's pineapple industry, offering educational tours and entertainment. Through farmer's markets and festivals, it promotes agrarian experiences, enriching visitors' understanding of rural life. Seamlessly blending entertainment with education, the Big Pineapple sustains cultural significance while boosting the local economy.

Join Holly & Matthew as they travel back in time to when this spikey hell-plant was considered a treat, and when people would literally travel for days to see a 16ft tall one.

Sources used: 

• Australian Pineapples: History | Hort Innovation | 2017 | https://web.archive.org/web/20220625011401/https://australianpineapples.com.au/about-2/history-2/
• Big Pineapple owners plan revamp of Queensland's iconic tourist attraction | ABC Sunshine Coast | Bruce Atkinson, Annie Gaffney | 27 Jan 2017 | https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-27/big-pineapple-owners-plan-revamp-of-tourist-attraction/8218384
• Midnight Oil rock through the rain at Big Pineapple| Scronin | Courier Mail | 15 Oct 2017 | https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/mackay/midnight-oil-rock-through-the-rain-at-big-pineapple/news-story/ee1505ef9489f2a39321b64ad5daab09#/0
• Queensland heritage register, Queensland government “The Big Pineapple (former Sunshine Plantation” |2009 | https://apps.des.qld.gov.au/heritage-register/detail/?id=602694
• Queensland's First Pineapples Were Grown As Curiosities | The Courier-Mail | Wed 29 Mar 1950 | Page 2 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/49719326
• The Big Pineapple | Noosa News | 19 Aug 1971 | Page 10 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/260496486
• Tourist Promotion Plan | Noosa News | 1 Apr 1971 | Page 4 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/260495709

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The "Dumb Ways to Die" campaign launched in November 2012 by Metro Trains in Melbourne, and by the end of next year, it cemented itself as a legendary advertising campaign. Its viral success not only promoted railway safety, but also earned international acclaim for its creative approach, becoming an iconic example of effective public service announcements and a billion parodies.

Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into its viral success and profound impact on public awareness, illuminating the intersection of creativity and public safety advocacy in contemporary advertising discourse.

Sources Used: 

• “The dumbest way to die is without life insurance”; Empire Life launches new advertising campaign | Empire Life | 29 May 2014 | https://web.archive.org/web/20160805152152/http://www.empire.ca/consumer/about-us/news/news-archive-2014/2014-05-29/en/
• Campaign of the Week: Dumb Ways To Die | Robert Allen | 28 Sep 2018 | https://www.smartinsights.com/digital-marketing-strategy/campaign-of-the-week-dumb-ways-to-die/
• CASE STUDY: Dumb Ways To Die | Michael Cray |24 Jan 2022 | https://smithbrothersmedia.com.au/get-smarter/case-study-dumb-ways-to-die/
• Culture, Learning and Risk | Human Dymensions Quarterly Newsletter | Jun 2017 | https://spor.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/June-2017-compressed.pdf
• Dumb Ways To Die and A Strange Sense of Success | Dr Rob Long | 30 Nov 2016 | Safety Risk | https://web.archive.org/web/20170708111545/https://www.safetyrisk.com.au/dumb-ways-to-die-and-a-strange-sense-of-success/
• Dumb Ways to Die viral ‘leads to 20% drop in dumb behaviour at Melbourne train stations’ | 8 Feb 2013| Robin Hicks | https://mumbrella.com.au/dumb-ways-to-die-viral-leads-to-20-drop-in-dumb-behaviour-at-melbourne-train-stations-138464
• Jewish voice goes viral | Australian Jewish News | 30 Nov 2012 | Tamna Jacks | Page 9 | https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-2945979029/view
• Lebedev's blog post was blocked for a clip about stupid methods of suicide | 5 Feb 2013 | Lenta.ru | http://lenta.ru/news/2013/02/05/dumbwaystoblacklist/
• Quirky 'Dumb Ways to Die' campaign sweeps advertising awards | Reuters | 24 Jun 2013 | https://www.reuters.com/article/us-australia-advertising-die-idUSBRE95N03L20130624/

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The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practices, emphasizing the crucial importance of effective communication and safety protocols in maritime operations and the inherent risks involved.


Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the aftermath, where reforms sparked by a Royal Commission reshaped naval protocols.

