Aussie History Podcast

Following the internments of Australia First members, there is disquiet about why, in a democracy, people could be detained without trial. Some appeal against their internment. The Government establishes a number of inquiries and most internees are released over 1942. Except, that is, for Percy Stephensen and a few others.

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On 27 May 1967 a referendum to amend the Australian Consitution was held. This month is the 50th anniversary of that referendum, so it’s a good time to remember this important part of Australian history. The referendum allowed Indigenous Australians to be counted in the population and for the Commonwealth Government to make policies in respect to Aboriginal people.

On 5 August 1944, Japanese prisoners of war staged a breakout from the detention camp in Cowra, New South Wales. Armed with improvised weapons including baseball bats and sharpened mess knives, they stormed the perimeter fences and overcame the machine gun posts. In all 231 Japanese prisoners were killed during the escape attempt. Four Australian soldiers were also killed in the breakout

Episode 50 - half a century!

In this episode we cover Ronald Ryan’s hanging and the public outcry that accompanied his execution. We then ask did Ryan really kill prison warder George Hodson?

Check out this excellent 15 minute documentary on the Ryan execution:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDyFJqru9UI

Also this website that seeks to prove Ryan's innocence: http://www.ronaldryan.info

Email me at: [email protected]

Aussie Waves Podcast Episode 3:The Afghan Cameleers

This episode tells the story of the Cameleers who with their camels played a critical role in opening up inland Australia from the 1860s until the early 1900s. Their story is one of hardship and discrimination.

The invention of the internal combustion engine eventually secured the end of the Cameleer era. By the late 1920s there were almost no cameleers left plying the inland.

For more information on the cameleers go to http://www.cameleers.net/

Music by Dan-O at: http://www.danosongs.com/

Thanks to Ken Dampier for post production.