On August 5, 1944, the Cowra breakout marked a significant event in Australian military history. Over 1,100 Japanese prisoners of war attempted to escape from the prisoner of war camp in Cowra, New South Wales, resulting in the largest prison break in Australian history. The breakout led to a violent confrontation between the prisoners and Australian guards, resulting in the deaths of 231 Japanese prisoners and four Australian soldiers, with many more wounded. The incident highlighted the...

What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon? The Cowra Breakout.  The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human experience in times of war, offering insights into the psychological, social, and political dynamics that shape such events. By delving into the...

What do the Kokoda Trail, the Bombing of Darwin, the Brownout Strangler and Australian Codebreakers have in commmon? The Cowra Breakout.  The Cowra Breakout remains a special episode in Australia's wartime history, reflecting the complexities of captivity, resistance, and conflict. Its enduring legacy prompts continued examination of the human experience in times of war, offering insights into the psychological, social, and political dynamics that shape such events. By delving into the...

The Big Pineapple in Queensland, Australia, isn't just a landmark—it's a hub for agri-tourism. Standing tall at sixteen meters, it represents the region's pineapple industry, offering educational tours and entertainment. Through farmer's markets and festivals, it promotes agrarian experiences, enriching visitors' understanding of rural life. Seamlessly blending entertainment with education, the Big Pineapple sustains cultural significance while boosting the local economy. Join Holly &...

The "Dumb Ways to Die" campaign launched in November 2012 by Metro Trains in Melbourne, and by the end of next year, it cemented itself as a legendary advertising campaign. Its viral success not only promoted railway safety, but also earned international acclaim for its creative approach, becoming an iconic example of effective public service announcements and a billion parodies. Join Holly & Matthew as they delve into its viral success and profound impact on public awareness,...

The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practices, emphasizing the crucial importance of effective...

The sinking of HMAS Voyager in 1964, following a collision with HMAS Melbourne during a night-time exercise off New South Wales, resulted in 82 fatalities. Miscommunication and poor visibility were identified as primary causes, highlighting deficiencies in naval procedures and equipment. Subsequent reforms were implemented within the Royal Australian Navy to enhance ship-to-ship communication, radar systems, and operational practices, emphasizing the crucial importance of effective...

Join Holly & Matthew for our traditional 100-episode celebration! This round, we're publishing an interview previously only seen on Patreon, and answering fan questions! Thanks for all your support, guys, we love you all! Head over to this episode of the Dingo Ate My Movie podcast to hear Matthew reminisce about the Australian cult classic, Stone. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.

Discover the tale of Bunyip Bluegum, Bill Barnacle, and Sam Sawnoff as they guard their magical dessert against the devious schemes of Possum and Wombat. Explore the themes of friendship and greed in this beloved Australian classic. Get ready for a delightful journey filled with laughter, adventure, and a pudding that's more than meets the eye! In this episode, join Holly & Matthew as they delve into the whimsical world of "The Magic Pudding" by Norman Lindsay, his lurid past, and the...

In 1996, a crime rocked Australia when a mother, brother, and sister were brutally murdered in their New South Wales home. As investigators delved into the case, suspicions mounted, but the perpetrator remained elusive. Despite attempts to mask the crime as a robbery gone wrong, clues began to unravel the mystery. Strained family dynamics and a cheating husband emerged as potential motives, casting shadows of doubt over the true culprit. So when 17 year-old Matthew de Gruchy was arrested...

Throughout his criminal career, Donahue and his gang targeted stagecoaches and travelers, using the rugged terrain of the Australian outback to their advantage. Unlike other bushrangers, however, Donahue's group stole more than just valuables - they weren't called the Strippers for nothing. As his exploits grew in infamy, Donahue became a folk hero to some and a menace to others. His ability to outwit law enforcement and continue his criminal activities captivated the public...

**Child friendly listening!** First, there was Dora the Explorer. Then there was Pepper Pig. Now, there is Bluey. Join Holly & Matthew as they dive into world of the Blue Heeler, celebrating the pup's universal appeal and Australian attitude. Explore the show's unique storytelling, blending humor, emotion, and valuable life lessons with their distinct Brisbane-ness. Join Holly & Matthew as they discover how Bluey transcends generations with relatable family dynamics, from...

