I feel very sorry for Ian. He should talk to other networks to have his story broadcast.
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The not disclosed serious historical offences would likey become the main story if he went to other networks.
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He has no credibility now by not being upfront initially.
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Raising Richard – Deirdre Croft
Monday, 9 March, 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview
Over three decades, filmmaker Andrew Wiseman documented the life of Perth woman Deirdre Croft as she raised her son Richard, who was left with a profound intellectual disability following birth trauma.
Now 72-years-old, Deirdre has invited the cameras into her life again.
This time, as her health declines, Deirdre is on a mission to put in place a network of people to care for Richard after she’s gone.
“I think she has been preparing for her death from day one with Richard,” Wiseman tells Australian Story. “The pressure is now on Deirdre to work out who’s going to look after Richard from this point on.”
Wiseman began filming with the family when Richard was just 10, capturing confronting scenes as he had meltdowns in public, as well as moments of great tenderness. Richard is now 45.
“Deirdre loves, loves and loved Richard from the moment he was born,” says her sister Frith Mooney. “She has given him her all.”
Combining Wiseman’s extraordinary documentaries with contemporary scenes, Raising Richard is a deeply moving portrait of a mother who believes her son has taught her the value of a human life.
“Who are we to judge when a person’s life is worth living or not?” asks Deirdre. “Perhaps the real tragedy is … there are too many other so-called intellectually normal people who are severely handicapped in their capacity to care for others.”
Producer: Olivia Rousset.
Morning Star – Witiyana Marika
Monday, 16 March, 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview
When Witiyana Marika first came to the public’s attention in 1991, he was the dreadlocked dancer and clapstick master of the hugely successful rock band Yothu Yindi.
Thirty-five years later, he is fulfilling his destiny as a leader of the Rirratjingu clan in the Northern Territory’s Arnhem Land, following in the steps of his father, Roy Marika.
“He’s an archbishop. He’s a High Court judge. He’s a professor. He’s a counsellor. He’s like a Lord Mayor”, says Will Stubbs from the Yirrkala Arts Centre.
Even before he was born, Witiyana was learning the songs and lore of the Yolgnu people of Arnhem Land, with his parents singing to him when he was in the womb.
As a teenage dancer and musician, he was spotted by his uncle Mandawuy Yunipingu, who suggested they form a band together.
Yothu Yindi was catapulted to fame when their song Treaty became a worldwide hit. But the jetset rock ‘n roll lifestyle took a toll.
“I was drinking too much sometimes. It was bad to my body. It was just killing, like killing or ruining my talent”, Witiyana tells Australian Story. “I was really sad.”
Witiyana was called home by his dying father and has emerged as a leader of his people. It’s a critical time for the community which has just won a landmark court case against the local mine that’s likely to result in substantial compensation.
“Over the next few years there’s some fairly complex issues we need to get through. He’s got a massive, important role to play”, says Rhian Oliver, chair of the Rirratjingu Corporation.
Morning Star is a rare insight into the rich life of a Yolgnu leader with Australian Story gaining rare access to film the funeral of Witiyana’s brother, a traditional ceremony that stretched over two weeks.
“I would like to bring the clans together”, says Witiyana.
“Witiyana is really a peacemaker”, says Yalmay Yunipingu, wife of Mandawuy. “He can do anything. That’s the kind of leadership that he carries now.”
Producer: Ben Cheshire.
What Doesn’t Kill You – Ghanim Al Shnen UPDATE
Monday 23 March at 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview
When Australian Story first told Ghanim Al Shnen’s story in 2019, the Iraqi refugee was undergoing groundbreaking surgery to attach robotic arms following a catastrophic workplace accident the year before. But with his wife and four children living as refugees in Finland and his visa status in Australia unresolved, his life was in limbo.
For the next four years there were many advances on the medical front but whenever he inquired about his visa situation he was told to be patient. In 2024 that patience paid off when he was given permanent residency in Australia, allowing him to bring his family here to live with him. In late 2024, Ghanim’s wife and children arrived, bringing an end to a 12-year nightmare.
“This is very, very like incredible result,” he tells Australian Story. “My family and I in one place.”
Australian Story caught up with Ghanim just before his family’s arrival, after they had settled in and during an appointment with his prosthetist as they discuss how Ghanim is adapting to his robotic arms.
“I don’t think anyone could get through what he’s got through without some scars,” reflects his friend Troy Mansell. “He just kept getting hit down day after day after day for years.”
Says Ghanim: “I’m OK. I’m fine. I’m still alive and I can prove myself that these things never changed me or never make me weak. And in the end, I got what I want. My dream become true.”
