On 27 October 1857 a party of Yiman warriors killed 12 people at Hornet Bank Station. On 16 October 1861 another massacre of settlers took place at Culin-la-Ringo when Gayiri warriors killed 19 people. What emerges is a story of frontier wars where local Aboriginal people fought to protect thier hunting lands and sacred sites which they saw were being defiled by white settlers. Email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com 

On 27 October 1857 a party of Yiman warriors killed 12 people at Hornet Bank Station. On 16 October 1861 another massacre of settlers took place at Culin-la-Ringo when Gayiri warriors killed 19 people. What emerges is a story of frontier wars where local Aboriginal people fought to protect thier hunting lands and sacred sites which they saw were being defiled by white settlers. Email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a>

AHP-147- The Hornet Bank and Cullin-la-Ringo Massacres

Vera Deakin

Vera Deakin is one of those great women in Australian History that you have probably never heard of. However, if your family has roots that go back to WWI she may have had a significant impact on your life. Vera Deakin was the daughter of Alfred Deakin and his wife Elizabeth. She is known for her long involvement with the Australian Red Cross of over 60 years and establishing the the Australian Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau to trace missing and killed soldiers, bringing comfort to their families. My main source for this episode is Carole Woods' excellent book 'Vera Deakin and the Red Cross'.  You can get a copy at: https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/bookshop/ Email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com 

Vera Deakin is one of those great women in Australian History that you have probably never heard of. However, if your family has roots that go back to WWI she may have had a significant impact on your life. Vera Deakin was the daughter of Alfred Deakin and his wife Elizabeth. She is known for her long involvement with the Australian Red Cross of over 60 years and establishing the the Australian Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau to trace missing and killed soldiers, bringing comfort to their families. My main source for this episode is Carole Woods' excellent book 'Vera Deakin and the Red Cross'.  You can get a copy at: <a href="https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/bookshop/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.historyvictoria.org.au/bookshop/</a> Email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com </a>

AHP-146-Vera Deakin

We wrap up our four part series on the Australia First Movement. There's one final inquiry, led by Justice Clyne, to investigate the internments. We look at what happened to some of the key people after the War and ask what to make of it all?   Finally, it's ANZAC Day, the day Australians and New Zealanders commemorate those who have served in war. You can email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com 

We wrap up our four part series on the Australia First Movement. There's one final inquiry, led by Justice Clyne, to investigate the internments. We look at what happened to some of the key people after the War and ask what to make of it all?   Finally, it's ANZAC Day, the day Australians and New Zealanders commemorate those who have served in war. You can email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a>

AHP-145-The Australia First Movement, Part 4 and ANZAC Day

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. Remember, you can always email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com 

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. Remember, you can always email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a>

AHP-144-The Australia First Movement, Part 3

The security forces, police and political leaders take a close interest in Australia First members. After WWII is declared the Publicist ceases and there is  public opposition to Australia First, particularly in Sydney. In Western Australia the police send in an undercover agent and get evidence of a conspiracy to suport a Japanese invasion, sabotage and the assassination of public officials. The police swoop and arrest key Australia First members on 9 March 1942. Check out Barbara Winter's book 'The Australia First Movement, Dreaming of a National Socialist Australia'. Apologies for the sound quality at the end of the epsisode. This was due to a severe thunderstorm hitting Canberra. Email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com 

The security forces, police and political leaders take a close interest in Australia First members. After WWII is declared the Publicist ceases and there is  public opposition to Australia First, particularly in Sydney. In Western Australia the police send in an undercover agent and get evidence of a conspiracy to suport a Japanese invasion, sabotage and the assassination of public officials. The police swoop and arrest key Australia First members on 9 March 1942. Check out Barbara Winter's book 'The Australia First Movement, Dreaming of a National Socialist Australia'. Apologies for the sound quality at the end of the epsisode. This was due to a severe thunderstorm hitting Canberra. Email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a>

AHP-143-The Australia First Movement, Part 2

On 9 March 1942 four people were arrested in Perth on suspicion of a plot to contact the Japanese armed forces to help with a Japanese invasion and to assassinate public officials. They had formed an organisation called the Australia-First Group. A few days later 16 people, members of the Australia First Movement, were arrested in Sydney. In Parliament they were all denounced as traitors – because WWII was underway and Australia was in fear of a Japanese invasion. Two were sentenced to prison and most of the others were secretly interned for the duration of the war.