Sources used:

• ‘The lucky ones died that night’: lies, survivor guilt and the Voyager disaster | Amanda Gearing | 7 Apr 2018 | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/apr/07/the-lucky-ones-died-that-night-lies-survivor-guilt-and-the-voyager-disaster
• 3 Victims Of H.M.A.S. Voyager Sinking Buried | The Canberra Times | 15 Feb 1964 | Page 10 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131744045
• Australia’s Worst Disasters, Malcolm Brown HMAS Voyager (II) | Royal Australian Navy | https://seapower.navy.gov.au/hmas-voyager-ii
• Question: Voyager | Edward St John | House of Reps | 16 Jun 1967 | https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/genpdf/hansard80/hansardr80/1967-05-16/0057/hansard_frag.pdf
• Royal Commission Continues | Navy News | 15 May 1964 | Page 9 | https://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Navy_News-May-15-1964_0.pdf
• Spicer Inquiry, Report of Royal Commissioner on loss of H.M.A.S. "Voyager" : Melbourne | 13 Aug 1964 | Page 38 | https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-492969559/
• Survivors Tell Grim Stories | The Canberra Times | Wed 12 Feb 1964 | Page 6 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131743406
• Voyager disaster: 'The coxswain said "Sorry lads, we're done for" and sang Abide With Me' | Amanda Gearing | The Guardian | 9 Feb 2018 | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/09/i-was-last-out-seaman-relives-dramatic-escape-from-australias-naval-disaster
• Voyager Royal Commission —43rd. Day 14 Possible Causes of Collision Listed | The Canberra Times | 12 Jun 1964 | Page 8 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105765709

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practices, emphasizing the crucial importance of effective communication and safety protocols in maritime operations and the inherent risks involved.


Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the aftermath, where reforms sparked by a Royal Commission reshaped naval protocols.

Sources used:

• ‘The lucky ones died that night’: lies, survivor guilt and the Voyager disaster | Amanda Gearing | 7 Apr 2018 | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/apr/07/the-lucky-ones-died-that-night-lies-survivor-guilt-and-the-voyager-disaster
• 3 Victims Of H.M.A.S. Voyager Sinking Buried | The Canberra Times | 15 Feb 1964 | Page 10 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131744045
• Australia’s Worst Disasters, Malcolm Brown HMAS Voyager (II) | Royal Australian Navy | https://seapower.navy.gov.au/hmas-voyager-ii
• Question: Voyager | Edward St John | House of Reps | 16 Jun 1967 | https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/genpdf/hansard80/hansardr80/1967-05-16/0057/hansard_frag.pdf
• Royal Commission Continues | Navy News | 15 May 1964 | Page 9 | https://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Navy_News-May-15-1964_0.pdf
• Spicer Inquiry, Report of Royal Commissioner on loss of H.M.A.S. "Voyager" : Melbourne | 13 Aug 1964 | Page 38 | https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-492969559/
• Survivors Tell Grim Stories | The Canberra Times | Wed 12 Feb 1964 | Page 6 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/131743406
• Voyager disaster: 'The coxswain said "Sorry lads, we're done for" and sang Abide With Me' | Amanda Gearing | The Guardian | 9 Feb 2018 | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/feb/09/i-was-last-out-seaman-relives-dramatic-escape-from-australias-naval-disaster
• Voyager Royal Commission —43rd. Day 14 Possible Causes of Collision Listed | The Canberra Times | 12 Jun 1964 | Page 8 | https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105765709

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Join Holly & Matthew for our traditional 100-episode celebration! This round, we're publishing an interview previously only seen on Patreon, and answering fan questions!

Thanks for all your support, guys, we love you all!

Head over to this episode of the Dingo Ate My Movie podcast to hear Matthew reminisce about the Australian cult classic, Stone.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Discover the tale of Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle, and Sam Sawnoff as they guard their magical dessert against the devious schemes of Possum and Wombat. Explore the themes of friendship and greed in this beloved Australian classic. Get ready for a delightful journey filled with laughter, adventure, and a pudding that's more than meets the eye!


In this episode, join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the whimsical world of "The Magic Pudding" by Norman Lindsay, his lurid past, and the book's legacy.

