

Australian True Crime
Bravecasting
Think nothing ever happens in your town? Australia's suburbs are home to some of the most mysterious and disturbing true crime cases in the world. Meshel Laurie is a true crime obsessive, and with the help of expert interviews with writers, victim/survivors, investigators and perpetrators, she probes the underbelly of our towns and suburbs, and uncovers the darkness at the heart of Australian life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 23, 2023 • 47min
From Pentridge to Playwright, Ray Mooney proves rehabilitation is possible
Our guest today is Ray Mooney. He's in his seventies now, and for most of his life, he's been a celebrated writer of novels, plays, films, non-fiction books, and a university lecturer. At a different time in his life, though, the only institution he was allowed inside of was the Bluestone College: The College of Knowledge, also known as Pentridge Prison. Ray Mooney was convicted of rape when he was 19, and today we hear Ray's story, which is extraordinary in its own right, not least because of the honesty and openness he's prepared to bring to it. All of Ray's books and more can be found on his website here: https://raymooney.com/my-books/If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime CREDITS: Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here aGuests: Ray MooneyEditor: Meshel LaurieExecutive Producer: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCFollow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/Email the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2023 • 33min
Modern day organised crime gangs in Australia
Anthony Dowsley has been a crime reporter at Melbourne's Herald Sun since 2004. In that time, he's covered everything from homicides, solved and unsolved, law and order reforms and police corruption.We're very honoured to have him in to discuss one of his speciality topics: gang related crime in Australia. In this episode we will get a snapshot of who's who in Australian bikie gangs, how they're linked to organised crime in other countries, and the biggest police Trojan Horse operation yet. If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCEmail the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 15, 2023 • 16min
Shortcut: Modern day organised crime gangs in Australia
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Anthony Dowsley has been a crime reporter at Melbourne's Herald Sun since 2004. In that time, he's covered everything from homicides, solved and unsolved, law and order reforms and police corruption.We're very honoured to have him in to discuss one of his speciality topics: gang related crime in Australia.In this episode we will get a snapshot of who's who in Australian bikie gangs, how they're linked to organised crime in other countries, and the biggest police Trojan Horse operation yet.You can listen to Anthony Dowsley's podcast "The Devil's Apprentice" wherever you get your podcasts.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCEmail the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12, 2023 • 35min
Nancy & Victoria: The Beaumaris Beach Mystery
Two young female tourists are staying in the same quiet spot in Tasmania…one disappears, never to be seen again and two years later, the other woman is brutally murdered.The women are 26-year-old German Nancy Grunwaldt, reported missing on April 15th 1993. Getting around on a bike, she was spending some time at Beaumaris Beach, reading a book. What happened after that is a mystery…so far. Nancy’s never been found but she was declared deceased by the coroner in 2003. Read the reports here: https://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/about_us/coroners/coronialfindings/g/182_of_2004Italian woman Victoria Cafasso who was 20, was found dead on 11 October 1995 on Beaumaris beach. She’d been stabbed numerous times and had been beaten. Victoria was staying in the tiny hamlet of Beaumaris with her cousin and had been there less than a week. Read the Coroners’ report here: https://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/about_us/coroners/coronialfindings/c/2005_tascd_125_-_cafasso,_victoria_anna_elizabethTasmanian journalist and author Melanie Calvert was on a trip back to her home state not long after Victoria’s murder. It’s haunted her ever since and she spent years researching and wrote a book Tasmania’s Beaumaris Beach Mystery: What Happened to Nancy and Victoria?There’s been suspects for Victoria’s murder and could it be coincidence that Nancy disappeared from the same place? The initial police investigation into Victoria’s murder has come under scrutiny too.Melanie’s book is Tasmania’s Beaumaris Beach Mystery: What Happened to Nancy and Victoria? And it’s available online. There’s details in the show notes for this episode.If you have any info to share with police phone crime stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to https://www.crimestopperstas.com.au/ If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrimeMore information Melanie Calvert and where to buy her books can be found here: https://melaniecalvert.com/buy-freycinet/ GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCEmail the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 11, 2023 • 14min
Shortcut: Nancy & Victoria: The Beaumaris Beach Mystery
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Two young female tourists are staying in the same quiet spot in Tasmania…one disappears, never to be seen again and two years later, the other woman is brutally murdered.The women are 26-year-old German Nancy Grunwaldt, reported missing on April 15th 1993. Getting around on a bike, she was spending some time at Beaumaris Beach, reading a book. What happened after that is a mystery…so far. Nancy’s never been found but she was declared deceased by the coroner in 2003. Read the reports here: https://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/about_us/coroners/coronialfindings/g/182_of_2004Italian woman Victoria Cafasso who was 20, was found dead on 11 October 1995 on Beaumaris beach. She’d been stabbed numerous times and had been beaten. Victoria was staying in the tiny hamlet of Beaumaris with her cousin and had been there less than a week. Read the Coroners’ report here: https://www.magistratescourt.tas.gov.au/about_us/coroners/coronialfindings/c/2005_tascd_125_-_cafasso,_victoria_anna_elizabethTasmanian journalist and author Melanie Calvert was on a trip back to her home state not long after Victoria’s murder. It’s haunted her ever since and she spent years researching and wrote a book Tasmania’s Beaumaris Beach Mystery: What Happened to Nancy and Victoria?There’s been suspects for Victoria’s murder and could it be coincidence that Nancy disappeared from the same place? The initial police investigation into Victoria’s murder has come under scrutiny too.Melanie’s book is Tasmania’s Beaumaris Beach Mystery: What Happened to Nancy and Victoria? And it’s available online. There’s details in the show notes for this episode.If you have any info to share with police or phone crime stoppersMore information Melanie Calvert and where to buy her books can be found here: https://melaniecalvert.com/buy-freycinet/If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrimeGET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCEmail the show at team@smartfella.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 2023 • 37min