On 9 March 1942 four people were arrested in Perth on suspicion of a plot to contact the Japanese armed forces to help with a Japanese invasion and to assassinate public officials. They had formed an organisation called the Australia-First Group. A few days later 16 people, members of the Australia First Movement, were arrested in Sydney. In Parliament they were all denounced as traitors – because WWII was underway and Australia was in fear of a Japanese invasion. Two were sentenced to prison and most of the others were secretly interned for the duration of the war.

AHP-142-The Australia First Movement, Part 1

Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January each year. But how much do you really know about the history of Australia Day? 26 January is not the date the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Harbour, nor is it the day the Colony of NSW was  proclaimed. And it may surprise you that the first public holiday to be actually called Australia Day was held on 30 July, not 26 January.

Australia Day is celebrated on 26 January each year. But how much do you really know about the history of Australia Day? 26 January is not the date the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Harbour, nor is it the day the Colony of NSW was  proclaimed. And it may surprise you that the first public holiday to be actually called Australia Day was held on 30 July, not 26 January.

AHP-141-History of Australia Day

On 8 September 2022 Queen Elizabeth II died. In this episode we explore what it meant for Australia. Oh, and I also rave on a little about cricket.

On 8 September 2022 Queen Elizabeth II died. In this episode we explore what it meant for Australia. Oh, and I also rave on a little about cricket.

AHP-140-The Death of Queen Elizabeth II of Australia

It's ANZAC Day and we commomorate those Australians who served on HMAS Perth which was sunk in the Battle of the Sunda Strait on 1 March 1942.

It's ANZAC Day and we commomorate those Australians who served on HMAS Perth which was sunk in the Battle of the Sunda Strait on 1 March 1942.

AHP-139-ANZAC DAY HMAS PERTH

Oskar Speck

Learn about the amazing story about Oskar Speck a man who paddled his kayak from Germany to Australia, starting in 1932 and taking 7 years to complete his voyage. By the time he arrived in Australia the world was at war and so he was, like many German nationals, interned. After the War Speck settled in Australia, becoming a successful opal dealer.

Learn about the amazing story about Oskar Speck a man who paddled his kayak from Germany to Australia, starting in 1932 and taking 7 years to complete his voyage. By the time he arrived in Australia the world was at war and so he was, like many German nationals, interned. After the War Speck settled in Australia, becoming a successful opal dealer.

AHP-138-The amazing journey of Oskar Speck

I learned about the Aussie Waves Podcast from another great history podcast and haven&#39;t been disappointed! James Dampier&#39;s show provides a look at different events in Australian history. He presents each topic, some light-hearted and some deadly serious, with refreshing earnestness and , no matter what, with an unmistakeable love and pride for his nation and all of the many different kinds of people who comprise it.

Lots of Love for Straya

Aussie History Podcast

Every Australian knows the words to 'Waltzing Matilda'. On the surface it's a song about a swagman who steals a sheep and drowns himself in a billabong to avoid capture.  But, it's more than just a quaint bush ballad.  Behind the story of the song lies politics, industrial unrest, class divisions and of course economics.  

Every Australian knows the words to 'Waltzing Matilda'. On the surface it's a song about a swagman who steals a sheep and drowns himself in a billabong to avoid capture.  But, it's more than just a quaint bush ballad.  Behind the story of the song lies politics, industrial unrest, class divisions and of course economics.

