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40 Episodes 2006 - 2006
Episode 1
30 mins
Australian Story reveals the ordeal that has tested an ordinary Australian family beyond their worst imaginings. In Bali on Monday, 20-year-old Scott Rush received a life sentence for his part in attempting to smuggle more than eight kilograms of heroin into Australia. Scott Rush was one of the so-called drug mules arrested at Denpasar Airport in April last year with heroin strapped to their bodies. Earlier, his suspicious parents had made desperate efforts to notify the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to stop their son going to Bali and the police have been criticised for working with Indonesian authorities and exposing nine young Australians to the death penalty. The program features all key parties, including the AFP. However, there are still legal constraints that prevent discussion of some issues.
Episode 2
30 mins
Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) women's cycling coach Warren McDonald talks for the first time about the crash which killed one of his team members and injured five others. McDonald was driving the team's backup vehicle about 80 metres behind the cyclists and witnessed the moment they were struck by an out-of-control car in south-eastern Germany last July. Finding one rider - Amy Gillett - already dead, and the others injured or unconscious, he faced the dilemma of who to help first? "It's the hardest decision you have to make, to survey the scene and decide what to do," he told Australian Story. "That's a decision which lives with me for the rest of my life." McDonald reveals that the accident has had a devastating impact on his own emotional health. As a coach, he feels guilty that one member of the team under his care did not return from the trip, and he sometimes wishes the car had struck him instead. The injured riders also give detailed recollections about the crash to the program, which has been following their progress through rehabilitation for the last five months. Warren McDonald says he will have some tough decisions to make if some of them are unable to fully recover, with a new batch of riders knocking on the door for a place in the AIS team.
Episode 3
30 mins
For three decades Peter Dawkins was the man Australian singers relied on to turn their music into chart-topping, record-breaking hits. One of the country's most successful record producers, Dawkins worked with such celebrated bands as Australian Crawl, Dragon, Air Supply and Mi-Sex, and artists like John Farnham, Russell Morris and Ross Ryan. Then, at just 42 years of age, he walked into a doctor's surgery complaining of various odd symptoms. He was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. The debilitating illness saw Dawkins lose the career he loved. It was one of many losses, with video documenting the shocking physical toll of the disease over the years. Last year, an extraordinary medical procedure that held hope of a better quality of life was offered to Dawkins, but there was a catch - it would cost $35k and Peter Dawkins 'simply didn't have the money' after being unable to work for so long. It was at that point the industry that he had done so much for returned the favour in a most unexpected way...
Episode 4
30 mins
You don't have to be an earnest follower of the political scene to have an opinion about Julia Gillard. It seems everyone does - even if it is just on her hair, her kitchen or her views on having children. Inevitably, she's the latest woman to be eyed off as future Prime Ministerial material. Australian Story joined the Opposition Health Spokeswoman at home and at work, in the lead up to a factional bloodbath that has put her out front and placed Kim Beazley under new pressure.
Episode 5
30 mins
Fashion designer Carla Zampatti introduces the story of her friend (and distant relative), Lizzie Spender - the English actor, writer, daughter of poet Sir Stephen Spender, but better known in Australia as the wife of Barry Humphries. Lizzie grew up surrounded by horses, but had never realised her childhood dream to one day own and ride her own horse. So when, at the age of 53, she was 'given' a horse - a wild brumby running free in an area of the Kimberley the size of Tasmania - she resolved to capture the horse and bring it back to Sydney. It was a complicated, expensive and, for some, downright crazy scheme. Enter her good friend, Susan Bradley, known by some as the "Queen of the Kimberley". If anyone could make it happen, Susan could.
Episode 6
30 mins
The field of medicine generates some remarkable personal stories and Monday's Australian Story is about just one of them. Eight years ago, 56-year-old New South Wales nurse Marg Ward suffered a crushing loss when her husband 'and soul mate' died suddenly from a heart attack. She was inconsolable. But what looked like an ending turned out to be a beginning. At an age when many people are retired or considering it, Marg Ward started a bold new career. She went to university and then joined the international aid organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders). Her first assignment took her to South Sudan and then she went to Sierra Leone and Uganda dealing with some of the world's most confronting medical and humanitarian emergencies. Now she is in China where she has been working to reunite street children with their families. The program has been so successful, the Chinese Government has asked her to stay on and help run new child protection services in that country. She has won new friends all around the world and started a new romance. But her own family is divided about her work. They are proud of her efforts but sad about her absence from their lives.
Episode 7
30 mins
Australian Story reveals the untold story behind a crime that registered in the minds of many, because it was so unusually cruel and seemingly senseless. The victim was a young music student called Phil Evans. His life changed forever when he was attacked and mutilated in his own home in Brisbane in July, 2003. All his fingers were hacked off and his dreams of a career playing the saxophone were wrecked - seemingly forever. Phil Evans himself came under intense police scrutiny, as detectives searched for a motive for what they believed might be a drug revenge attack. The young man freely admitted that he was a marijuana user. And at the time of the attack he was working casually as a barman in a nightclub. Was there a link? With events at their bleakest, another stranger entered Phil's life. Tom Sparkes, instrument maker, musician and Good Samaritan heard about Phil Evans' plight and was determined to find a way to help, but it was never going to be easy. Over the past two and a half years, Australian Story has filmed police and the Evans family, following the twists and turns of the criminal investigation - and Phil Evans' path to recovery. It turned out to be a journey of surprises, that's taken everyone involved to unexpected places.