Producer: Greg Hassall.
The Leyland Brother – Mal Leyland
Monday, 30 March, 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview
TV legend Mal Leyland is preparing for his final outback trip.
Aged 81 and suffering from moderate dementia, the co-star of the long running Ask the Leyland Brothers series will host a convoy of four-wheel drive enthusiasts on a journey from the west to east coasts of Australia.
The month-long trek will commemorate the 60th anniversary of Mal and Mike Leyland’s groundbreaking continental crossing of Australia in 1966 and raise money for a planned Mal Leyland museum in Cairns.
“Having dementia is interesting because it depends a little bit on what it affects,” Mal tells Australian Story.
“If you’ve got a good memory of the good things in life, the good things are far more important.”
At the peak of their popularity in the 1960s and 70s, the Leyland Brothers’ travel documentaries were among the top-rating programs on Australian television.
They’re often credited with sparking the boom in camping and four-wheel driving, with the phrase “doing a Leyland Brothers” becoming shorthand for an extended outback holiday.
But the brothers fell out when a shared business venture went bust, and their relationship never fully recovered.
Mal was diagnosed with dementia two years ago and is being cared for by his only daughter, Carmen.
“The hardest thing has been watching this man that I idolised my whole life, slowly disappear in front of my eyes,” she tells Australian Story.
“Accepting that dad is going to get worse is hard. We are dreading the day when we can’t take care of him anymore.”
Producer: Ben Cheshire.
Last week’s episode got a mention on Media Watch tonight, on Ghanim’s surgery and his orthopaedic surgeon Munjed Al Muderis, who was the subject of a SMH/The Age joint investigation. The surgeon unsuccessfully sued the papers last year for defamation.
Dr Al Muderis was also mentioned in the CBD column in both papers today (paywall)
The Westall UFO Mystery
Monday, 6 April, 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview
On April 6, 1966, a Melbourne school was thrown into chaos when strange objects appeared in the sky. It remains the largest mass UFO sighting in Australian history, witnessed by more than a hundred students in broad daylight.
Sixty years later, through the eyes of the now-adult witnesses, Australian Story examines the enduring impact of that day and the efforts to make sense of it that followed.
“It was large, easily visible, circular, silver and clearly under some form of control,” says retired school principal Ken Stallard, who was 15 at the time.
“I just shrieked, ‘There’s a flying saucer,’” recalls Tania Vassie, who was 13-years-old. “And that’s when the commotion started. What frustrates me and I think the other witnesses is the attempt of having it buried. Can we just find out what it is please? That’s all we want.”
Coverage of the incident died down quickly and existed largely in the realm of urban myth until former teacher Shane Ryan began investigating in 2005. Over the past 20 years he’s interviewed around 140 witnesses who tell a consistent story of the sightings, with some recalling the arrival of a number of men in uniform.
“It’s amazing to me that there’s so much commonality across the witness testimonies,” he says. “People clearly remember there being a military presence.”
The episode, to be broadcast on the 60th anniversary of the sightings, features new first-hand accounts and investigates several theories about what might be behind the sightings. Were the objects classified military technology or high-flying balloons testing radioactive fallout?
“Of course, something must have happened,” says Richard Saunders, from Australian Skeptics Inc. “It’s just trying to find the most reasonable explanation. People would rather jump to a conclusion which is quite far-fetched and be satisfied than simply say, we just don’t know.”
Producer: Rebecca Latham
LOST: Celine Cremer
Monday, 13 April, 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview
How far would you go for a friend? For Justine Ropet, the best friend of Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer since childhood, almost to the ends of the earth.
On a cold afternoon in June 2023, Celine, 31, set out alone on what should have been a short hike in in north-west Tasmania. She was never seen alive again.
After several failed attempts to find any trace of Celine, the police suspended the search and friends and family were left with no clue as to what had happened. But Justine needed answers and moved from Belgium to Tasmania for seven months in an effort to find them.
“My biggest fear was that Celine might have been kept somewhere and suffering,” Justine tells Australian Story. “I really wanted to make sure that wasn’t the case."
Two and half years later, a team of local volunteers and friends launched a search into the bush where Celine had disappeared.
“It’s about everyone banding together,” says search leader and private detective Ken Gamble. “Hopefully we can solve this case and we can get the closure.”
In a gripping two-part story, Australian Story follows the search parties as they scour the rough terrain to retrace Celine’s final steps and find the answers they were looking for.
Remains found in January have now been confirmed as Celine’s and the second episode features moving scenes in Belgium as Celine’s family and friends come to terms with their loss and celebrate a life cut short.
