Episode 2
Tuesday 14 March 8.30pm
The Ferrone family are put to the test as they live through the highs and lows of running a corner shop through one of the most tumultuous periods of Australian history.
With World War 1 behind them, Australians can start to enjoy themselves again, as they make the most of the roaring twenties. The Ferrones experience ANZAC Day for the first time, promote Australian made products and enjoy some much-needed family time at the park with their first take-out meal in 70 years.
But the good times come crashing down along with Wall Street, and hard times cast a familiar shadow over the thirties. After finding solace in sport, and converting their corner shop into a milk bar, the Second World War puts the brakes on any further recovery, as the Ferrones face their final struggle of the last three decades, rationing, and liquid stockings!
Guests to the store include actor and director Lex Marinos, who grew up in a milk bar in Wagga Wagga and tells the story of the proliferation of milk bars across Australia, introduced and run by Greek migrants. Annabel Crabb joins the Ferrones as they celebrate the 1947 royal wedding, which at the time was a welcome distraction from the war’s grim aftermath.
Episode 3
Tuesday 21 March 8.00pm
It’s the post-war 1950s, which sees a radical boom in technology, mass production and commercialisation, and the supermarket is coming. This newly introduced retail phenomenon is a major challenger to the corner shop.
Carol Ferrone is thrilled when she gets to drive a shiny family car, but this new freedom of mobility also spells trouble for the humble corner store. For the first time consumers can fill their car boots (and new fridges) to the brim with groceries purchased from the supermarket.
While the Ferrones’ shop embraces a new range of mass-produced goods, including sliced bread, they must also diversify to keep customers loyal and interested. Continental deli meats, lollies, milkshakes and flowers are all attempts to bring shoppers through the door and away from ‘one-stop-shop’ supermarkets. During all this, Australia does away with the pound and the Ferrones must tackle currency decimalisation.
The 1960s is an era of cultural and social change, teenagers start to form a sense of identity that challenges the control of their parents. Linda Burney, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, visits the store to
Episode 4
Tuesday 28 March 8.00pm
In the 1970’s the Ferrone’s humble corner store has transformed to be more like today’s mixed business convenience store, the hours are long and competition is fierce.
Activism is at an all-time high with youth and women using their voice to fight for equality and liberation. While newspapers deliver the news thrice daily, Cleo magazine is at the forefront of encouraging gender equality with racy male centrefolds and rule- breaking female fashions. In this episode, Ita Buttrose, former editor of Cleo magazine outlines how the magazine challenged the status quo.
As a nation, our attention shifts to health with the reduction in tobacco advertising, and smoking, but a rise in processed foods has an impact on the national waistline.
Trailblazing women’s surf champ Pam Burridge inspires Sienna to stand tall on a surfboard.
Demtel TV salesman Tim Shaw gives the Ferrones tips on the art of upselling in the face of rising competition from supermarkets.
And Socceroo Craig Foster educates the Ferrones about the beginnings of Australia’s obsession with football and a game that put us as a nation on the world stage.
I’m sure those shows don’t have the same audiences.