Episode 8
30 mins
Australian Story concludes the story of music student Phil Evans who was attacked during a home invasion that was unusually cruel and seemingly senseless. All his fingers were hacked off in the July 2003 attack and his dreams of a career playing the saxophone were wrecked. Phil Evans himself came under intense police scrutiny, as detectives searched for a motive for what they believed might be a drug revenge attack. The young man freely admitted that he was a marijuana user. And at the time of the attack he was working casually as a barman in a nightclub. Was there a link? Phil Evans joined his family in France to recuperate before facing up to a series of court hearings. But with events at their bleakest, another stranger entered Phil's life offering the prospect of the best gift of all. Tom Sparkes, instrument maker, musician and Good Samaritan heard about Phil Evans' plight and was determined to find a way to help, but it was never going to be easy. Over the past two and a half years, Australian Story has filmed police and the Evans family, following the twists and turns of the criminal investigation - and Phil Evans' path to recovery. It turned out to be a journey of surprises, that's taken everyone involved to unexpected places.
Episode 9
30 mins
One cold Melbourne Saturday night two years ago, two young men who'd never met, were set on a collision course. In a split second their lives changed forever. Today one is dead and the other is in jail. And the catastrophic ripple will affect their families forever. In this episode Australian Story follows the very different journeys of the two families, both of whom have lost sons, in completely different ways. Ian Van Rooyen's evening started when he decided to go out for 'a few beers' to watch the footy with his mate at the local pub. Neil Field was returning home after taking his young wife to a Shannon Noll concert to surprise her for her birthday. On a suburban road, the two vehicles collided. Neil Field, 23, died on impact and his 22-year-old wife, Kristie-Lee was seriously injured. Ian Van Rooyen was unhurt and was found to have a blood-alcohol reading of point two zero three (.203). Australian Story follows the families of both men in the lead-up to court proceedings. Ian Van Rooyen knows he will go to jail - but for how long? Neil Field's family are looking for justice... 'Collision Course' will also be the subject of an Australian Story Broadband Edition* for simultaneous broadcast with ABC TV on Monday April 10 at 8.00pm AEST. The program will feature the full program plus exclusive to broadband content, including extended interviews with Kristie-Lee Field and Ian Van Rooyen. *While the broadband video and associated content is best viewed with a high-speed Internet connection (256kb/s plus), a lower quality version of the content is available for dial-up users (56k modem). The Australian Story Broadband Editions require a minimum of Flash 7 to play video.
Episode 10
30 mins
Ever been able to pinpoint a moment that changed your life forever? Australian Story travels back in time with a group of Queensland state school students who embarked on an epic mission to the battlefields of Gallipoli and northern Europe several years ago. First, the program recorded their journey in 1999 as they traced the footsteps of World War I Veterans. Many were surprised the 'school excursion' had such an emotional impact on all involved. But no one could have predicted how big an influence the trip would have on the paths they have pursued since then. Six years on, Australian Story catches up with the students and their teacher and discovers repercussions are still playing out in their lives, in richly rewarding ways.
Episode 11
30 mins
The cowboy has long been romanticised as the ideal image of masculinity - a rough and rugged bushman who loves his beer as much as his woman. But for a young bloke living on the land it's a tough life if you don't fit the mould. Adam Sutton grew up in Cooranbong, NSW, the son of a Vietnam veteran. He had a turbulent time as a young man, spending six months in jail after a fatal road accident for which he was convicted of culpable driving under the influence of alcohol. Sutton went on to build a reputation as a skilled and respected rodeo rider, horse breaker, riding instructor and trick rider - culminating in a stint as a wrangler for the movie 'Ned Kelly', where he also helped the actors with horsemanship skills. It was here that he met Heath Ledger - and established a unique connection that would resonate later with the release of Ledger's recent movie 'Brokeback Mountain'. Adam Sutton's story first came to public attention last month in a front-page story in the Sydney Morning Herald, which generated a surprisingly large reader response - and changed Adam Sutton's life in unexpected ways...
Episode 12
30 mins
National Party Senator Barnaby Joyce is a very public figure with a private passion that's taken him to the end of the earth. When as a new senator he landed in Parliament last year, he did so with a jolt. And Canberra is still working out what to make of him. His willingness to cross the floor and rattle the Government's grip has thrilled some and infuriated others. When he took off for a month on a mission to Antarctica, the character assessments continued in his absence. Senator Joyce was visiting the frozen continent in his role as a member of Federal Parliament's External Territories Committee. Before setting sail, the maverick Senator revealed that Antarctica had been a passion of his since he was a boy and collected stamps from the Australian Antarctic Territory. During the trip, Senator Joyce kept a video diary for Australian Story, filming himself and his impressions of life on Casey Station and Macquarie Island. Would Antarctica change Barnaby Joyce or would Barnaby Joyce seek to change Antarctica?