AWP-56-Waltzing Matilda, Australia's Unofficial National anthem

Welcome to 2018 and Episode 72. It’s summer in Australia and that means cricket. Learn about the extraterrestrial origins of the game of cricket – yes aliens invented cricket. And my friend Kate joins me in this episode to talk about cricket and some of the memorable Ashes clashes between Australia and the old foe England at the WACA Ground. We also talk about cricketing songs and how bad I was at cricket. Be warned!! This is a very long episode. Here’s some YouTube videos of cricketing songs: The 'Come on Aussie Come on' advertisement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uBjJAV3CMk Greg Champion’s ‘I made a Hundred in the backyard at Mum’s’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjr9Y3oNW-4 Sherbet’s ‘Howzat’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EmSanSFXEM Paul Kelly’s ‘Bradman’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjZHfEIEJ54 And of course 10CC’s ‘Dreadlock holiday’ – “I don’t like cricket, oh no, I love it!!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI2FC36lXXQ Remember you can email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com

Welcome to 2018 and Episode 72. It’s summer in Australia and that means cricket. Learn about the extraterrestrial origins of the game of cricket – yes aliens invented cricket. And my friend Kate joins me in this episode to talk about cricket and some of the memorable Ashes clashes between Australia and the old foe England at the WACA Ground. We also talk about cricketing songs and how bad I was at cricket. Be warned!! This is a very long episode. Here’s some YouTube videos of cricketing songs: The 'Come on Aussie Come on' advertisement: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uBjJAV3CMk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uBjJAV3CMk</a> Greg Champion’s ‘I made a Hundred in the backyard at Mum’s’: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjr9Y3oNW-4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjr9Y3oNW-4</a> Sherbet’s ‘Howzat’: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EmSanSFXEM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EmSanSFXEM</a> Paul Kelly’s ‘Bradman’: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjZHfEIEJ54" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjZHfEIEJ54</a> And of course 10CC’s ‘Dreadlock holiday’ – “I don’t like cricket, oh no, I love it!!” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI2FC36lXXQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI2FC36lXXQ</a> Remember you can email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a>

AWP-72-Howzat!

In this episode we consider ten sometimes strange but true facts about Australia. These are:  Australia really is populated by extremely dangerous animals that can and will kill you Australia was established as a penal colony The Prime Minister is missing Our strange ‘population’ Giving women the vote How much can a koala bear? Australians love a good fence We eat our coat of arms We have a Queen - Australia is a Monarchy    For this episode I recommend thee movie Rabbit Proof Fence and also check out the Northern Territory News – it’s bound to have a croc story. Check out their web page at: http://www.ntnews.com.au/   Email me at: jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com   Music courtesy of Dan-O at: http://www.danosongs.com/   Thanks to Ken Dampier for post-production.

In this episode we consider ten sometimes strange but true facts about Australia. These are: <ul> <li>Australia really is populated by extremely dangerous animals that can and will kill you</li> <li>Australia was established as a penal colony</li> <li>The Prime Minister is missing</li> <li>Our strange ‘population’</li> <li>Giving women the vote</li> <li>How much can a koala bear?</li> <li>Australians love a good fence</li> <li>We eat our coat of arms</li> <li>We have a Queen - Australia is a Monarchy</li> </ul> For this episode I recommend thee movie Rabbit Proof Fence and also check out the Northern Territory News – it’s bound to have a croc story. Check out their web page at: <a href="http://www.ntnews.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.ntnews.com.au/</a> Email me at: <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a> Music courtesy of Dan-O at: <a href="http://www.danosongs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.danosongs.com/</a> Thanks to Ken Dampier for post-production.

AWP-08-Ten Strange but True Facts about Australia

It's late 1854 and the Victorian town of Ballarat. A gold rush is on and we are the gold diggings, but things are extremely tense. The gold miners are mounting a strong oppostion against the Victorian Government because of the mining license fee it is imposing. Police are undertaking raids into the miners camps and demanding that miners produce their license. So the miners respond by burning their licenses. On 30 November 1854 a mass burning of licences takes place at Bakery Hill. Under the leadership of Peter Lalor, the diggers march to the Eureka diggings. Here they construct a stockade and inside the stockade some 500 diggers take an oath on the Southern Cross flag Then at dawn on Sunday 3 December the miliatry launch an attack on the stockade. The diggers are outnumbered and the battle is over in twenty minutes. Twenty-two diggers and five troops lie dead. The Eureka rebellion is considered by some to be the birthplace of Australian democracy.