James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in construction throughout Australia and globally. However, by the 1970s, concerns about asbestos-related...

James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in construction throughout Australia and globally. However, by the 1970s, concerns about asbestos-related...

James Hardie Industries' involvement in the asbestos industry significantly shaped its trajectory from the mid-20th century. By the 1930s, the company had begun producing asbestos-containing products, capitalizing on the material's fire-resistant and insulating properties. This move propelled James Hardie into a dominant position within the asbestos industry, with its products widely used in construction throughout Australia and globally. However, by the 1970s, concerns about asbestos-related...

Wittenoom emerged as a bustling mining hub in the 1930s, extracting lucrative blue asbestos from the surrounding rock. By 1947, it dominated global supply. By the 1960s, alarming health concerns linked to asbestos emerged. Despite mounting evidence, mining persisted until 1966. Today, Wittenoom stands as a haunting testament to unchecked industrial ambition, its once-thriving streets now ghostly remnants. Join Matthew and Holly as they delve deeper, and uncover a town erased from maps but...

Baryulgil mine, situated in north-east NSW, gained prominence for asbestos extraction during the mid-20th century. While it initially provided economic opportunities for the Baryulgil Indigenous community through employment, the mine's asbestos production later caused severe injury to said workers. Those workers faced asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis, diseases that destroy the lung tissue and leave sufferers gasping for air. Over time, heightened awareness of...

n Christmas Eve 1975, there were 74 guests at the Savoy Hotel, and at 5:30am Christmas morning, most of the occupants were sleeping, as one would expect. The Savoy was located on Darlinghurst Road, in the middle of Kings Cross. The building was small, totalling only 5 storeys tall, with a concrete or washed brick exterior and windows that swung out towards the street. There were no balconies, and tragically no fire exits. The building was packed into the surrounding area, sharing external...

In the 1954 Australian spy defection, high-stakes espionage unfolded when top-ranking Soviet diplomat Vladimir Petrov sought asylum. Unveiling a web of Cold War intrigue, Petrov exposed a Soviet spy ring infiltrating Australian government circles. As the defection sent shockwaves through international relations, it strained Australia's ties with the Soviet Union. The defection, orchestrated by Western intelligence agencies, shed light on the extent of Soviet espionage in the region. Petrov's...

In the 1960s and 1970s, the Church of Scientology faced legal prohibitions in several Australian states, notably Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. These states instituted inquiries and restrictions on Scientology's activities, at the request of the medical field and in response to its outlaying 'medical' practices. The Victorian government initiated a Board of Inquiry in 1963, resulting in the banning of Scientology in the state. Similar legal actions occurred in other...

In 1988, educational programming aimed towards the preschool demographic on the ABC was handled by a mere two shows – Sesame Street, which was produced in America, and Play School, our homegrown production. These were staples on the Australian children’s entertainment landscape and had remained beloved by Australian children for more than twenty years. There were some who were not content with one single Australian offering for our youth and with the help of a little puppet (which some...

The koala, Australia's beloved marsupial. Master of Camouflage, Marsupial of a Hundred Names, Disqualified Entrant of the "World's Cutest Animal" contest. Known for its fluffy, gray fur and round face, the koala is an emblem of cuteness. Everyone knows what a Koala is. But what if we told you that we've been saying its name wrong for decades? Join us as we examine the Cullawine, Native Bear, Coolah, Koala and Ash-Coloured-Pouch-Bear, and its unique path to an evolutionary dead...

In the early 19th century, Musquito, a First Nations bushranger, defied British colonial rule in Australia. Born around 1780, he was transported to Tasmania as a convict in 1824. Escaping captivity, he joined forces with Black Jack, another warrior, and led a group of dispossessed First Nations people in guerrilla warfare against settlers. Their audacious raids terrorized colonists, thanks to Musquito's unrivaled knowledge of the terrain, but he couldn't live forever. His execution in...

In 1942 amidst the rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea, the battle to save the Australian mainland unfolded in treacherous conditions, dense jungles, and steep mountain ranges, shadowed by the constant threat of tropical diseases. The Kokoda Track, a narrow and challenging pathway, became the epicenter of a battle where outnumbered Australian forces, primarily composed of reservists, aided by local Papuan allies, valiantly defended the strategically crucial Port Moresby. Enduring severe...