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- Season 23
- Episode 35
The Burning Question
Australian Story - S23 - E35
As another terrible bushfire season approaches, Australian Story looks at the tragic case of Black Saturday arsonist Brendan Sokaluk and asks what lessons we can learn.
Australian Story: Season 23 - 35 Episode s
23x1 - Here Come the Brides
February 5, 2018
Australian Story returns with an exclusive behind-the-scenes invitation to the wedding not everyone in the family wanted, as former Prime Minister Tony Abbott's sister Christine Forster marries her partner Virginia Flitcroft.
23x2 - Long Journey Home
February 12, 2018
When scientist Jim Bowler discovered an ancient skeleton in outback New South Wales 44 years ago, he had no idea it would change history. But Mungo Man's descendants have been fighting for the return of his bones ever since.
23x3 - Leap of Faith
February 19, 2018
From Sydney's Western Suburbs all the way to London's Covent Garden, Australian dancers Steven McRae and Alexander Campbell compete for the ultimate prize in the world of dance.
23x4 - The Man in Bed 10
February 26, 2018
When medical student Dinesh Palipana was left a quadriplegic after a horrific car accident, he was told he would never become a doctor. Now he's one of the top young medicos in a busy hospital.
23x5 - Final Call
March 5, 2018
Outback nurse Gayle Woodford was working alone at night in the remote community of Fregon when she vanished. This investigation reveals the issues behind her disappearance and the dangers for medical staff in the outback.
23x6 - Pitch Perfect
March 12, 2018
The Matildas women's football team is riding high after a year of headline-grabbing wins. But the team's success has been decades in the making; players have battled for equality and recognition for 40 years.
23x7 - Channelling Mr Woo²
March 19, 2018
Eddie Woo first came to prominence with "Wootube" - his free YouTube maths channel. In the year since Australian Story profiled Eddie Woo, he's gone from suburban high school maths teacher to award-winning celebrity.
23x8 - The Enemy Within
March 26, 2018
Justin Yerbury's family history of motor neurone disease inspired him to swap a basketball career for a science degree. Now a world expert on MND, his search for a treatment has taken on a terrible urgency.
23x9 - When The War Is Over
April 9, 2018
When a war-torn commando takes on an uncaring defence establishment he has little idea of the backlash to follow. After an intensely personal battle, Mick Bainbridge is now helping other young soldiers take up the fight.
23x10 - Dear Emma
April 16, 2018
A young woman grapples with a deadly diagnosis while waging a campaign against the biggest cancer killer of her generation.
23x11 - The Justice Principle (Part 1)
April 23, 2018
It's a decade since Dassi Erlich and her two sisters began campaigning to bring their former headmistress Malka Leifer to justice. As they edge towards their goal they reveal the personal cost of their extraordinary battle.
23x12 - The Justice Principle (Part 2)
April 30, 2018
Dassi Erlich and her sisters' campaign to extradite their former headmistress from Israel to Australia takes a dramatic twist when an undercover operation produces compelling new evidence.
23x13 - Baby Steps
May 7, 2018
Twenty months after Claudine Fitzgibbon underwent groundbreaking surgery to help her unborn child, Australian Story checks in to see how baby Harvey is progressing.
23x14 - The Choirmaster
May 14, 2018
A charismatic choirmaster takes a group of women from central Australia to Germany on an unlikely and remarkable road trip.
23x15 - The Massimo Mission
May 21, 2018
When baby Massimo Damiani was struck down by a mystery disease, his father set out to discover its genetic origins. After a stunning scientific breakthrough Stephen Damiani is now helping to develop a radical new treatment.
23x16 - Blood on the Tracks (Part 1)
May 28, 2018
When the body of Mark Haines was found on the train tracks near Tamworth in 1988, police quickly dismissed any idea of foul play. But after a 5 year investigation, journalist Allan Clarke believes he may have found the truth.
23x17 - Blood on the Tracks (Part 2)
June 4, 2018
As journalist Allan Clarke digs deeper into events on the night Mark Haines died he discovers more about his last few hours. As he cracks the case wide open he is led to the man he believes is the killer.
23x18 - Running From Empty
August 6, 2018
For the first time, celebrity chef Matt Golinski speaks about overcoming the unthinkable - the loss of his wife and three daughters in a house fire - and through his long and painful rehabilitation how he found love again.
23x19 - From Behind Bars
August 13, 2018
Serving a 30-year prison sentence for killing four of her young children, Kathleen Folbigg speaks for the first time about her case. As she seeks a judicial review, an independent forensic pathologist reviews the evidence.
23x20 - Leading the Way
August 20, 2018
One of the toughest jobs in town comes up for grabs at Sydney's Wayside Chapel when pastor Graham Long decides to retire. Having ministered the homeless and vulnerable for the past 14 years, who can he find to fill his shoes?
