On Christmas Eve 1974 Tropical Cyclone Tracy destroyed the northern Australian city of Darwin. The cyclone took Darwin by completely by surprise and 71 people died. This was before the internet and it took the rest of Australia a while to find out what happened.

Check out the you've video of the song Santa never made it into Darwin by Bill and Boyd at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HYbgLcIz2s

For more images and sounds of Cyclone Tracy visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvyuFmk6s_U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B89wBGydSvs

Finally, take a moment during the Christmas-New Year Break to have a look at Steve Lee's Gremlins Toolbox on Facebook. If you like fantasy fiction I think you will enjoy some of the uploads on this Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/GremlinsToolboxAudioLair/?fref=photo

And also take a listen to the talented Mr Lee's podcast, Audiolair. You can download it from iTunes, Google Play or any other podcast App.

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

In this episode we will be looking at what happened immediately after the dismissal and how it al played out in the December 1975 election. We will also investigate the ramifications of the 11th November dismissal, including a number of crucial questions about Australian democracy and the Constitution.

Check out Sir John Kerr's letter dismissing Whitlam as Prime Minister: http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/snapshots/dismissal/dismissal-letter.aspx

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: 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

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&list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY#t=0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5pvpIvz5YQ&list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY&index=3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nze8B39OB0k&index=4&list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSVfLNCW4Fs&index=2&list=RD4Ga9Bs4fzSY

Very 1960s wholesome music.

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 22^nd August 1966, Vincent Lingiari, led a walk-off of 200 Aboriginal stockmen, domestic servants, and their families from the Wave Hill cattle station in the Northern Territory. The protest was about the poor work and pay conditions on the cattle station. But it was much more than that. It was also a struggle for Indigenous land rights and it changed Australia forever. Let’s see how ‘from little things big things grow’.

Check out the YouTube video of the Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody song ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow’. The didgeridoo solo at the end is pretty darned cool:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_ndC07C2qw 

Also check out the original petition from the Gurindji people to the Governor-General Lord Casey:

http://indigenousrights.net.au/land_rights/wave_hill_walk_off,_1966-75/a_petition_to_the_governor-general

Over the course of two days –the 28th and 29th of April 1996, Martin Bryant killed 35 people at and near the historic Port Arthur convict prison site some 100 kilometres north east of Hobart.

This tragic event had significant implications for Australia. It enabled the introduction of tighter national gun control laws to ensure that an event like this never happened in Australia again.

In its aftermath conspiracy theories have arisen that challenge whether Martin Bryant was the killer. We take a quick look at some of these conspiracy theories. For a concise debunking of these conspiracy theories visit Brian Dunning’s Skeptoid podcast at: http://skeptoid.com/episodes/4253

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 

It’s Tour de France time and this gives us an opportunity to remember a man who many consider was Australia’s best ever, competitive professional cyclist, Sir Hubert Opperman, or as he is more commonly, and affectionately known, Oppy.

Then we look at the life of Margaret McLachlan. McLachlan was a female cyclist who in the 1960s tried to enter the world of competitive cycling. But back in those days the cycling establishment was not a welcoming place for women. She was banned from competitive cycling despite the protestation from other cyclists. Margaret McLachlan with the support of her husband John then went on to set long distance records. Hers is an inspiring story of overcoming the odds despite discrimination against women.

Check out an article on Margaret McLachlan at: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/51771035?searchTerm=Margaret%20McLachlan%20AND%20%22race%22%20AND%20(cycling)&searchLimits=exactPhrase=race%7C%7C%7CanyWords=cycling%7C%7C%7CnotWords%7C%7C%7Cl-textSearchScope=*ignore*%7C*ignore*%7C%7C%7Cfromdd%7C%7C%7Cfrommm%7C%7C%7Cfromyyyy%7C%7C%7Ctodd%7C%7C%7Ctomm%7C%7C%7Ctoyyyy%7C%7C%7Cl-word=*ignore*%7C*ignore*%7C%7C%7Csortby

In this episode we are in the Philipines - the birthplace of my gorgeous wife Nilda. We are visiting close friends and relatives in Kalibo on the island of Panay and in the province of Aklan. We also visit the beautiful island of Boracay. I had hoped to record some interviews but it didn't quite work out. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy this overview of Filipino history.  I know it ain't Aussie history - but I do make some tenuous links to Australia in the episode.