***

For the uncut version with an extra 5 minutes of episode, subscribe to our Patreon feed.

Sources used: 

• 100 Years Ago: The Magic Pudding | State Library of NSW Magazine | Spring 2018 | Page 16-17 | https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/5197_slmag_spring_web-screen.pdf
• Magic Pudding a Wicked shame | Pierpont | Australian Financial Review | 18 Oct 2002
  https://www.afr.com/politics/magic-pudding-a-wicked-shame-20021018-j79a0
• Motion of Censure: Communist Activities | 7 Apr 1948 | Australian Parliament House, House of Reps | https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/hansard80/hansardr80/1948-04-07/toc_pdf/19480407_reps_18_196.pdf
• The linguistic origins of ‘magic pudding’ economics | Crikey | 15 May 2013| https://www.crikey.com.au/2013/05/15/more-you-eats-the-more-you-gets-linguistic-origins-of-magic-pudding-economics/
• The Magic Pudding | National Trust | 2018 | https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/the-magic-pudding/
• The Magic Pudding: A Mirror of Our Fondest Wishes | Christopher Kelen | University of Macau | http://www.nla.gov.au/openpublish/index.php/jasal/article/view/315/747

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

In 1996, a crime rocked Australia when a mother, brother, and sister were brutally murdered in their New South Wales home.

As investigators delved into the case, suspicions mounted, but the perpetrator remained elusive. Despite attempts to mask the crime as a robbery gone wrong, clues began to unravel the mystery. Strained family dynamics and a cheating husband emerged as potential motives, casting shadows of doubt over the true culprit. So when 17 year-old Matthew de Gruchy was arrested for the murder, the country gasped.

But questions remained as to whether he committed these murders, or whether they were the work of a third party. Was Matthew framed, or was he the unlucky victim of circumstantial evidence?

Join Holly & Matthew as they look through the case, and attempt to figure out why this young man would snap so badly as to kill his mother, brother and sister in their own home.

Sources used: 

• Albion Park Rail teen killer Matthew De Gruchy could snap again, says ex-cop | Cydonee Mardon | 16 Jun 2021 | https://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/6094631/id-be-worried-ex-cop-says-killer-could-snap-again/
• Before the High Court | Jeremy Gans | 2002 | Sydney Law Review | Vol 24:123 p123-134 | http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/SydLawRw/2002/4.pdf
• De Gruchy jury is deadlocked | Louise Turk | 14 Oct 1998 | Illawarra Mercury | https://cdn.newsnow.io/35ns5Wme2fedmBqQ6qZE6iD/De%20Gruchy%20IM14Oct1998%20p3.pdf
• De Gruchy v The Queen [2002] HCA 33 | 8 Aug 2002 | NSW Supreme Court | https://staging.hcourt.gov.au/assets/publications/judgments/2002/De%20Gruchy%20v%20The%20Queen%20(S252-2001)%20[2002]%20HCA%2033.pdf
• Killers 'bashed gang rapist brothers'  | Kara Lawrence | The Daily Telegraph | 18 Mar 2009 | https://web.archive.org/web/20090321095455/http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,25205600-2,00.html
• The New Tasmanian Devil — Matthew De Gruchy Massacred His Family | A.W. Naves | 13 Sep 2021 | https://awnaves.com/the-new-tasmanian-devil-matthew-de-gruchy-massacred-his-family-811e79587433
• Triple murderer Matthew De Gruchy working at NSW abattoir | Angela Thompson| Sydney Morning Herald | 22 Apr 2017 | https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/triple-murderer-matthew-de-gruchy-working-at-nsw-abattoir-20170422-gvq5st.html

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Throughout his criminal career, Donahue and his gang targeted stagecoaches and travelers, using the rugged terrain of the Australian outback to their advantage. Unlike other bushrangers, however, Donahue's group stole more than just valuables - they weren't called the Strippers for nothing.


As his exploits grew in infamy, Donahue became a folk hero to some and a menace to others. His ability to outwit law enforcement and continue his criminal activities captivated the public imagination.


In this episode, we chronicle Donahue's life as a bushranger, highlighting the impact of his actions on Australian society and his enduring legacy as one of the most infamous outlaws in Australian history.

Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod
"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeod
Used under a Creative Commons license.

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