Episode 13
30 mins
When Brisbane mother Dianne Brimble died on board the P and O cruise liner 'Pacific Sky' in September 2002, tragic loss of life was accompanied by devastating loss of reputation. Mrs Brimble, a mother of three, was found dead in the most humiliating circumstances, on the second day of a dream holiday. Only now, three and a half years later, has a coronial inquiry started to investigate her death. The family reveal the extent of their long and lonely struggle for answers - and the depth of their anger and despair over the damage done to the memory of Dianne Brimble amidst a flurry of sensational headlines. The family has so far received no compensation or legal assistance. A fighting fund has now been set up on behalf of Dianne Brimble's children. Mrs Brimble was the centre of a close extended family that included both of her two former partners. Her family is speaking out for the first time about the woman they knew and loved.
Episode 14
30 mins
Heath Ducker is a remarkable young man who threw off the shackles of an almost Dickensian childhood and is now on his way to professional and personal success. One of 10 children with many different fathers, Heath lived in abject poverty in a run down house. At the age of 12, he was sexually abused by his best friend's father. The Sydney-based 'Youth Insearch' organisation became his saviour. It brought him into contact with other young people, some of whom had managed to overcome extraordinary deprivation. Their stories inspired the young Heath Ducker to work to overcome the handicaps of his own difficult background. He seized on education as his ticket out of the cycle of deprivation. Unable to study in the chaos and noise of a crowded house, he retreated to the rooftops to study. He became the youngest person ever to be appointed as a Youth Insearch leader. He has led several expeditions on the Kokoda Track and has become a significant role model for troubled youth. He's even been invited to advise the Prime Minister about youth affairs and has formulated his own strong ideas about welfare delivery. When he graduated with a law degree last year, there were tears of pride and relief all round. Now, Heath Ducker has clinched a job as a solicitor with one of Sydney's leading law firms...
Episode 15
30 mins
Anne Garton is a young Queensland woman who set her sights high from an early age and consistently achieved outstanding results in the sporting, academic and professional arenas. Her childhood dream of a police career was underway when the stresses of emergency call-outs, triggered a devastating psychological collapse. Severe and mysterious mental illness left Anne Garton and her family literally fighting for her life. She was suicidal and hospitalised and eventually diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, a complex bundle of mental illnesses rooted in childhood trauma. At rock bottom and struggling for a lifeline, she wrote a list of challenges for herself. At the top of the list she wrote, 'compete in a triathlon'. She had to fight her own doctors and community prejudice even to be allowed to train. But, against the odds, she started to notch up victories at state and then national level. Last year she was chosen to represent Australia at a major event in Hawaii. Australian Story accompanied her on the trip to the US as she battled through illness and financial and emotional obstacles towards the goal of just getting through the race.
Episode 16
30 mins
Over the last ten years Australian Story has featured many families of all sorts of background and make-up, but probably none as challenging as the extended household viewers will meet on Monday night. When Paul Van Reyk set out to have a child more than 20 years ago, he was trying to make a political statement. He says: "It seemed wrong to me that gay men and women were excluded from having children." So when a single, straight friend wanted to have a child, he agreed to marry her - 'to give the child legal protection' - but with no intention of helping to raise the child, a daughter, Mary. One thing led to another; other friends, straight and gay sought his help, and now Paul Van Reyk has six children with five different mothers - all part of one big extended family with Van Reyk at the centre. He suspects, there may be another half dozen children out there somewhere. Paul Van Reyk broke the news of his fecundity to his own parents on Fathers Day 2003. They knew about Mary, but not the other children. Paul Van Reyk says: "I said Dad, I've got a special present. I brought out the pictures of all the other kids and I just put them across the table and said 'these are your other grandchildren'. He was stunned but he just kept grinning..."
Episode 17
30 mins
He was our hero who stamped his name across the world and then sank with little trace; a swimming champion whose feats were so marvellous he forged Australia's national spirit at a time when the nation was beleaguered by the Depression and the losses of the Great War. Andrew 'Boy' Charlton was only 16 when he sliced two minutes off the world record for the 1500m freestyle, and won Australia's first gold medal in that event at the Paris Olympics in 1924. He started a dynasty of Australian swimmers who have made the 1500m Australia's pet event. Yet his family knew almost nothing of his significance. At the height of his fame, and when Hollywood offers were there for the taking, Charlton retired to the bush. He shut the door on his legendary career and silenced the perpetuation of his name. Australian Story has found a new generation rediscovering this legendary Australian and learning again to be enthralled by the man they called 'Boy'.
