Full Story Gina: Mythmaking – episode 6
Dec 27, 2025
Bernard Lagan, a seasoned journalist from The Times, and Peter Garrett, iconic musician and ex-politician, dive deep into the tragic legacy of Wittenoom. Lagan questions the veracity of Lang Hancock’s 'Discovery flight' narrative with compelling historical insights. He sheds light on the early asbestos operations that are often brushed aside. Garrett passionately discusses Midnight Oil's song 'Blue Sky Mine' and its connection to the asbestos crisis, emphasizing the cultural impact of the tragedy on communities and the need for accountability.
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Discovery Flight As Constructed Myth
- The Hancock family's “Discovery flight” story is heavily mythologised and contains inconsistent dates and weather claims.
- Bernard Lagan and others argue the flight was embellished to secure finders' rights and public legend-building.
Wittenoom’s Human Toll
- Wittenoom's asbestos mining caused a long-term public health catastrophe, with thousands estimated to have died.
- Mesothelioma from airborne fibres proved incurable and devastating for workers and residents.
Hancock’s Early Asbestos Venture
- Lang Hancock started a blue asbestos operation at Wittenoom in the 1930s and named the mine after a local figure.
- Hancock and partner Peter Wright sold majority control to CSR in 1943 and later fully exited in 1948.
