A taste of the upcoming Curious Campbelltown Podcast.

Curious Campbelltown Trailer

The story of Fisher’s Ghost has captivated Australia for
almost 200 years. Listen to Jeff McGill as he discusses
spooky tales from Campbelltown’s past attributed to
“Fred”. The history and future of our Fisher’s Ghost
Festival is examined. We also investigate why the legend
of this famous spectre has endured to this day.

All Things Fred

The Great War had a profound impact on Campbelltown. Join author Lauren Hokin as she transports us back to the trenches and what conditions were like for both our brave men at the front and nurses behind the lines . The tragic accounts of various local families are also revealed, including Campbelltown’s own “Saving Private Ryan” story.

For King And Country

Andrew and long-time Menangle Park resident, Gary Seddon talk about old-time local eccentric Tom Cooper - a man who painted his house all shades of reds and gold's, yellows and any number of bespoke colours before these colours spread to his attire.

A Man Of Colours

Jim Marsden, Senior Partner of Marsdens Law Group, is proud of his life lived in Campbelltown. Much of his childhood was spent in the popular family run pub, Lacks Hotel with Mawson Park as his playground. 
As his successful legal career grew so did Campbelltown and the paddocks and old pubs disappeared.
Instrumental in the development of the West Tigers Rugby League Football Club, Jim talks of Tommy Raudonikis and events of the time.

Proud Campbelltonian

Want to know more about the night an ape terrorised cinema goers? Maybe you would enjoy the story of the man descended from not one but two of the leading protagonists in the Fisher’s Ghost story? In this latest episode of Curious Campbelltown our library’s local studies team uncovers some of Campbelltown’s rich and quirky history. Listen as they share these wonderful tales with you.

Digging Up The Past

Living in Ingleburn since she was a small child of five, Suzanne chats with Andrew Allen about its people and what everyday life was like growing up in the forties and fifties. Suzanne also relays other recollections from before her lifetime.

Suzanne McIlveen

One for all true crime lovers! Our latest Curious Campbelltown episode features a discussion with well-known true crime author Amanda Howard. We discuss famous criminals connected to Campbelltown such as Ivan Milat and the Frankston serial killer, Paul Denyer, plus some of the lesser known crimes that occurred locally. Amanda also examines local missing person cases that continue to baffle searchers.

Murder And Mayhem

Rugby League and Wests Tigers legend John Skandalis is a household ame in Campbelltown. In this Curious Campbelltown episode, “Skando” discusses the struggles he encountered growing up, his love of Campbelltown, respect for Tommy Raudonikis and that wonderful night in 2005 when his beloved Tigers captured the NRL premiership.

John Skandalis

Born in what is now Channai, South India, Brian went to University and had a distinguished career as a journalist interviewing the likes of Mother Teresa and Muhammad Ali among others. Initially visiting Australia for a fun trip he and his family moved here in 1997. Whenever Brian has seen a community need he has championed it beginning many well received projects and finding time to stage a very different musical version of the Wizard of Oz and operate a business. He became a citizen of the year in 2023.

Brian Laul

Growing up in the Illawarra, Michael shares his views on reconciliation, equality and how his religious beliefs align with his culture.  Tori, Michael's daughter has always lived in Campbelltown and since leaving school is studying Health and Education at university while continuing to dance with the  Wiritjiribin dance troupe.

Michael And Tori Duckett

*Please be advised this oral history contains sensitive content regarding abusive behaviour. It may not be suitable for all listeners.

Margaret Rose Mellish (nee Simmonds) was born in December 1941 to parents Eva and Bob. The family was taken to live at Simmo’s Beach on the Georges River in 1955. Margaret talks about the difficulties her family faced living at Simmo’s in a tin shack.

Margaret Mellish

Former local newspaper editor Mandy Perrin opens up about her days as editor of the Macarthur Chronicle. From her days of cadet reporter through to the top job, Mandy discusses the stories that she felt most passionate about. Her love for and belief in Campbelltown shines through in this latest episode of Curious Campbelltown.

Mandy Perrin - Her Story

Cheryl was born in Paddington but moved to Campbelltown early on with her mum and dad Harley Daley where their family was integral to the development of Campbelltown.

Cheryl Reynolds

Peter talks about fascinating stories associated with growing up in Ingleburn. He goes on to describe how he used hypnotherapy while working as a dentist.

Peter Benson

Photography enthusiast Hugh documented many historic events in Campbelltown's history. He shares his experiences.

Hugh Bairnsfather

David talks of his childhood growing up in Campbelltown

David Milliken

Greg Percival

Claire Lynch sits down with Ken Simmonds, brother of Margaret Mellish for an oral history as he shares his story of hard living as a kid at Simmo's beach in the fifties.

Ken Simmonds

Spending much of his early years in an orphanage Robert Scott moved to Menangle to work at the Rotolactor in 1967 where they milked a thousand cows twice a day, seven days a week!

Robert Scott Interviewed 4 Oct 2023

Coming to Campbelltown in 1959, Kathleen talks about her love of music, attending the Performing Arts High school and other remembrances.  Sadly, in 1978 a car accident took away her vision changing her life.

Kathleen Newhouse

Fran Musico Rullo is more than your average high school teacher. As well as her regular classes Fran also runs a History Club for students to learn about and appreciate local and broader Australian history. Her passion for history and dedication to teaching has achieved unprecedented love and respect from her students and contributed enormously to their learning experience. The club has won multiple awards, reflecting Fran’s hard work and commitment. Listen to our latest Curious Campbelltown podcast and learn more about one of Campbelltown’s shining lights.

For the Love of History

Born 1930 in Binnaway, Gloria shares what life was like getting up to milk their cow and working on the railways.

Gloria Hoad

Neil and Robin Hansen talk of their family heritage, driving, making a phone call and life at Campbelltown high school.

Neil and Robin Hansen

Special guest host Zoe Ross sits down for chat with comic book artists Marcelo Baez, Karen Beilharz and Matt Lin to talk about their love of the art, how they became involved in the industry and some bonus recommendations.

Rated "G" for geeky

Born in Harris Park to Doris and Roderick, Bob would move to Lorikeet Avenue at a time when there were only three other houses. He talks of his life as a fireman and love of trains, trams and wildlife. Bob would become involved in the McGarvie Smith institute in Ingleburn.

Winch Bob

Recorded 9 April 2015. Interviewer Andrew Allen.
Born 1941 in Ashfield, Bob tells of his families history.
Topics raised: Emily Cottage; East Minto; trees in Byron Bay; Hansen's; Minto Bushfire Brigade

Bob Etchells

Uncle Ivan Wellington, the well-known, well-loved Aboriginal elder talks about his family life growing up along the South Coast; what brought him to Campbelltown and his work with the kids of the community. Recorded 7 March 2016

Uncle Ivan Wellington

Recorded 23 December 2015. 
Alan Sloper, who came to Campbelltown in 1946, tells of his time working in amusements and helping his father, Alf, who among others began the Rose Festival which became the Fisher's Ghost Festival)

Sloper, Alan and Rhonda

Shafer, Ken

Oral history of Campbelltown Resident Lil Hepher. Recording made 7 May 2010 

Lil Hepher

Bob Moore

Campbelltown has a long, interesting and sometimes strange history. This podcast uncovers stories that contribute to its quirky reputation. From the legend of Fisher’s Ghost to Campbelltown’s own “Saving Private Ryan” war story, Curious Campbelltown will take you on a journey of discovery into the town’s colourful past.

Campbelltown Library

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