Episode 18
30 mins
In the world of anatomy, the mysteries of the human body are yielded to medical students and researchers. But right now there's a battle raging in medical colleges all around the world. Many argue that doctors are emerging from university without adequate training in the basics of anatomy. Enter Dr Dzung Vu, a passionate advocate for the teaching of anatomy. But for all his efforts, his supporters say he's a voice crying in the wilderness. It is a great disappointment to him that what he has spent his life trying to achieve, is now being devalued. However, Dr Vu has been overcoming life and death challenges all his life. Born in the jungle during an air raid, imprisoned in a concentration camp for years and then escaping his Vietnamese homeland in a tiny boat, Dzung Vu is the living proof that you can't keep a good man down!
Episode 19
30 mins
Celebrating 10 years on air, ABC's award-winning Australian Story pays tribute to the hundreds of remarkable people who have told their poignant, funny and inspiring stories on the program over that time. The anniversary special was largely filmed at ABC Ultimo headquarters in Sydney, at a gala reunion for the show's guests two weeks ago. More than 300 assembled to mark the milestone. Prior to the event, all invitees were asked to take part in a ballot to determine the all-time favourite Australian Story. The program featuring central Queensland graziers Gayle and Mac Shann drew the most support in the poll. Program guests cheered and applauded as Caroline Jones presented a special award to the Shanns. Gayle Shann, then 27, was working with her husband putting in fence posts on their property in 2002 when her glove became entangled in a drilling machine inflicting shocking injuries and nearly ripping her apart. Gayle's right arm and shoulder had been ripped from her body, and her other arm was left paralysed. Gayle has become physically dependent on her young husband for almost every need - from putting on her make-up to eating meals - a bitter blow for a young woman who excelled at physical tasks and was a top competitive campdrafter and horse rider. The anniversary special updates the Shanns' story, and shows her remarkable recovery and progress since the accident. Also featured are updates on several other guests present on the night, including Pauline Hanson, Hazel Hawke (through her daughter Sue Pieters-Hawke), and Victorian police whistleblower Simon Illingworth. The 10th Anniversary Special will also be the subject of an Australian Story broadband edition for simultaneous transmission with the program on Monday June 19. The broadband edition will feature the full anniversary program, plus the full original edition of With This Ring, extended interviews with Pauline Hanson, Denise Morcombe, With This Ring producer Janine Hosking and a photo gallery from the anniversary celebration.
Episode 20
30 mins
Twenty years after the Goanna band topped the Australian music charts with the classic song 'Solid Rock', Australian Story profiles the bittersweet life of its singer-songwriter Shane Howard. With triumphs, tragedies and a family saga stretching over decades and across the continent, Shane Howard's life sounds like something from a Tim Winton novel. After the massive success of Goanna's debut album 'Spirit of Place' which sold half a million copies, he became a champion of Aboriginal rights and also penned the protest song 'Let the Franklin Flow' against damming of Tasmania's Franklin River. But with disappointing sales of their second record 'Oceania', Shane Howard suffered a breakdown, leaving both the band and his wife and four children. He wound up living in a caravan in the Gulf of Carpentaria before his career was resurrected by the Irish singer Mary Black, who had a number one hit in Ireland with his song 'Flesh and Blood', written about his estrangement from his children. Now he says life has gone full circle. He has returned to the western district of Victoria where he grew up and has started a new family. After some difficult years, he has a happy relationship with the children from his first marriage and a daughter he fathered while living in Queensland.
Episode 21
30 mins
Australian Story brings a world television first when multi-billionaire Irish-American philanthropist Chuck (Charles) Feeney speaks publicly about his friendship with the late tennis great Ken Fletcher - an association that is benefiting all Australians through groundbreaking medical research projects. In 1988 Forbes Magazine included Feeney in the top 20 of its 400 richest people list. In 1997 Chuck Feeney was a runner up for Time Magazine's person of the year after it was revealed he'd given almost his entire fortune over to a charitable trust. Over the past twenty years Atlantic Philanthropies has awarded grants totalling more than three billion- and accumulated assets of four billion - all of which is intended to be spent by 2020. Chuck Feeney is intensely private. He wears a five dollar watch, flies economy and maintains a very modest lifestyle. He has never spoken on television before. He says he agreed to be interviewed by Australian Story because of his affection and regard for the late Ken Fletcher - the friend who was instrumental in bringing Feeney and his philanthropy to Australia. Feeney befriended Fletcher in the 1960s in Hong Kong, where Fletcher was living after being banned from the Australian Davis Cup team because he joined a players' rebellion against the Australian Lawn Tennis Association. Feeney had just started an airport duty free shop in Hong Kong. Over the next 30 years he and his business partner held shares in more than 2000 stores - amassing huge personal wealth. Charles Feeney is also credited with playing a key role in the peace talks in Ireland in the 1990's- with Gerry Adams crediting Feeney as one of the main players in trying to put a peace process together. Because of their close friendship, Fletcher introduced Feeney to Australia and in particular his hometown of Brisbane. Feeney was so charmed by the Queensland capital he now spends three months of every year here. So far he has given more than $200 million to Australian medical research institutes and universities, making him Australia's most generous philanthropist.
