Australian Story Season 24, Episode 26: Somerton Man

1

Back on Track

Legendary actor Jack Thompson was 48 hours away from death when his kidneys failed, forcing him into a lifetime of dialysis treatment. A purple truck from the desert kept him alive to film his most important role yet.

30 min

2

Call the Doctor

A disillusioned young outback doctor experiences a series of traumatic events that lead to the most positive and unexpected of outcomes.

30 min

3

Behind the Mask: Mike Willesee

Remember the life of legendary broadcaster Mike Willesee who died of throat cancer in March 2019. Mike's career spanned five decades, shaping current affairs in Australia and was known as the best interviewer in the business.

30 min

4

A Bitter Pill

Survivors of the morning sickness drug Thalidomide take their fight for justice to Canberra's Parliament House in a last-ditch battle for recognition, compensation and an apology.

30 min

5

It Takes a Village

Follow the triumphant story of Bhutanese conjoined twins Nima and Dawa after the ground-breaking Australian operation to separate them. With exclusive vision and interviews as they return to their remote Himalayan home.

30 min

6

Telling Tales

Writer and comedian Rosie Waterland has made a successful career out of seeing the funny side of her traumatic childhood. The darker things get in Rosie's life, the funnier she becomes.

30 min

7

The Invisible Man

The extraordinary story of Behrouz Boochani, the stateless refugee who won Australia's richest literary award while living on Manus Island, but remains unable to set foot in this country.

30 min

8

The Seekers: A World of Their Own

The Seekers blazed a trail for Australian music during the 1960's. In a television first, all four members come together to reminisce about their ride to the top and reveal the pain behind their famous break-up.

30 min

9

The Kids Are Alright

In an intimate portrait movie directors Jocelyn Moorhouse and PJ Hogan speak candidly about the challenges, heartbreak and unexpected joys of raising two severely autistic children and the sacrifices they have willingly made.

30 min

10

Mina Guli: Running on Empty

How far would you push yourself for a cause you believe in? Mina Guli attempted 100 marathons in 100 days, showing the extent someone will push their body to raise awareness to the global water crisis and create change.

30 min

11

Cry Me A River

When 21-year-old Menindee farmer Kate McBride found thousands of dying fish in the Darling River she was determined to tell what was happening and become a fierce advocate, testing the water and documenting locals' concerns.

30 min

12

Out of the Box

Vocal gymnast Kate Miller-Heidke opens up to Australian Story about the private pain behind the very personal song 'Zero Gravity', which she will perform at the Eurovision semi-finals in Tel Aviv on Wednesday 15 May.

30 min

13

Just Call Me Bob - Hawke Remembered

Australian Story celebrates the extraordinary life of former PM Bob Hawke, who died aged 89. Featuring rare photos from the family's private collection and revealing interviews with Hawke and those who knew and loved him.

30 min

14

The Wronged Man

The victim of a miscarriage of justice, Andrew Mallard spent 12 years in jail for murder. His conviction was quashed after uncovering a trail of deception and police misconduct, but his life ended in a cruel twist of fate.

30 min

15

Lady Justice

The history-making fall and rise of Debbie Kilroy, from high security prisoner to high profile lawyer and her freedom fight that's taking a new and novel direction.

30 min

16

After the World Ended

When Malaysian airlines flight MH17 was shot down over the Ukraine, the loss of Perth children Mo, Evie, Otis and granddad Nick touched the nation. For the first time, their parents reveal how they rebuilt their world.

30 min

17

An Innocent Abroad (Part 1)

Australian Story returns with a two-part exclusive program on the shocking story of Yoshe Taylor - a Queensland mother duped into smuggling drugs for an international syndicate.

30 min

18

An Innocent Abroad (Part 2)

Part 2 of Yoshe Taylor's incredible fight for justice as she speaks out for the first time since being released from a Cambodian prison to warn others of the scam that's turning innocent people into unsuspecting drug mules.

30 min

19

Last Train to Boree Creek

We look at the life of Former Deputy PM Tim Fischer, who inspired deep affection from the public and across the political divide. Just weeks before he died, his family invited us to his last public engagement in his hometown.

30 min

20

The Last Bow

The Choir of Hard Knocks took homeless people and turned them into a choir. Charismatic choirmaster Jonathon Welch guided them through thick and thin, but after a decade he's moving on, to concentrate on his foster children.

30 min

21

The Good Fight

When ABC broadcaster Jill Emberson was told she had ovarian cancer, she opted to go public and go loud. Fighting the deadliest of all women's cancers, Jill decided to advocate for more awareness and funding.

30 min

22

A Fortunate Life - Paul Hogan (Part 1)

As Paul Hogan prepares to celebrate his 80th birthday next month, he sits down with Australian Story for a look back over his remarkable life and career.

30 min

23

A Fortunate Life - Paul Hogan (Part 2)

After the success of Crocodile Dundee, Paul Hogan had the world at his feet. But when he left his wife of 30 years for co-star Linda Kozlowski the media turned. Candid insights from Paul, his family, friends and colleagues.

30 min

24

Perfect Strangers

Emma and Richard Austin endured ten years of gruelling fertility treatment in their quest for a baby. But a surprise offer came from a couple facing the dilemma of managing their leftover embryos. The gift became baby Henry.

30 min

25

Getting Away with Murder

Brothel madam Shirley Finn was shot through the head on a Perth golf course in 1975. After her daughter's 10-year battle to discover who killed her mother, an inquest hears fresh allegations of possible police involvement.

30 min

26

Somerton Man

More than 70 years after an unidentified body was found on an Adelaide beach, a solution may be in sight to the long running mystery of the Somerton Man. Will modern DNA testing finally give him a name and unearth the truth?

30 min

27

Crime and Punishment

Released on parole after 12 years incarcerated in Bulgaria for murder, Jock Palfreeman's fight for justice saw him caught up in bitter political struggle threatening the Bulgaria's diplomatic relationship with Australia.

30 min

28

Boots and All

Craig Foster built a formidable reputation as a football player and broadcaster. But when Bahraini footballer and refugee Hakeem Al-Araibi, was imprisoned in Thailand, he led a global media campaign to fight for his freedom.

30 min

29

Eye of the Storm

In the NSW mid-north coast town of Kempsey, principal Mark Morrison brushes close to the rules to give troubled teens their last chance at a high school education. He seems headed for a record number of student graduations.

30 min

30

Art of the Possible

Vincent Fantauzzo went from menial jobs and petty crime to painting portraits of Heath Ledger, Julia Gillard and wife Asher Keddie. He describes his dyslexia as a gift allowing him to see the world from a unique perspective.

30 min

31

Last Drinks

After almost killing herself through alcohol abuse, Shanna Whan started a movement to change the pervasive culture of alcohol in rural Australia. Now she travels the country with the message "It's OK to say no to a beer."

30 min

32

Forever Young

17-year-old Ursula Barwick vanished without a trace in 1987, leaving her family in limbo for three decades. When the truth was finally revealed it raised serious questions about the police investigation.

30 min

33

What Doesn't Kill You

A catastrophic workplace accident brings together a labourer and a renowned surgeon in a world-first medical procedure. Despite their differences, the two men share remarkable parallel journeys.

30 min

34

Out of the Blue

Minutes after entering the water in the Whitsundays, Tasmanian woman Justine Barwick was fighting for life following a shark bite. As the shark control debate continues, she tells her remarkable story for the first time.

30 min

35

Out of the Woods

From a homeless alcoholic living in the wild to academic success and a book deal, the next chapter in the amazing comeback story of forest dweller Gregory Smith.

30 min