In an exclusive interview, Celine’s mother Ariane expresses her gratitude to all those who were involved in the many searches for Celine. “They have brought me confidence in humanity,” she tells Australian Story.
For Celine’s friend Justine, she will “continue to remember Celine by travelling” and by living her life “to the fullest”.
Producer: Erin Semmler.
LOST: CELINE CREMER, PART 2
Monday 20 April at 8PM
Two and half years after Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer went missing, her friends and family teamed up with local volunteers to search in the forest where she disappeared.
The search party of 28 people was led by private investigator Ken Gamble and included four of Celine’s friends who’d flown in from Belgium.
With exclusive access to the search, Australian Story followed the volunteers as they scoured the dense rainforest and captured breakthrough moments that helped solve the mystery of what happened to Celine.
A few weeks after the search wrapped up, a local volunteer found human remains which have now been provisionally identified as Celine’s.
Those involved hope that understanding how Celine got lost can help others avoid the same fate. “People need to be prepared, they need to stay on the formed tracks,” says Inspector Andrew Hanson from Tasmania Police. “They need to tell people where they are, they need to make sure they’ve got appropriate communication equipment.”
For Celine’s best friend Justine, the new information has brought closure. “I’ve got a lot of answers now … I can finally start grieving.”
From Belgium, Celine’s family, too, feel they can finally mourn her death and celebrate her life.
“I want people to remember my sister for her dreams,” says sister Amelie. “She lived for her dreams and I think a lot of people don’t do that.”
DOG GONE: THE HUNT FOR VALERIE
Monday 27 April at 8PM
An encore screening of Australian Story’s most popular story from last year.
When Georgia Gardner and Joshua Fishlock lost their beloved dachshund Valerie on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island in late 2023, locals didn’t think the pooch would survive more than a few days.
“I remember standing there and there were three eagles up in the sky and I said to them, ‘I don’t know that your dog would have made it past them,’” recalls local wildlife rescuer Jared Karran.
The close island community did what they could to help find Valerie but eventually Georgia and Joshua had to return home empty-handed.
Then, almost 500 days after her disappearance, Valerie was spotted bolting through a paddock. The news spread like wildfire, sparking media interest around the world.
“We didn’t expect phone calls from the New York Times,” says Joshua, “and we had to keep reminding ourselves that she hadn’t been caught yet.”
Dog Gone is a remarkable, heartwarming tale of survival, retracing Valerie’s journey into the wild and back again and speaking with those who helped search for her and bring her home.
“It’s incredible how many hearts Valerie’s story has touched and the impact that she has made,” says Georgia.
Leigh Sales had posted on social media a preview of next Monday’s episode, featuring the late James Valentine.
A YEAR OF LIVING GRATEFULLY – JAMES VALENTINE
Monday 4 May at 8PM
When broadcaster and musician James Valentine was diagnosed with cancer two and half years ago, he was forced to evaluate his life and contemplate his death.
James was offered two different treatment options by two different doctors: go with the conventional treatment and lose his oesophagus or opt for a less interventionist procedure and keep his oesophagus. It was a difficult decision.
“This is two absolute medical experts … telling you two different things”, James tellsAustralian Story.
James opted for the less invasive surgery and was able to continue doing what he loved - presenting radio, playing jazz and spending time with his family.
His partner of 40 years, Joanne Corrigan, says it was “a year of living gratefully.” One year later, James’s cancer returned.
“Inoperable, uncurable”, he was told. “I don’t want to hear any of those words, let alone in one
sentence.”Australian Story followed Valentine over 12 months as he made peace with his decision and turned his thoughts to dying well.
He chose to end his life through Voluntary Assisted Dying, provoking community debate.
“It’s very reassuring to know that it’s there, to cut out the suffering at the very end”, James said in his last interview.
THE HUSTLER – JOHN POLSON
Monday 11 May, 8pm
Tropfest, one of the world’s largest short film festivals, returned this year after a six-year break and no-one was happier than founder, John Polson.
Created by Polson in 1993 at Sydney’s Tropicana Caffe, Tropfest has been a launching pad for Australian film talent, from the Edgerton brothers to Rebel Wilson to director Justin Kurzel.
Its success was a huge achievement for Polson, whose troubled childhood almost led him down a different path..
“He was seconds away from prison … he was delinquent,” says friend and film producer Bruna Papandrea.
Then, in a sliding doors moment, Polson discovered acting. “Suddenly I was part of a community.” says Polson. “Acting saved me.”
Polson’s career took off and eventually he moved to the US where he established himself as a director and showrunner, while staying involved with Tropfest.