Episode 22
30 mins
Australian Story looks at a medical mystery, as two Australian women, Mary Rezo and Shani Eldridge, battle to come to terms with a rare and debilitating lung disease that strikes down women of child-bearing age. One is a Melbourne woman with two young sons. The other a young Sydney woman, was newly married and at the start of her professional career. For both their frightening prognosis came out of the blue as they suffered what they believed to be symptoms of asthma. But the disease, which has been diagnosed in about 50 women Australia wide, is one that is misunderstood and often missed. What is known is that it wreaks havoc on young women's lungs, kidneys and ability to have children. Mary and Shani live their lives with both courage and optimism as they face the consequences of a medical condition that offers few options.
Episode 23
30 mins
Eight years ago in Perth, four teenagers from previously blameless backgrounds embarked on a big night out that ended in a nightmare many parents of teenage boys might dread. The sequence of events that unfolded that night has had momentous and horrible consequences for five families and continues to ricochet through the criminal justice system in Western Australia. A young man died, yet after an inquest and two murder trials, there is still no sign of the saga being put to rest. It's all taking place against a background of numerous overturned convictions in Western Australia in the last few years and increasing controversy over a number of criminal trials there. The High Court has even directed some potent criticism at the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the police. Australian Story begins its investigation with a young woman, Mirella Scaramella, the girlfriend of one of those teenagers caught up in the events of that night in 1998. She has put her life on hold and says she will not rest until she has uncovered the truth of what happened.
Episode 24
30 mins
Australian Story continues the saga of a group of young Perth men facing the full force of the law after a big night out ended in tragedy back in February 1998. A young man died and after years of investigation, police are convinced he was murdered - thrown from an overpass. That night, a group of 18-year-olds, two armed with tyre levers, chased two men over the same overpass after something was thrown at their car. The two men being pursued escape in a taxi and as the teenagers return to their car angry and frustrated, two of them, in an unprovoked attack, kick an extremely drunk and defenceless Phillip Walsham. They drive away leaving their victim, still sitting on the seat, his face bleeding. Two witnesses offer help, which he declines. Fifteen minutes later, Phillip Walsham is found fatally injured under the overpass. An eyewitness later reports that she saw him fall from the bridge. The two young men who kicked him are convicted of assault, but police clear them of any involvement in the fall from the bridge. But five years later, they are summonsed to a coronial inquiry. At the same time, deep flaws in the criminal justice system are being revealed in Western Australia. Australian Story picks up the second part of the story as Mirella Scaramella, the girlfriend of one of the suspects, continues her detective work in search of what really happened to Phillip Walsham.
Episode 25
30 mins
Australian Story concludes the saga that began one February night in 1998, when a young man died and police decided he was murdered - thrown from a freeway bridge. That night a group of teenage youths, two armed with tyre levers, chased two men over the same footbridge after something was thrown at their car. The men being pursued, escaped in a taxi and as the teenagers returned to their car angry and frustrated, they make an unprovoked attack on a drunk and defenceless Phillip Walsham. Two of them kick him and then drive away leaving him where they found him, bleeding from a head wound. Less than 15 minutes later, Phillip Walsham is found fatally injured on the road under the footbridge. An eyewitness later reports that she saw him fall from the bridge. The two youths who kicked him are convicted of assault, but the group is initially cleared of any involvement in the fall. Five years later, the coroner finds otherwise. It is a circumstantial case, but a crucial link is a small C-shaped injury on Mr Walsham's shoulder, thought to have been inflicted by a tyre lever. As Mr Walsham had not been assaulted with a tyre lever at the time he was kicked,the coroner concludes these men must have returned to the scene and struck him with a tyre lever before pushing or throwing him from the footbridge. The four men faced trial for wilful murder in May 2005 - seven years after the event. One of them, a juvenile at the time, was acquitted but a retrial was ordered for the other three when the jury was unable to reach a verdict. The story resumes as Mirella Scaramella, girlfriend of one of the accused, continues her detective work to try and prove their innocence ahead of the second trial, which began in March 2006, eight years after Phillip Walsham's death.
Episode 26
30 mins
One wintry Saturday night in Canberra, two university students were out on the town with their friends. The women didn't know each other. But their worlds were soon to collide when one of the women witnessed the other fall victim to a tragic crime. Amy Banson saw a stolen vehicle, driven by a 14-year-old boy and being pursued by a police car, strike Clea Rose. Amy didn't know her, but comforted the unconscious woman until an ambulance arrived. Clea Rose never regained consciousness and after three weeks in a coma, the 21-year-old died in a Canberra hospice having suffered a catastrophic brain injury. The events had a profound effect on Amy Banson who is studying theology and social work. She researched the fate of people who survive brain injuries and learned there is little support for their parents and carers. She approached Clea Rose's family with the idea of a charity walk in her name to raise funds for and awareness of acquired brain injury. They agreed and the year-long preparations for 'Walk with a Rose' began. Clea's sister Zoe then became involved in planning the 1463-kilometre journey from Canberra to Brisbane. Eventually Zoe Rose decided to accompany Amy for the duration of the walk in a support role. On June 1, Amy, Zoe and team set out from Brisbane on their two-month journey, with Amy walking about 30 kilometres every day. As Australian Story reveals, the journey had its ups and downs - and an unexpected ending.