How Jeffrey Morgan went from serving 18 years in prison to becoming a community leader
When he was 12, Jeffrey Morgan ran away from his country NSW home to Redfern to stay with his mum. He thought his dad was being too strict and he wanted more freedom. This was the time in Redfern when the inner-city suburb was the centre of Aboriginal life and activism and it was a tough place.Jeffrey spent a lot of time on the streets, getting involved in minor offences a s a means of survival – namely stealing food to eat - but eventually this escalated to stealing cars and then, robbing banks. He started cycling through maximum security prisons which added up to 18 years of his life. He was always into fitness and taking care of his health.During his last stint in prison, Jeffrey had one of those moments where he knew he had to change. And he did it through education and peer support and keeping fit and healthy. His passion is health and fitness – making it realistic and sustainable and role-modelling a different path for men, just like him. Jeffrey wears a lot of hats now, making the most of the life he’s made on the other side of prison. He’s a community leader, corporate speaker, and sought-after life and mindset coach. His latest online program is CUT THE BULLSHIT – which basically is encouraging people to make sustainable habit changes for a healthy, purposeful life.Find out more at https://jeffreymorgan.com.auIf you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCEmail the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 2023 • 15min
Shortcut: How Jeffrey Morgan went from serving 18 years in prison to becoming a community leader
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. When he was 12, Jeffrey Morgan ran away from his country NSW home to Redfern to stay with his mum. He thought his dad was being too strict and he wanted more freedom. This was the time in Redfern when the inner-city suburb was the centre of Aboriginal life and activism and it was a tough place.Jeffrey spent a lot of time on the streets, getting involved in minor offences a s a means of survival – namely stealing food to eat - but eventually this escalated to stealing cars and then, robbing banks. He started cycling through maximum security prisons which added up to 18 years of his life. He was always into fitness and taking care of his health.During his last stint in prison, Jeffrey had one of those moments where he knew he had to change. And he did it through education and peer support and keeping fit and healthy. His passion is health and fitness – making it realistic and sustainable and role-modelling a different path for men, just like him. Jeffrey wears a lot of hats now, making the most of the life he’s made on the other side of prison. He’s a community leader, corporate speaker, and sought-after life and mindset coach. His latest online program is CUT THE BULLSHIT – which basically is encouraging people to make sustainable habit changes for a healthy, purposeful life.Find out more at https://jeffreymorgan.com.auIf you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCEmail the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 7, 2023 • 56min
The Soldier On Podcast: Tiny Little Spark
For the last year or so, we've been working away on a very special project called The Soldier On Podcast.Soldier On is an incredible not for profit organisation that delivers holistic support services for current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.We joined up with them to help share the remarkable stories of those they work with. Hosted by the wonderful Hugh Riminton, each episode you’ll hear a first-hand account of a life touched by involvement in the Defence industry.If you're a fan of Australian True Crime, then rest assured you're going to love this podcast - these stories are truly amazing.The whole series can be streamed now, wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2023 • 38min
I'm sorry I missed a brutal multiple murder
Our guest today is from Toowoomba in Queensland, and he thought he'd seen his fair share of violence and mayhem by the time he'd sobered up in his mid-twenties. On today's episode, we're talking about a terrible turn of events that landed him back in the middle of incredibly senseless violence, just as he was pulling his life together. On the evening of May 30th 2005, three teenage boys brutally murdered Michael Thompson, 30, and teenagers David Lyons and Tyson Wilson, both just 17. Our guest, who was literally on his way to Thompson's flat, was distracted that night by an old mate. It was a distraction that may well have saved his life, but it's also left him guilt ridden ever since.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime CREDITS: Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here and listen to her podcast Killer Content here. Guests: AnonymousExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCFollow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/Email the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2023 • 19min
Shortcut: I'm sorry I missed a brutal multiple murder
This is a "Shortcut" episode. It’s a shortened version of this week’s more detailed full episode, which is also available on our feed. Our guest today is from Toowoomba in Queensland, and he thought he'd seen his fair share of violence and mayhem by the time he'd sobered up in his mid-twenties.On today's episode, we're talking about a terrible turn of events that landed him back in the middle of incredibly senseless violence, just as he was pulling his life together.On the evening of May 30th 2005, three teenage boys brutally murdered Michael Thompson, 30, and teenagers David Lyons and Tyson Wilson, both just 17.Our guest, who was literally on his way to Thompson's flat, was distracted that night by an old mate. It was a distraction that may well have saved his life, but it's also left him guilt ridden ever since.If you have been affected by anything discussed in this episode you can contact:Lifeline on 13 11 1413 YARN on 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) For ad-free listening, early access and exclusive content, join Australian True Crime Plus on Apple Podcasts here: http://apple.co/australiantruecrime CREDITS: Host: Meshel Laurie. You can find her on Instagram Co-Host: Emily Webb. You can find her on Instagram here and listen to her podcast Killer Content here. Guests: AnonymousExecutive Producer/Editor: Matthew Tankard GET IN TOUCH:Send us a question or comment on this episode to be used in our "Episode Download" series: https://www.speakpipe.com/ATCFollow the show on Instagram @australiantruecrimepodcast and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AustralianTrueCrimePod/Email the show at team@smartfella.com.au Australian True Crime is a podcast by Smart Fella Media. Your story matters and how you tell it matters even more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