It's late 1854 and the Victorian town of Ballarat. A gold rush is on and we are the gold diggings, but things are extremely tense. The gold miners are mounting a strong oppostion against the Victorian Government because of the mining license fee it is imposing. Police are undertaking raids into the miners camps and demanding that miners produce their license. So the miners respond by burning their licenses. On 30 November 1854 a mass burning of licences takes place at Bakery Hill. Under the leadership of Peter Lalor, the diggers march to the Eureka diggings. Here they construct a stockade and inside the stockade some 500 diggers take an oath on the Southern Cross flag Then at dawn on Sunday 3 December the miliatry launch an attack on the stockade. The diggers are outnumbered and the battle is over in twenty minutes. Twenty-two diggers and five troops lie dead. The Eureka rebellion is considered by some to be the birthplace of Australian democracy.

AWP-67- The Eureka Rebellion, Part 1: The Seeds of Rebellion

Ned Kelly

In this and the next episode we will be looking at the life and times of Edward 'Ned' Kelly.  We will be asking the question does Ned Kelly deserve his place in Australian culture as a larrikin hero who stood up to the British ruling elite because of oppression faced by him, his family and the broader Irish-Catholic community? Or was he a ruthless  criminal and cop killer who deserved what he got? A big warning here:  I'm not a Ned Kelly fan!!

In this and the next episode we will be looking at the life and times of Edward 'Ned' Kelly.  We will be asking the question does Ned Kelly deserve his place in Australian culture as a larrikin hero who stood up to the British ruling elite because of oppression faced by him, his family and the broader Irish-Catholic community? Or was he a ruthless  criminal and cop killer who deserved what he got? A big warning here:  I'm not a Ned Kelly fan!!

AWP-77-Bushrangers who were Ned Kelly, Part 1

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this episode mentions the names of people who have passed away. At school we learned that the the settlement of New South Wales was a pretty peaceful affair and that the local Aboriginal people accepted the colonists. Also that, where there was conflict, it was very much small scale and out of the ordinary. But was it really like that?

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this episode mentions the names of people who have passed away. At school we learned that the the settlement of New South Wales was a pretty peaceful affair and that the local Aboriginal people accepted the colonists. Also that, where there was conflict, it was very much small scale and out of the ordinary. But was it really like that?

AWP-92-The Sydney Wars 1788-89

On the morning of 13May 1787 the First Fleet weighed anchor and set sail from Portsmouth, England.  On 26 January 1788 the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Harbour. In this episode we relive the journey out to New South Wales and see what it was like for the colonists in the first few years of the new colony. Needless to say, it was pretty hard going. There was a constant threat of starvation and there were skirmishes with the local Aboriginal people – the Eora.   For this episode check out the Sydney Museum website. There is an exhibition on the First Fleet ships at: http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/museum-of-sydney   Email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com and visit the Aussie waves Podcast Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast

On the morning of 13May 1787 the First Fleet weighed anchor and set sail from Portsmouth, England.  On 26 January 1788 the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Harbour. In this episode we relive the journey out to New South Wales and see what it was like for the colonists in the first few years of the new colony. Needless to say, it was pretty hard going. There was a constant threat of starvation and there were skirmishes with the local Aboriginal people – the Eora.  For this episode check out the Sydney Museum website. There is an exhibition on the First Fleet ships at: <a href="http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/museum-of-sydney" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/museum-of-sydney</a> Email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a> and visit the Aussie waves Podcast Facebook page at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast</a>

AWP-18-Bound for Botany Bay: The First Fleet Part 2

In this episode we reflect on the First Fleet and come to some conclusions about it all. Then we look at two men – Pemulwuy and Bennelong. Both were Aboriginal men who played important roles in the early years of the colony of New South Wales. Check out the YouTube video of Mirusia Louwerse singing the old Aussie folk song Bound for Botany Bay. It’s a song about a convict being transported to Australia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQCIUKgHc5k Email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com and visit the Aussie Waves Podcast Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast Music courtesy of Dan-O at: http://www.danosongs.com/   Thanks to Ken Dampier for post-production.