Episode 27
30 mins
Mark Bouris is widely recognised as the public face of Wizard Home Loans, but behind that image has always been a very private man. As one frustrated journalist, in a rare newspaper profile, put it: 'The tight-lipped Bouris - citing privacy concerns - won't even reveal what suburb he lives in. He won't talk about his wife ... or his kids ...' This week on Australian Story, Mark Bouris finally breaks his silence. Bouris, of course, is the dynamic businessman who created Wizard, brought in the Packer family as equal partners and within a few years sold the company to American giant General Electric Corporation through its subsidiary GE Money for more than $400 million dollars. Now, rather than retiring, he's embarking on further business expansion. And while it is business that's made him so recognisable, it is his passion for his family and his humble beginnings that inspire him. We meet his parents whom he credits with instilling in him the discipline and values that would propel him from the Sydney suburb of Punchbowl to the boardroom of one of the world's largest companies.
Episode 28
30 mins
For anybody who has ever wondered what drives BASE jumpers to leap from buildings and cliffs with just a parachute to protect them, science may have finally provided an answer. Dr Glenn Singleman, a Sydney doctor and world record-holding BASE jumper, says 'high sensation seekers' may be genetically drawn to voluntary risk-taking behaviour. Studies in the United States have shown they have more copies of the 'D4DR gene' on Chromosone 11. Dr Singleman puts the theory to the test in the program. With his BASE jumping wife Heather Swan, Dr Singleman took part in a University of Sydney study which compared people's responses to images and noises that were designed to startle them. Australian Story also gives the inside story of a new world BASE jumping record set by Dr Singleman and his wife. In an extraordinary adventure they jumped together from a 6600 metre cliff on Mount Meru in India with far more than just a dangerous mountain to conquer.
Episode 29
30 mins
His looks have been likened to Superman and, according to his friends, ACTU chief, Greg Combet combines elements of the 'Man of Steel' and his mild-mannered alter ego, Clark Kent. Greg Combet comes from a long line of French champagne makers, but the fizz in his working life recently has been the battle with the Federal Government over changes to workplace relations laws. He is seen as the well-dressed, reasoned voice of the union movement but has been sharply criticised by the Federal Government in the battle for hearts, minds and votes over the IR changes. But even amongst foes comes surprising praise for a man some believe will one day be prime minister. Bob Hawke thinks he's got what it takes to lead but Greg Combet is in no hurry to get to Canberra. But what of the man behind the microphone or the protest banner? Until now he's kept his private life just that. Australian Story reveals his blended family, his struggle to balance work and home, and a childhood passion kept in a backyard cage.
Episode 30
30 mins
Sixteen years ago Colleen Walker, Evelyn Greenup and Clinton Speedy all disappeared within a few months of each other. The bodies of 4-year-old Evelyn and 16-year-old Clinton were found in bushland outside Bowraville some months after their disappearance; both had stab wounds to the head. While 16-year-old Colleen Walker's remains have never been located, her clothing was found weighted down in a nearby river. A local man was charged and acquitted in 1994 over the murder of Clinton Speedy. The same man was charged this year with the murder of Evelyn Greenup, but again acquitted. Now the New South Wales police are investigating new evidence they say could help solve the murders and bring the killer or killers to justice. Despite the passage of time, the victims' families have never stopped campaigning for justice. They've now formed a pressure group called 'Ngindajumi' or 'truth be told' with the help of local GP Dr Vivienne Tedeschi. Australian Story follows the local doctor, the police and the Bowraville community's search for justice.
Episode 31
30 mins
The Latto family has had to dig deep for the courage to withstand the challenges a shared defective gene has brought them in the past year. Four family members have Marfan Syndrome, an inherited condition that affects the elastic tissue in the body, and causes a life-threatening defect to the aorta. Rosemary Latto was unaware of what was in store for her family when a doctor diagnosed her long-limbed children with the condition. Marfan sufferers have been likened to 'walking time bombs' because their aortas are prone to tearing and leaking. Rosemary Latto watched in horror as sons Ian and Ben Latto reached this critical stage in their condition and underwent heart surgery, which had tragic outcomes for both. Ian, who had been working on a law degree, suffered a massive stroke which left him seriously disabled. Younger brother Ben had to abandon a music career after complications resulted from his heart operation. Rosemary Latto underwent major surgery herself recently and now takes daily care of Ian who is highly dependent, not knowing what future health crises could arise. Her daughter Alisa is taking her chances without surgery, but is hopeful a medical breakthrough will now give her better odds than the present 50 percent of avoiding passing the condition on to any children she may have.