Check out the photos on the AWP Facebook page.

Email me at: jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com 

On the night of 31 May 1942 – some 73 years ago - World War II came to Sydney when the Japanese navy launched a daring attack on Sydney Harbour. That night three Japanese midget submarines entered Sydney Harbour to destroy Allied naval and merchant shipping. While the attack inflicted minimal damage on shipping, 27 people died, including all of the crew of the Japanese submarines.

At the time of the attacks many Australians were outraged that the Japanese submariners were given a funeral with full military honours. But over time Australians have come to respect the courage and bravery that these men displayed.

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

The Ode of Remembrance is recited every ANZAC Day to to commemorate those Australian women and men who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ode Of Remembrance

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.

Age Shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun, and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Lest we forget.

On  25 April every year, Australians commemorate ANZAC Day. ANZAC Day commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915 during World War 1. This is the 100^th anniversary of those landings.

Visit the amazing Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABCs) Gallipoli interactive website: http://www.abc.net.au/innovation/gallipoli/gallipoli2.htm#

And watch Channel 9’s Gallipoli series at: http://www.9jumpin.com.au/show/gallipoli/

Email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com and visit the Aussie waves Podcast Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/AussieWavesPodcast

Enter the AWP coffee mug giveaway by emailing me. Entries close on 31 May 2015. Unfortunately it is only open to Australian listeners.

In this episode we examine the aftermath of the Rum Rebellion. There were a series of trials and court martials after the coup and these had profound effects on the major players – particularly Bligh, Macarthur and Johnston. 

Enter the AWP coffee mug competition. Entries close on 31 May 2015. It’s easy to enter – just email me. Unfortunately this completion is only open to Australian listeners. The cost of postage to international destinations is just too high.

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 

As a schoolboy growing up in the Macarthur region on the outskirts of Sydney, John Macarthur and George Johnston were considered heroes who had deposed the cruel, villainous and cowardly tyrant William Bligh. But was it really like this? Were Johnston and Macarthur right to overthrow Bligh or have we got it completely wrong? Maybe Bligh should be seen as the man who stood up to the wealthy and powerful Macarthur?

In this episode we are going on a journey to the moment Major George Johnston and the NSW Corps entered Government House in Sydney and ousted William Bligh from office on 26 January 1808. This was the only military coup d’état ever to occur in Australia.

Enter the AWP coffee mug competition.  Three coffee mugs are on offer.  Entries close on Sunday 31 May 2015 - not 30 April which is what i say in the podcast.  To enter email me at jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com

Unfortunately this competition is only open to Australian listeners – the cost of postage to international destinations is just too high.

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

On 26^th January 1808, exactly 20 years to the day after the arrival of the first Fleet, Governor William Bligh (of the Mutiny on the Bounty infamy) was deposed in a coup d’etat by the New South Wales Corps - under the command of Major George Johnston and with the backing of John Macarthur.

The history we learned at school was that Macarthur and Johnston were the heroes of the day. Bligh was a villainous and cruel tyrant.  The real story is far more complex.  The Rum Rebellion was really about political and economic control of the colony of New South Wales.

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

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.

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

In this episode we are embarking on a voyage to Botany Bay with the First Fleet.  On 13 May 1787 eleven ships commanded by Captain Arthur Phillip set sail  from Portsmouth, England and headed for Botany Bay. On board were 1420 people of which 755 were convicts. Eight months later they arrived in Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour) to found the penal colony of New South Wales.

For this episode I recommend Robert Hughes’ book The Fatal Shore.  This can be downloaded as an e-book from Amazon and can be purchased in bookstores in Australia. Check out a YouTube video of the Australian folk song 'Bound for Botany Bay' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEYseM_R6Hk

And since it's the Australia Day Long Weekend also have a look at a song called 'We Are Australian" written by Bruce Woodley of The Seekers fame and Dobe Newton from The Bushwackers and sung by Australian Soprano Marusia Louwerse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtpBUQoVups

Email me at: jamesdampier.awp@gmail.com

Music courtesy of the talented 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: 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.