In this episode we reflect on the First Fleet and come to some conclusions about it all. Then we look at two men – Pemulwuy and Bennelong. Both were Aboriginal men who played important roles in the early years of the colony of New South Wales. Check out the YouTube video of Mirusia Louwerse singing the old Aussie folk song Bound for Botany Bay. It’s a song about a convict being transported to Australia: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQCIUKgHc5k" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQCIUKgHc5k</a> Email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a> and visit the Aussie Waves Podcast Facebook page at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast</a> Music courtesy of Dan-O at: <a href="http://www.danosongs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.danosongs.com/</a> Thanks to Ken Dampier for post-production.

AWP-19-Bound for Botany Bay: The First Fleet, Part 3

Do you know what the capital city of Australia is? If you live overseas you will probably answer Sydney. Wrong! It’s actually Canberra. Some people say that Canberra is a good sheep station spoiled. In this episode we learn about how Canberra came into being, how it got its name, and why it is located where it is. http://www.abc.net.au/tv/documentaries/downloads/canberraconf_facts.pdf https://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php/fact-sheets Email me at: jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com Music courtesy of Dan-O at: http://www.danosongs.com/ Thanks to Ken Dampier, who is currently on holidays in Thailand, for post-production.

Do you know what the capital city of Australia is? If you live overseas you will probably answer Sydney. Wrong! It’s actually Canberra. Some people say that Canberra is a good sheep station spoiled. In this episode we learn about how Canberra came into being, how it got its name, and why it is located where it is. <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/tv/documentaries/downloads/canberraconf_facts.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.abc.net.au/tv/documentaries/downloads/canberraconf_facts.pdf</a> <a href="https://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php/fact-sheets" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php/fact-sheets</a> Email me at: <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a> Music courtesy of Dan-O at: <a href="http://www.danosongs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.danosongs.com/</a> Thanks to Ken Dampier, who is currently on holidays in Thailand, for post-production.

AWP-37-A Good Sheep Station Spoiled

In this episode we cover the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – or as local Sydney-siders call it, the coat hanger. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic bridge that joins the north of Sydney Harbour to the south. At the time of its completion in 1932 it was considered the epitome of modern bridge design and engineering ingenuity

In this episode we cover the history of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – or as local Sydney-siders call it, the coat hanger. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is an iconic bridge that joins the north of Sydney Harbour to the south. At the time of its completion in 1932 it was considered the epitome of modern bridge design and engineering ingenuity

AHP-99-The Coat Hanger

Remember The Seekers? Only if you are over 50 years old, probably. The Seekers was one of the first Aussie Pop Groups to make it big overseas. I used to think their music was way too lame. But maybe I did them a disservice. The angelic voice of Judith Durham took them to the top of the charts in Australia, the UK and the US. For this episode listen to a few of their hit songs at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ga9Bs4fzSY&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY#t=0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5pvpIvz5YQ&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY&amp;index=3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nze8B39OB0k&amp;index=4&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSVfLNCW4Fs&amp;index=2&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY Very 1960s wholesome music.

Remember The Seekers? Only if you are over 50 years old, probably. The Seekers was one of the first Aussie Pop Groups to make it big overseas. I used to think their music was way too lame. But maybe I did them a disservice. The angelic voice of Judith Durham took them to the top of the charts in Australia, the UK and the US. For this episode listen to a few of their hit songs at: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ga9Bs4fzSY&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY#t=0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ga9Bs4fzSY&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY#t=0</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5pvpIvz5YQ&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY&amp;index=3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5pvpIvz5YQ&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY&amp;index=3</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nze8B39OB0k&amp;index=4&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nze8B39OB0k&amp;index=4&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSVfLNCW4Fs&amp;index=2&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSVfLNCW4Fs&amp;index=2&amp;list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY</a> Very 1960s wholesome music.

