Australian Story Season 31, Episode 1: Sink or Swim - Michael Klim

Finding Alby Mangels

The reclusive adventure filmmaker and '80s icon Alby Mangels looks back on an extraordinary career and explains why he turned his back on fame.

31 min

Out in the Open - Sophie Hyde

Sophie Hyde is one of Australia's most successful directors, working with some of Hollywood's finest. But in her latest film she turns the spotlight on her own family.

31 min

Nabbed - Ian Williams

When pensioner Ian Williams lost $1,300 in a banking scam, he expected a quick refund and apology. The bank's response so incensed the "stubborn bugger", he sued it for $379,000,000.

Raising Richard - Deirdre Croft

Who cares for our children when we're gone if they can't care for themselves? As Deirdre Croft faces the end of her life, she's on a mission to ensure her son is looked after when she's gone.

31 min

Morning Star - Witiyana Marika

From Arnhem Land to rock stardom, Yothu Yindi's Witiyana Marika was destined to take centre stage. Now, at a crucial time for his community, he's shed his dreadlocks and emerged as a leader of his people.

31 min

What Doesn't Kill You - Ghanim Al Shnen

Many would have despaired after losing both their arms but Ghanim Al Shnen embraced the possibilities of bionic medicine and focused on a dream - to be reunited with his family after 12 years apart.

31 min

The Leyland Brother - Mal Leyland

In the 1960s and 70s, Mal Leyland was one of the best-known people on TV, as one half of the Leyland Brothers. Now at age 81, the pioneer of outback documentaries is suffering dementia - but still planning one last trip.

30 min

The Westall UFO Mystery

In 1966, a Melbourne high school was thrown into chaos when strange objects appeared in the sky. Sixty years on from Australia's biggest UFO sighting, witnesses are still looking for answers about what they saw at Westall.

31 min

Lost - Celine Cremer (Part 1)

Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer was on the trip of a lifetime but on a hike in Tasmania she took a wrong turn and was never seen again. More than two years later a group of friends and volunteers set out looking for answers.

31 min

Lost - Celine Cremer (Part 2)

Two and half years after Belgian backpacker Celine Cremer went missing on a short hike, friends and local volunteers scour the forest and finally find the answers they're looking for.

33 min

A Year of Living Gratefully - James Valentine

Broadcaster James Valentine was offered two different treatments for his cancer so he chose the one that let him keep doing what he loved. When it returned a year later, he faced the end with courage, purpose and humour.

35 min

The Hustler - John Polson

John Polson was a troubled teen when a sliding doors moment led him into the world of acting. He went on to create Tropfest, one of the world's biggest short film festivals, changing his life and the Australian industry.

30 min

An Accidental Leader - Rob Armstrong

Sheep farmer Rob Armstrong never expected to be the face of political resistance. But when his state government proposed a levy that would hit volunteer country firefighters, a childhood trauma propelled him into action.

31 min

Regeneration - Rachel Ward

When Instagram trolls accused actor and director Rachel Ward of 'letting herself go', she used the attention to talk about her passion, regenerative farming, which has given her a renewed sense of purpose.

31 min

A Seat At The Table - Mohamed Semra

At 15, Mohamed Semra made headlines when he was kicked out of a Melbourne Apple Store by staff who were worried he might steal something. At 27, he's making history as the first Australian mayor from sub-Saharan Africa.

31 min

Down to the Wire - Saul Griffith

When Australian Story first met inventor Saul Griffith in 2023 he was on a mission to electrify the world. Although political changes in the US have tested his optimism, back home his own community is forging ahead.

31 min

A Beautiful Mind - Richard Scolyer

When Richard Scolyer was diagnosed with brain cancer three years ago, he volunteered to undergo risky, new treatment, hoping for a medical breakthrough. As we filmed in his final months, he reflects on his life and legacy.

32 min

Child's Play - 60 Years of Play School

Australia's shared family heirloom Play School is celebrating 60 years on air, but what's the secret to its enduring success? With rare behind-the-scenes access, Australian Story examines its creative process with insights from past and present cast and crew.

31 min

His Brilliant Careers - Sam Neill

As a tribute to the late Sam Neill, we look back over the actor's dazzling career and recent health struggles.

31 min

Sky's The Limit

On a cold June night, a group of Jewish friends gathered at Melbourne airport to welcome a Muslim family they'd never met. One year later, they share their story of friendship and hope across religious and cultural divides.

31 min

Turning The Page - Luke Bateman

Luke Bateman was flying high as an NRL player until a devastating gambling addiction destroyed his career. Saved by his love of books, he's now writing fantasy novels and says he's never been happier.

31 min

Blood On The Tracks (Update)

When teenager Mark Haines was discovered dead on train tracks near the NSW town of Tamworth, his uncle was convinced it was foul play. Almost four decades later, a new inquest reveals fresh evidence and a cover-up.

31 min