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Forgotten Australia — History
Forgotten Australia

Bloody crimes, unsolved mysteries, eccentric celebrities, dark events and bizarre happenings: it’s all here – the stuff you wish they’d taught you in school!

Dive into our strange-but-true history via never-before-told stories, author interviews, weekly flashbacks and the weekly trivia quiz.

Forgotten Australia is created and hosted by Michael Adams, author of the acclaimed true crime books The Murder Squad, Hanging Ned Kelly and They’ll Never Hold Me.

He’s also a regular history and true crime commentator on ABC Nightlife and the podcast Australian True Crime.

Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month to get ad-free early episodes, exclusive bonus episodes, a show shout-out and the chance to win prizes in the special edition trivia quiz episodes.

Get a week’s free trial here:

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Latest Episodes:

Aussie Insults: Where Did 'Boofhead' Come From? May 02, 2026

Show notes

Who was Boofhead and where did he come from? We say happy 85th birthday to an iconic yet idiotic Aussie bloke who appeared in our midst when we needed him most. Plus: a brief history of the $1 coin and a salute to the astute astronomer who wound up on our $100 note.

Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking History – The Wildest Showman May 02, 2026

Show notes

Author and music journalist Jeff Apter joins us to discuss his recent book, Lee Gordon Presents: How One Man Changed Australian Life Forever, the first biography of the wild man who not only brought rock ’n’ roll Down Under, but who pioneered so much else, from jazz festivals and strip shows to female roller derby and drive-in burger joints.

Apple and Patreon supporters get exclusive access to the original short episodes ‘The Big Showman’, a salute to Lee Gordon from Aussie legends, and ‘When Lenny Bruce Got Smashed By Sydney’, about the radical comic’s disastrous tour Down Under for Lee Gordon in 1962.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blue Murder On The Golden Mile — Part Five May 01, 2026

Show notes

In this final instalment, the jury delivers its verdict in the marathon trial of Phillip Treffene and William Coulter for the murders of Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman. But their decision isn't the end of the story — with twists even brilliant barrister Arthur Haynes couldn't see coming.

See Forgotten Australia live!

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.

More info and free tickets:

https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blue Murder On The Golden Mile — Part Four Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

On Monday 16 August 1926, a large crowd gathered outside Perth's Supreme Court, hoping to get access to what promised to be the most sensational criminal trial Western Australia had ever seen. Had Phillip Treffene and William Coulter murdered Detective-Inspector John Walsh and his partner Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman? What the court heard was an incredible new version of events that left many wondering where the truth lay.

See Forgotten Australia live!

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.

More info and free tickets:

https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blue Murder On The Golden Mile — Part Three Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

After police swoop on their suspects, Evan 'Teddy' Clarke, Phil Treffene and William Coulter are charged with the murder. But one of these men will turn against the others, with brilliant barrister Arthur Haynes using this betrayal as a chisel with which to chip away at the crown case.

See Forgotten Australia live!

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.

More info and free tickets:

https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Blue Murder On The Golden Mile — Part Two Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Re-released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the crime that shocked a nation.

On 12 May 1926, south of Kalgoorlie, at an abandoned mine known as Miller's Find, Detective-Sergeant Grenville Purdue makes a horrifying discovery. The biggest manhunt in Western Australia is now on for the murderers of Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman.

See Forgotten Australia live!

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.

More info and free tickets:

https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miniseries – Blue Murder on the Golden Mile – Part One Apr 26, 2026

Show notes

A special re-release to commemorate the 100th anniversary.

On 28 April 1926, Detective-Inspector John Walsh and Detective-Sergeant Alexander Pitman disappeared while investigating gold thefts around Kalgoorlie. It was nearly two weeks before they were missed. When the alarm was raised, a massive search was started. Grave fears were held for these two popular veteran officers.

See Forgotten Australia live!

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.

More info and free tickets:

https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hidden History: The First Anzac Day Took Place Before Gallipoli Was Over! Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

While history tells us Anzac Day started on 25 April 1916, the first such event took place six months earlier in South Australia. The name 'Anzac Day' was coined for this colourful military parade and pageant, staged in Adelaide on 13 October 1915, which was usually reserved for the Eight Hours' Day public holiday. The first Anzac Day was to raise funds for wounded soldiers – and a forgotten Aussie was even credited with coming up with the name! So, what did this Anzac Day look like? Why did it feature not only marching soldiers and wounded veterans, but cavemen, prehistoric animals and even a fiery tram stunt? How was it that this Anzac Day came to be forgotten?

To see footage of the Burra Anzac Day:

https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/anzac-day-history-marches-and-traditions

The Critic newspaper photos are here:

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page23520895

See Forgotten Australia live!

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.

More info and free tickets:

https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Talking History – The Aussie Legend Beloved By Diggers During WWI Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

In this interview episode, Dr Daniel Reynaud, author of The Man The Anzacs Revered, tells us about the colourful and incredibly brave AIF chaplain William McKenzie, who was a Salvation Army officer on the frontlines with the Diggers at Gallipoli and then on the Western Front. In his time, ‘Fighting Mac’ was beloved around Australia and the inspiration for many tall tales. But his truth is even more striking. So why has he been forgotten?

See Forgotten Australia live! 

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.

More info and free tickets:

 https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me: 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad: 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly: 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart: 

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The First Aussie Olympic Hero – Part Two Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Having already won two events at Athens in 1896, young Aussie athlete Teddy Flack throws himself at a third victory by entering the Marathon – and he’ll reckon the result ensures the success of the first modern Olympic Games. Despite Teddy’s historic wins, noble defeats and curious claims, in his time he’ll be a marginal character in Australian reporting – a stark contrast with modern Olympic heroes.

See Forgotten Australia live!

"Crashes, Chases and Crooks in Melton History" – as part of the Melton Heritage Festival.

More info and free tickets:

https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au/event?id=209608

Forgotten Australia supporters get early ad-free access to all episodes, along with bonus shows and a podcast shout-out.

To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Continue to support from as little as $3 per month. Cancel any time.

Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia

Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia

Want more original Australian history? Check out my books!

They’ll Never Hold Me:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html

The Murder Squad:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html

Hanging Ned Kelly:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html

Australia’s Sweetheart:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/australia-s-sweetheart-michael-adams/book/9780733640292.html

Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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