AWP-30-The Carnival Is Over, The Seekers

On Saturday 19 March 1932 Captain Francis Edward de Groot, dressed in full military uniform, raced up on horseback, drew his ceremonial sword, and cut the ribbon declaring the Sydney Harbour Bridge open and proclaiming he was doing so "in the name of the decent and respectable people of New South Wales.” Here is a YouTube clip that shows some of the footage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19R0d1VCGxM Email me at: jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com Music courtesy of Dan-O at: http://www.danosongs.com/ Thanks to Ken Dampier for post-production and Emmie the AWP Wonder Dog for security.

On Saturday 19 March 1932 Captain Francis Edward de Groot, dressed in full military uniform, raced up on horseback, drew his ceremonial sword, and cut the ribbon declaring the Sydney Harbour Bridge open and proclaiming he was doing so "in the name of the decent and respectable people of New South Wales.” Here is a YouTube clip that shows some of the footage: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19R0d1VCGxM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19R0d1VCGxM</a> Email me at: <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a> Music courtesy of Dan-O at: <a href="http://www.danosongs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.danosongs.com/</a> Thanks to Ken Dampier for post-production and Emmie the AWP Wonder Dog for security.

AWP-47-Captain de Groote, The New Guard and The Sydney Harbour Bridge

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.

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 <a href="http://www.cameleers.net/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.cameleers.net/</a> Music by Dan-O at: <a href="http://www.danosongs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.danosongs.com/</a> Thanks to Ken Dampier for post production.

AWP-03-The Afghan Cameleers

Frederick Valentich

On the 21 October 1978, 20 year old frederick Valentich dissappeared while on a training flight over Bass Strait.  Some say he was taken by a UFO. 

On the 21 October 1978, 20 year old frederick Valentich dissappeared while on a training flight over Bass Strait.  Some say he was taken by a UFO.

AWP29-The Disappearance of Frederick Valentich

In this episode we are looking at the Battle of One Tree Hill. This was a battle fought by the Jagera people led by the warrior Multuggerrah in 1843. While Multuggerah and his forces defeated the white settlers it did not end well for a people who had inhabited the Darling Downs region of South East Queensland for some 30-40,000 years.

In this episode we are looking at the Battle of One Tree Hill. This was a battle fought by the Jagera people led by the warrior Multuggerrah in 1843. While Multuggerah and his forces defeated the white settlers it did not end well for a people who had inhabited the Darling Downs region of South East Queensland for some 30-40,000 years.

AWP-81-Frontier Wars and the Battle of One Tree Hill

In this episode we remember Gough Whitlam’s visits to China – the People’s Republic of China - in 1971 and 1973. The 1971 visit, when Whitlam was Opposition Leader, paved the way for the diplomatic recognition of China and sowed the seeds for a thriving cultural and economic relationship. In 1973 Whitlam became the first Australian Prime Minister to travel to China. Visit the Whitlam Institute website – where much of the material for this episode was sourced: http://www.whitlam.org/   Also check out the It’s Time TV commercial from the 1972 election campaign. Whitlam shakes hands with Premier Zhou at around the 1 minute 15 second mark:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqMCZBjvmD4 Music courtesy of Dan-O at: http://www.danosongs.com/ Thanks to Ken Dampier for post-production.

In this episode we remember Gough Whitlam’s visits to China – the People’s Republic of China - in 1971 and 1973. The 1971 visit, when Whitlam was Opposition Leader, paved the way for the diplomatic recognition of China and sowed the seeds for a thriving cultural and economic relationship. In 1973 Whitlam became the first Australian Prime Minister to travel to China. Visit the Whitlam Institute website – where much of the material for this episode was sourced: <a href="http://www.whitlam.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.whitlam.org/</a> Also check out the It’s Time TV commercial from the 1972 election campaign. Whitlam shakes hands with Premier Zhou at around the 1 minute 15 second mark:  <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqMCZBjvmD4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqMCZBjvmD4</a> Music courtesy of Dan-O at: <a href="http://www.danosongs.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.danosongs.com/</a> Thanks to Ken Dampier for post-production.