23x21 - Meet You in Paris
August 27, 2018
Mark and Julie Wallace faced every parent's worst nightmare when their 21-year-old daughter Sara Zelenak was killed in a London terror attack last year. Now they're channelling their energies into creating a fitting legacy.
23x22 - Out of the Woods
September 3, 2018
From a homeless alcoholic living in the wild to academic success and a book deal - the amazing comeback story of forest dweller Gregory Smith.
23x23 - The Teacher's Wife
September 10, 2018
The case of missing Sydney mother Lyn Dawson has captivated audiences around the world since the release of The Teacher's Pet podcast. The next chapter of the story features exclusive interviews with friends and family.
23x24 - The Show Must Go On
September 17, 2018
Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins looks back over the most challenging year of her life and speaks exclusively about her health problems, marriage breakdown and plans for the future.
23x25 - The Town that Saved Itself
September 24, 2018
The town of Whyalla, SA was facing extinction when the owner of the local steelworks went bust. Desperate to save their jobs, employees voted for a pay cut which was rewarded when billionaire Sanjeev Gupta came to town.
23x26 - The Skin You're In
October 1, 2018
Taryn Brumfitt is behind a global movement inspiring women to make peace with their bodies. Tired of striving for an impossible ideal she proudly posted a photograph of her 'real' self online. The response was extraordinary.
23x27 - The Story of Samuel
October 8, 2018
Samuel Symons, son of TV personality Red Symons, inspired everyone around him during his courageous battle with cancer. He passed away last week at age 27. His mother Elly introduces this Australian Story from 2010.
23x28 - Unbreakable
October 15, 2018
Prince Harry spoke exclusively to Australian Story ahead of the Invictus Games which will open in Sydney. One of the competitors will be Garry Robinson, a former commando who narrowly survived a Black Hawk helicopter crash.
23x29 - Hope Springs
October 29, 2018
For over a decade, Australian Story has followed farmer Peter Andrews and his controversial methods to drought-proof the land. During one of the worst droughts in memory the results at Mulloon Creek are giving cause for hope.
23x30 - No Surrender
November 5, 2018
The extraordinary ongoing story of Justin Yerbury, a world expert on motor neurone disease who has developed the condition himself. Despite complications from major surgery in January, his achievements continue to amaze.
23x31 - Call Me Harrison
November 12, 2018
As former Deputy PM Tim Fischer battles a life-threatening illness, he takes solace in knowing his autistic adult son has found his place in the world. At 25, Harrison now works helping primary schoolers and has his own home.
23x32 - Close Contact
November 19, 2018
Two boys from rival schools suffer catastrophic spinal damage on the Rugby field, ending up in hospital together. As they contemplate possible quadriplegia they discover a strength of character far beyond their years.
23x33 - Hell's Angel
November 26, 2018
Perth woman Ann O'Neill suffered an unimaginable loss 24 years ago. Since then she's devoted her life to helping others survive dark times, transforming tragedy into hope to become one of Australia's foremost trauma experts.
23x34 - Independent's Day
December 3, 2018
When celebrity TV doctor Kerryn Phelps first spoke about her same-sex relationship on Australian Story in 1998, it was revolutionary. 20 years later we catch up with the newly-elected Wentworth MP and her journey to Canberra.
23x35 - The Burning Question
December 10, 2018
As another terrible bushfire season approaches, Australian Story looks at the tragic case of Black Saturday arsonist Brendan Sokaluk and asks what lessons we can learn.
Australian Story: All seasons
S0: Specials
1 Episode
S1: Season 1
27 Episode s
S2: Season 2
38 Episode s
S3: Season 3
36 Episode s
S4: Season 4
37 Episode s
S5: Season 5
37 Episode s
S6: Season 6
42 Episode s
S7: Season 7
39 Episode s
S8: Season 8
37 Episode s
S9: Season 9
38 Episode s
S10: Season 10
40 Episode s
S11: Season 11
43 Episode s
S12: Season 12
39 Episode s
S13: Season 13
38 Episode s
S14: Season 14
4 Episode s
S15: Season 15
45 Episode s
S16: Season 16
41 Episode s
S17: Season 17
41 Episode s
S18: Season 18
43 Episode s
S19: Season 19
43 Episode s
S20: Series 2015
42 Episode s
S21: Series 2016
43 Episode s
S22: Series 2017
41 Episode s
S23: Series 2018
35 Episode s
S24: Series 2019
35 Episode s
S25: Series 2020
34 Episode s
S26: Series 2021
35 Episode s
S27: Series 2022
29 Episode s
S28: Series 2023
33 Episode s
S29: Series 2024
31 Episode s