But then in 2020 the festival collapsed. “I was devastated,” says Polson. “I was like, really? Is it just dead?”
Now with a new board behind it, Tropfest’s future seems assured.
The Hustler includes interviews with director George Miller, actor Simon Baker and producer Bruna Papandrea.
The ABC and Sydney Opera House present
Australian Story Live: Celebrating 30 Years
The ABC is proud to announce the award-winning and much-loved current affairs program
Australian Story turns 30 this year and is celebrating this milestone with a live event at the Sydney Opera House, in collaboration with its Talks & Ideas program.
Australian Story Live: Celebrating 30 Years will take place on Saturday August 15 from 1pm in the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall.
Hosted by Australian Story presenter Leigh Sales, the show will bring together some of the program’s most unforgettable participants and feature musical performances, interwoven with highlights from the archives.
Guests include actor and producer Claudia Karvan, Olympic champion Michael Klim, First Nations community leader Mechelle Turvey, inspirational maths teacher and YouTube sensation Eddie Woo, graziers Gayle and Mac Shann and *Australian Story’*s founding executive producer Deborah Fleming.
Tim Minchin and Alex Lloyd will each perform a song, and singer and conductor Astrid Jorgensen will lead the audience in a rousing Pub Choir singalong.
The event will be recorded and broadcast as a special extended Australian Story episode on Monday 31 August at 8pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
Tickets for the event are available from the Sydney Opera House HERE
AN ACCIDENTAL LEADER – ROB ARMSTRONG
Monday 18 May at 8PM
Farmer Rob Armstrong was terrified of public speaking and had no intention of wading into political issues.
But a levy proposed by the Victorian government propelled the sheep farmer into action and he found himself leading protest rallies outside Parliament House in Melbourne.
“I became an accidental leader,” Armstrong tells Australian Story. “And I’m glad that I’m out there fighting for other people.”
The levy’s aim was to fund services to respond to the increase in flood, storm and fire events, but it hit the very people volunteering to fight the fires hardest: farmers.
"What’s right about that?” asks Rob.
Along the way Rob had to face a dark secret – a childhood event where he, his siblings and a neighbour were almost killed in a bushfire.
Badly burnt, they were rescued by a volunteer firefighter, also a farmer.
Partner Sunny Berry believes this experience has motivated Rob’s campaign. “It is the fear that people won’t volunteer if the levy comes in.”
While the new levy is now on hold, for the first time Rob and his siblings have begun to confront their buried childhood trauma and acknowledge the emotional toll it took.
Regeneration - Rachel Ward
Monday 25 May 8:00 PM
When Instagram trolls attacked actor and director Rachel Ward for “letting herself go” it became a cultural moment about how older women are perceived.
Rachel, once voted one of the most beautiful women in the world, laughed it off.
“She’s never cared about how she looks,” says husband and actor, Bryan Brown. “I don’t think she’s combed her hair in 30 years.”
Instead, the English-born farmer used the moment to draw attention to her passion for regenerative farming.
“Rachel was able to take her property and transform it through regenerative agriculture into a thriving,
biologically diverse farm, producing beautiful grass-fed meat,” says friend Bettina Dalton.Living and working on the family’s cattle farm in northern NSW, Rachel has found a profound sense of purpose and a newfound connection with her adopted country.
“It’s taken me a long time to feel like I belong to Australia,” says Rachel. “Now I’m just completely sentimental about the Australian landscape…It’s a great stage of life.”
A SEAT AT THE TABLE – MOHAMED SEMRA
Monday 1 June at 8PM
He’s been hailed as the Mamdani of Maribyrnong. Like New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Mohamed Semra is young, Muslim and a social media master.
"Being the first to do something is difficult and it’s hard … but I’ve always wanted a seat at the table,” says Mayor Semra from council in inner west Melbourne.
Now 27, Mohamed Semra has been through more than most. His family migrated from Sudan when he was three.
As a schoolboy, he overcame a debilitating stutter before he could speak confidently in public.
As a teenager, he and his friends were kicked out of an Apple Store by guards worried they might steal. The boys filmed the encounter and it went viral, forcing Apple to apologise.
“That day changed everything for me,” he says.
At 26, he was elected as an independent to Maribyrnong Council and became mayor last year, aged 27.
“I definitely think there’s an intense pressure and also more eyes on him,” says community worker Tigist Kebede. “Because he’s the first, the only, the different.”
Semra understands the stakes are high.
“If I succeed, it will open up the door for so many after me. But if I fail, a lot of communities will feel that.”