Curious Campbelltown: Recent Episodes
Campbelltown City Library
Campbelltown has a long, interesting and sometimes strange history. This podcast uncovers stories that contribute to its quirky reputation. From the legend of Fisher’s Ghost to Campbelltown’s own “Saving Private Ryan” war story, Curious Campbelltown will take you on a journey of discovery into the town’s colourful past.
Born in Manila, Cynthia migrated to Australia as a toddler where she grew up as part of one of the area’s earliest Filipino families. Shaped by a close-knit family and her parents’ dedication to education and community Cynthia navigated social change in 1970s Australia.Today, Cynthia works as a university lecturer and researcher, and is a children’s author who supports children’s rights and helps young people share their ideas and be heard.
, Star (Sydney, NSW : 1845 - 1846), Friday 24 April 1846, page 2findagrave.comAncestry.comMusic used:Chorale 1 by vartioh -- https://freesound.org/s/131915/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Dark Mysterious Strings 2 by tyops -- https://freesound.org/s/624521/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
and the topics it raises affecting those living in housing commission estates. The conversation turns also to some great writing advice as well as travel and book recommendations. Winner of the inaugural Kathryn Heyman Award for a writer from a background of social or economic disadvantage, Kirsty is also a journalist, communications professional and advisor. She shares some of her life story with Andrew Allen. Content Warning: This episode talks, in part, of domestic violence.
In this special episode Andrew recounts some ghostly goings-on from Campbelltown's past, hauntings connected with Miss Raymond's cottage, Town Hall Theatre, Denfield, and others.
Hosts Bess Gilmore-Lim and Melissa Arriola discuss the mysterious death of Jane Ryan, ex-postulant, in 1895. Was it foul play, or bad timing?Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of death, suicide, murder, severe illness, and religious extremism.Music used:Chorale 1 by vartioh -- https://freesound.org/s/131915/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Dark Mysterious Strings 2 by tyops -- https://freesound.org/s/624521/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Steam train horn 02 by eliasheuninck -- https://freesound.org/s/170848/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Special guest host Zoe Ross sits down for chat with comic book artists Marcelo Baez, Karen Beilharz and Matt Lin to talk about their love of the art, how they became involved in the industry and some bonus recommendations.
Fran Musico Rullo is more than your average high school teacher. As well as her regular classes Fran also runs a History Club for students to learn about and appreciate local and broader Australian history. Her passion for history and dedication to teaching has achieved unprecedented love and respect from her students and contributed enormously to their learning experience. The club has won multiple awards, reflecting Fran’s hard work and commitment. Listen to our latest Curious Campbelltown podcast and learn more about one of Campbelltown’s shining lights.
Former local newspaper editor Mandy Perrin opens up about her days as editor of the Macarthur Chronicle. From her days of cadet reporter through to the top job, Mandy discusses the stories that she felt most passionate about. Her love for and belief in Campbelltown shines through in this latest episode of Curious Campbelltown.
Campbelltown has been a sister city to the Japanese city of Koshigaya since 1984, exchanging gifts and experiences for now over forty years. Andrew chats to past president of the sister city Association, David Symonds and year 11 student Onyx Holmes.
Born in what is now Channai, South India, Brian went to University and had a distinguished career as a journalist interviewing the likes of Mother Teresa and Muhammad Ali among others. Initially visiting Australia for a fun trip he and his family moved here in 1997. Whenever Brian has seen a community need he has championed it beginning many well received projects and finding time to stage a very different musical version of the Wizard of Oz and operate a business. He became a citizen of the year in 2023.
Rugby League and Wests Tigers legend John Skandalis is a household ame in Campbelltown. In this Curious Campbelltown episode, “Skando” discusses the struggles he encountered growing up, his love of Campbelltown, respect for Tommy Raudonikis and that wonderful night in 2005 when his beloved Tigers captured the NRL premiership.
One for all true crime lovers! Our latest Curious Campbelltown episode features a discussion with well-known true crime author Amanda Howard. We discuss famous criminals connected to Campbelltown such as Ivan Milat and the Frankston serial killer, Paul Denyer, plus some of the lesser known crimes that occurred locally. Amanda also examines local missing person cases that continue to baffle searchers.
Want to know more about the night an ape terrorised cinema goers? Maybe you would enjoy the story of the man descended from not one but two of the leading protagonists in the Fisher’s Ghost story? In this latest episode of Curious Campbelltown our library’s local studies team uncovers some of Campbelltown’s rich and quirky history. Listen as they share these wonderful tales with you.
Former Police Commissioner and Campbelltown resident Ken Moroney served New South Wales with distinction. This Curious Campbelltown episode covers Ken’s incredible career from a young Constable to his rise to the top. Major events discussed: Macquarie Fields riots and the Wood Royal Commission into police corruption, as well as other difficult challenges.
Jim Marsden, Senior Partner of Marsdens Law Group, is proud of his life lived in Campbelltown. Much of his childhood was spent in the popular family run pub, Lacks Hotel with Mawson Park as his playground. As his successful legal career grew so did Campbelltown and the paddocks and old pubs disappeared.Instrumental in the development of the West Tigers Rugby League Football Club, Jim talks of Tommy Raudonikis and events of the time.
Andrew and long-time Menangle Park resident, Gary Seddon talk about old-time local eccentric Tom Cooper - a man who painted his house all shades of reds and gold's, yellows and any number of bespoke colours before these colours spread to his attire.
The Great War had a profound impact on Campbelltown. Join author Lauren Hokin as she transports us back to the trenches and what conditions were like for both our brave men at the front and nurses behind the lines . The tragic accounts of various local families are also revealed, including Campbelltown’s own “Saving Private Ryan” story.
The story of Fisher’s Ghost has captivated Australia foralmost 200 years. Listen to Jeff McGill as he discussesspooky tales from Campbelltown’s past attributed to“Fred”. The history and future of our Fisher’s GhostFestival is examined. We also investigate why the legendof this famous spectre has endured to this day.
Married in 1955, Ron and Ailsa Simpson moved to Campbelltown, having three of their five children here. Ron became an civil engineer and was involved in the community service group Apex.
In 1972 Jimmie McFarlane (Vocal/ acoustic Guitar), Donald Denman (Rhythm guitar/narrator), Ian Hilderbran (Lead Guitar), Charlie Camilleri (Bass guitar)and Duncan Watt (Drums) recorded this ballad telling the story of Campbelltown's famous ghost. Shared with Kind permission given by the family