Name: Koshigaya Kinship by Campbelltown Library
Duration: 34 min 44 s
Description: Campbelltown has been a sister city to the Japanese city of Koshigaya since 1984, exchanging gifts and experiences for now over forty years. Andrew chats to past president of the sister city Association, David Symonds and year 11 student Onyx Holmes.

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

Growing up in the Usain Gishu district of the Rift Valley in East Africa, Rosemary cared for the youngest group of sixteen of her father's children when he suddenly passed away while the others worked the farm. She was 10. Rosemary believed for the longest time that you can't talk bad of adults. That finally changed in 2007 when she did the documentary "The Baulkham Hill African Ladies Troup."  Rosemary's indomitable spirit shines through in this remarkable interview.

Rosemary Kariuki

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

Born on Burra Bee Dee Mission John escaped becoming part of the stolen generation when his family heeded a warning and went to live in Redfern. John describes hardships suffered and open racism experienced by first Nation people. He talks also of good times and of the many voices that helped the aboriginal people to which he would add his own, becoming involved with indigenous affairs, community and politics.

John Delaney

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

Born in Campbelltown at the beginning of the 21st century, Hamani relays what life was like growing up here with a strongly community minded family and shares with us their heritage and identity with Wiradjuri, Gureng Gureng and Tongan bloodlines. Hamani became integral to the Smash the Silence music events the first Aboriginal Youth Premiere when in 2019 they were elected to the NSW Youth Parliament representing for two years as well as being the first openly gay premiere in the program's history.

Hamani Tanginoa

*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

Campbelltown has been a sister city to the Japanese city of Koshigaya since 1984, exchanging gifts and experiences for now over forty years. Andrew chats to past president of the sister city Association, David Symonds and year 11 student Onyx Holmes.

Koshigaya Kinship

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.

Koshigaya Kinship

Campbelltown Library

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