AWP-16-Gough Whitlam Goes to China

Would you believe that on the banks of Kati Thanda or Lake Eyre, South Australia, lies the world’s second-largest geoglyph? Did you know that from the 1940s until the 1970s cats lived in the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And finally, were you aware that at the end of WWI a French orphan was smuggled to Australia in a sack by Australian troops?

Would you believe that on the banks of Kati Thanda or Lake Eyre, South Australia, lies the world’s second-largest geoglyph? Did you know that from the 1940s until the 1970s cats lived in the Sydney Harbour Bridge. And finally, were you aware that at the end of WWI a French orphan was smuggled to Australia in a sack by Australian troops?

AWP-93-More Weird Australian History

At 1.15 pm on the 11th of November 1975, 40 years ago, Edward Gough Whitlam, the 21st Prime Minister of Australia, was dismissed by the Governor-General Sir John Kerr. The Dismissal of Whitlam and his Government was one of the most dramatic and controversial political events in Australian history. And this is the 40th anniversary of that event. Checkout the excellent Tandberg cartoon on the dismissal at: http://whitlamdismissal.com/images/tandberg-large.jpg Music courtesy of Dano at: www.danosongs.com Thanks to Ken Dampier for post production. Email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com and visit the Aussie waves Podcast Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast

At 1.15 pm on the 11th of November 1975, 40 years ago, Edward Gough Whitlam, the 21st Prime Minister of Australia, was dismissed by the Governor-General Sir John Kerr. The Dismissal of Whitlam and his Government was one of the most dramatic and controversial political events in Australian history. And this is the 40th anniversary of that event. Checkout the excellent Tandberg cartoon on the dismissal at: <a href="http://whitlamdismissal.com/images/tandberg-large.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://whitlamdismissal.com/images/tandberg-large.jpg</a> Music courtesy of Dano at: <a href="http://www.danosongs.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.danosongs.com</a> Thanks to Ken Dampier for post production. Email me at <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a> and visit the Aussie waves Podcast Facebook page at: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast</a>

AWP-31-The Dismissal Part 1

William Cook

It’s the ANZAC Day long weekend. And it's also family history time!! Find out how my grandfather Company Quartermaster Sergeant Major William Cook was captured in North Africa in November 1942, was made prisoner of war, and escaped via the Vatican. An amazing story and one I did not believe until my family was recently able to retrieve official War Office documents!! I’ll post these documents on the AWP Facebook page. I know it isn't strictly Australian history, but it is a great story.

It’s the ANZAC Day long weekend. And it's also family history time!! Find out how my grandfather Company Quartermaster Sergeant Major William Cook was captured in North Africa in November 1942, was made prisoner of war, and escaped via the Vatican. An amazing story and one I did not believe until my family was recently able to retrieve official War Office documents!! I’ll post these documents on the AWP Facebook page. I know it isn't strictly Australian history, but it is a great story.

AWP-39-Escape via the Vatican: the amazing WWII story of CQMS William Cook

The local Sydney people continue to find it tough going after the arrival of the British. A smallpox epidemic breaks out killing many Indigenous people. Bennelong is captured and Arthur Phillip is speared and recovers from his wound.  Arthur Phillip then orders reprisals after the apparently unprovoked killing of John McIntire. Email me at: jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com 

The local Sydney people continue to find it tough going after the arrival of the British. A smallpox epidemic breaks out killing many Indigenous people. Bennelong is captured and Arthur Phillip is speared and recovers from his wound.  Arthur Phillip then orders reprisals after the apparently unprovoked killing of John McIntire. Email me at: <a href="mailto:jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com">jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com</a>

AHP-102-The Sydney Wars, April 1789 to December 1790

The best podcast episodes about true crime. For any thrill seeking podcast listeners who just can't get enough of the captivating stories of murderers and criminals. This topic has all the best episodes from many different true crime podcasts.  Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best True Crime Podcasts

The best podcast episodes on romantic relationships. Episodes talk about the 5 love languages, intimacy, and the taboo topics of sexual desires and infidelity. This topic is a deep dive into the science and complexities that face us in our relationships with others. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!