Episode 32
30 mins
In the 1980s and 90s jockey Shane Dye and his then wife Karla were the 'golden couple' of racing, always in the limelight. Cocky and fiercely competitive - and never far from controversy - Dye won a string of the country's most prestigious races including the 1989 Melbourne Cup on Tawrrific and four straight Golden Slipper wins (1989-1992). Behind the scenes he was always supported by his glamorous and devoted wife. When Karla Dye nearly lost her life giving birth to their only child, son Nicholas, in August 1991, Dye was constantly at her side. But before the decade was out, the racing world would be shocked when Dye walked out on his wife and partner of 17 years for a teenage model. The fallout from the marriage break-up partly motivated Dye's move to Hong Kong six years ago, where he is one of just 24 jockeys licensed to ride for the prestigious and lucrative Hong Kong Jockey Club. But the last couple of years have been a roller coaster for Dye. His second marriage ended following a well-publicised domestic dispute in 2004. And more recently, in June, he had a horrific race fall that might have ended his career. Among the first to rush to his side was his former wife Karla, their son Nicholas Dye and her new husband, former rugby league great Paul Langmack. Australian Story follows Shane Dye as he prepares to return to race riding next weekend (subject to medical approval).
Episode 33
30 mins
When Sharon 'Wild Thing' Anyos stepped into the ring on Friday September 22, she was fighting for more than a win against her Dutch opponent. WBC featherweight champion Sharon, was not only defending her world title. She was fighting to create a new career beyond boxing. As the first and only women's WBC champion she finds it almost impossible to find opponents in Australia. Prejudice against her sport, legal hurdles and extremely low financial rewards have pushed Sharon and her partner Steve Boyce into promoting her own event at the Gold Coast. Growing up in a family of martial artists, where even her mother is a black belt in karate, Sharon found that the sport that brought her closer to her trainer-father was also something she did extremely well. She got to the top in karate, kick-boxing and muay thai, then moved into traditional boxing. Her chance came when family friend and heavyweight boxing champion Joe Bugner agreed to put Sharon on an under-card fight when he fought in his 1998 comeback fight. In a scene that could have come from the film Million Dollar Baby, Sharon sought help from legendary fighter and trainer Jeff Fenech. Fenech, a staunch opponent of women's boxing, agreed to help her after she insisted on training in his Sydney gym and impressed him. Her career hit its peak last year when she won the coveted WBC title, joining the likes of Muhammad Ali, Kostya Tszyu and Fenech himself. But success has come only through stubborn refusal to accept the limits of this male dominated sport. Against the advice of everyone, including Joe Bugner, Sharon and Steve, with the promise of support from family and friends, will take a huge financial risk with the ultimate challenge. Australian Story followed Sharon and Steve as she prepared for her make or break mission. Along with the exhilaration and determination there were tears and hurts as they found out who their friends were and how much pressure they could take.
Episode 34
30 mins
When Australian Story first met the pianist Aaron McMillan 5 years ago, it was at the start of the most intense week of his life. He'd just been given a piece of news that changed his outlook on everything. And as our cameras began recording, nobody knew how the story would end. We revisit that award-winning program, to find there are new twists and turns in the Aaron McMillan story, and the drama continues to unfold.
Episode 35
30 mins
Australian Story continues the story of a courageous young pianist with an indomitable spirit and his fight to live. Aaron McMillan was given what seemed a miraculous reprieve when he survived life-threatening brain surgery five years ago. He had what neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo described as one of the worst tumours he had ever seen, and he came through its removal unscathed and resumed his playing schedule within four weeks of his operation. But two years later, further tumours were discovered at the base of his skull and in his ribs, spine and hip. Once again Aaron allowed complete access to Australian Story's cameras to chronicle the unfolding drama. The ABC crew joined Aaron on a roller coaster journey through nerve wracking medical check-ups, joyous family birthday parties and a punishing schedule of piano recitals, including two concerts at the Sydney Opera House. At the same time he struggled to deal with conflicting advice from his doctors. Throughout all of this he maintained his positive zeal for life and defied the odds against surviving the cancer. "Having the whole process filmed gave me a very interesting focal point," he told Australian Story. "I was taking people on a journey, which is kind of what I do on stage as a musician, and I found it a great source of comfort."
Episode 36
30 mins
Six weeks on from the death of the Crocodile Hunter, Australian Story explores the Steve Irwin legacy - and the moves that are already being made to ensure his work is continued. Bindi Irwin is interviewed for the first time. And Steve Irwin's off-camera friend and manager, John Stainton talks revealingly about handling personal shock and grief in tandem with public mourning and a worldwide media frenzy. At Irwin's death, it was Stainton who stepped up to become the public face of the Crocodile Hunter phenomenon. Now some of the focus is starting to switch to eight-year-old Bindi Irwin - a development that's drawing criticism in some quarters. John Stainton acknowledges that there may be some negative reaction but says "I think that they (the critics) don't understand that this little girl is very much enjoying what she's doing. She is in control." Australian Story filmed on location this week as Bindi, accompanied by her mother, resumed work on the 'Bindi the Jungle Girl' program for the American Discovery Channel. The program goes behind the scenes of the last six weeks - and gets a glimpse of the future, with previously unbroadcast material from Bindi's new program and candid behind-the-scenes footage captured during the Steve Irwin memorial event.
Episode 37
30 mins
For the past five years, Michael Patullo, 31, has been living with the daily fear that his cancer could return. In 2001, after being treated for a massive germ cell tumour in his chest, doctors told him there was a 90 per cent chance it could return. To mark five years in remission and his official 'all clear', Michael Patullo decided to climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise funds for the youth cancer charity CanTeen. At nearly 6000m high, Mt Kilimanjaro is the world's highest free-standing mountain. Even though it should be attempted only by those 'in good health', CanTeen decided to send some of its young members with him to show that cancer need not stop you from challenging yourself. The climb was a milestone to celebrate CanTeen's 21st birthday - and to highlight that 'a strong mind can go a long way towards beating a cancer diagnosis'. The three members who were selected have all been touched by cancer. Like Josh Hogan, 24, from Perth who joined CanTeen when his 17-year-old sister died from cancer. Four years later, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He's now in remission. In late August, the group, who'd trained hard for the trek, set off for Africa with an experienced mountain guide, doctor and support staff. Australian Story covers their gruelling journey to the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro as they battle altitude sickness and face the limitations of their health.
Episode 38
30 mins
Seven years ago Tim McCallum was accepted into the prestigious Academy of Performing Arts in Western Australia. It was the culmination of a childhood dream. WAAPA has famously provided the launching pad for well known performers including Hugh Jackman and Lisa McCune. But three days after arriving in WA to start his studies, Tim McCallum broke his neck in an accident in the surf. He was left paralysed from the chest down with only partial use of his arms. It seemed there was no realistic prospect of him ever being able to sing again. But Derek Bond, a lecturer from the Academy visited Tim in hospital every second day and encouraged him to continue music studies and to try to use his voice again. "Anyone who sings knows the support you have to get from the diaphragm and if you haven't got all those muscles working there for you then you have to work in another way," says Bond. At first it was a struggle, but gradually and remarkably the power in Tim McCallum's voice returned. A surprise call from international producer and choreographer David Atkins opened the door to a return to the stage and McCallum performed in front of thousands in Atkins' spectacular 'Dreamscape' at the Melbourne Tennis Centre. Other work soon followed and Tim McCallum has performed in Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd and, most recently, in Rent at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
Episode 39
30 mins
Take one motley group of soccer players with everything stacked against them and who have battled the odds most of their lives. This is the Australian Street Socceroos. There's no fleet-footed Mark Vidukas or Harry Kewells amongst them. Most can barely kick a ball. This group of disadvantaged and marginalized individuals put aside their 'big issue' whether it is drug or alcohol abuse, mental illness or long-term unemployment and come together for a common cause - to represent Australia at the Homeless World Cup. The Cup builds bridges and changes lives and it's less about football than it is about the game of life. For these young people, it's a commitment to stay clean and sober for the duration of the competition, to turn up regularly for training and to build relationships with their fellow team members. It's a huge personal step forward for them - helped by their coach, confidante and mentor, George Halkias. This year, the fourth of the Cup competition, they competed amongst nearly 50 other countries in Cape Town South Africa. Australian Story follows the team headed by the eternally optimistic, yet often frustrated Halkias, from the training field in Melbourne to the famous Grand Parade - site of Nelson Mandela's release - in Cape Town. Almost 10,000 spectators cheered on the players in the shadows of Table Mountain. Soccer great Harry Kewell lends his support by introducing the Australian Story program and Archbishop Desmond Tutu also makes a special guest appearance.
Episode 40
30 mins
Australian Story concludes its 2006 season with a rare good news story from the bush. The program tells the story of 48-year-old grandmother Toni Powell, who arrived in the Queensland gold mining town of Gympie three years ago. Her husband loved the new location but Toni Powell hated it... "I got quite panicked about spending an eternity in Gympie..." Her sense of despair was deepened by grim news on the television and the bleak and violent tone of many mainstream movies. Then she had the idea of making a short film - "I had no experience at all but I always wanted to make a film. It's just the way that you want to be, you want to have a life you're not having". Against all expectations, her 'feel-good' movie, made with her family, scooped the prize pool at a national film festival and went on to be screened successfully at a number of festivals all around the world. Suddenly Toni Powell was rubbing shoulders in Los Angeles with movie stars Daryl Hannah and Raquel Welch. Then she had another idea. If a first-time filmmaker from rural Queensland could go round the world with a little feel-good movie, could the world be persuaded to make the long trek to rural Queensland for a weekend-long festival of feel-good movies? Toni and her husband, Phil Powell, went into debt and put their house on the line to put their big idea to the test. The result galvanised the entire community in unexpected, comical and ultimately joyful ways.