Vote now for your favourite Australian Story episode
Choose your favourite Australian Story episode of the past 30 years.
Since 1996, the landmark ABC documentary series has allowed Australians from all walks of life to tell their stories in their own words.
The program has featured 1,133 people — some public figures; others ordinary people facing extraordinary times. Each of them provides an insight into Australian life and the complexity and richness of the human experience.
To mark the 30th milestone, we are asking you to choose your favourite episode.
Australian Story has created this episode shortlist for you to vote from using the form at the bottom of this page. The top 30 winners will be announced on November 19 on the Australian Story Facebook page.
Voting closes November 2.
Mr Squiggle | Norman Hetherington, 1996
Originally commissioned for a six-week run, the children's TV show Mr Squiggle ran for 40 years. Creator Norman Hetherington, wife Margaret and daughter Rebecca take us behind the scenes of a national institution.
Man for All Seasons | Wayne Bennett, 1999
An intimate look at the notoriously private NRL super-coach. It explores his life beyond the football pitch, particularly his role as a father to two children with disabilities.
Something in the Air | Sam Bailey, 2000
Celebrating the resilience of farmer Sam Bailey, who was left a quadriplegic after a car accident. The story focuses on his determination to continue farming and his romance with former ABC radio presenter Jenny Black.
The Story of Sydney | Baby Sydney, 2001
When Darren and Joanna Link discovered they were expecting their fifth child, they made the extraordinary decision to give the new baby to Darren's sister Tracey, who lived in America and was unable to have children.
The Gilded Cage | Peter Hollingworth, 2002
Dr Peter Hollingworth, his wife Ann and their daughter Deborah talk frankly about the school sex abuse scandal that cast a cloud over his term as governor-general and sparked calls for his resignation.
Queen Leah | Leah Purcell, 2002
The powerhouse Indigenous actor and director shares her journey from a difficult childhood in Murgon, Queensland, to becoming a star of stage and screen.
Happy as Garry | Garry McDonald, 2002
The beloved actor (known for Norman Gunston, Mother and Son) speaks candidly about his battle with severe anxiety and depression.
What Lies Beneath | Steve Irwin, 2003
Filmed at the height of his fame, this episode explores the Crocodile Hunter's philosophy on conservation. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at his work and family life at Australia Zoo.
The Big A | Hazel Hawke, 2003
With disarming frankness. the former wife of prime minister Bob Hawke reveals her diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and her mission to reduce the stigma of the condition.
Looking for Lyn | Case of Lyn Dawson, 2003
Revisiting the 1982 disappearance of Sydney mother Lynette Dawson. This episode played a significant role in keeping the case in the public eye, focusing on her family's decades-long search for justice against her husband, Chris Dawson.
With This Ring | Gayle and Mac Shann, 2003
The story of a young couple whose lives were up-ended by a horrific farming accident that left Gayle with permanent physical disabilities. It is a testament to the power of love and the grit of the Australian farming spirit.
Into the Forest | Ivan Milat, 2004
A chilling look at the family of serial killer Ivan Milat. For the first time, some of his siblings speak out about their upbringing, their brother's crimes, and the dark legacy that haunts the Milat name.
Road to Kerobokan | Scott Rush, 2006
An exploration of the life of Scott Rush, one of the "Bali Nine". The episode focuses on his parents' desperate struggle to save their son from the death penalty in Indonesia after he was caught smuggling heroin.
Right As Rain | Peter Andrews, 2007
Follows the controversial and innovative work of farmer Peter Andrews, who developed "Natural Sequence Farming" to restore drought-stricken landscapes. The program returned to his story three times over the years.
The Wronged Man | Andrew Mallard, 2007
The story behind Andrew Mallard's 12-year fight to overturn his wrongful conviction for murder in Western Australia.
Some Meaning in This Life | Belinda Emmett, 2007
A poignant tribute to the Home and Away actress as she faced a terminal cancer diagnosis. The episode captures her grace, her marriage to Rove McManus, and her determination to find joy in her final days.
Paths of Glory | Malcolm Turnbull, 2009
Made a year after Malcolm Turnbull became opposition leader, this looks at the forces that shaped his character and the intense highs and lows of the Utegate Affair, which rocked federal politics.
You're the Voice | Gurrumul, 2010
A profile of the enigmatic, world-renowned blind Indigenous musician Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. It explores his shy nature, his deep spiritual connection to Elcho Island, and his meteoric rise to global stardom.
The Story of Samuel | Samuel Symons, 2010
A tribute to the son of Red Symons, who battled multiple brain tumours throughout his life. It's a story of incredible spirit and the profound impact he had on those around him before his passing.
Ita Tells Me So | Ita Buttrose, 2011
The media icon looks back on her trailblazing career as the founding editor of Cleo and the first female editor of an Australian metropolitan daily newspaper.
Leap of Faith | Li Cunxin, 2012
Mao's Last Dancer tells Li Cunxin's story of defecting from China to become a world-class ballet star and, later, his transition into a successful stockbroker and artistic director of the Queensland Ballet.
Know Thy Enemy | Anna Meares, 2013
Anna Meares dominated cycling for nearly a decade. Her triumphant return after a catastrophic accident was the stuff of legend, but her ascendancy came at some cost to personal and family relationships.
A Complicated Life | Kerry Packer, 2013
A two-part deep dive into the life of the media tycoon. It explores his ruthless business instincts, his revolutionising of world cricket, and the softer, private side of a man who dominated the Australian landscape.
Just Call Me Bob | Bob Hawke, 2014
An intimate look at the life of Australia's most popular prime minister. It covers his political triumphs, his personal flaws and his enduring love for the Australian public.
How I Met Your Father | Aminah Hart 2014
An extraordinary modern love story. After choosing an anonymous sperm donor to have her daughter, Aminah eventually sought him out. The two ended up meeting, falling in love and getting married.
Ask the Leyland Brother | Mal Leyland, 2015
A nostalgic and bittersweet look at the surviving Leyland brother. He reflects on the duo's pioneering travel documentaries and the financial ruin and personal tragedy that followed their massive success.
Going With the Flow | Cedar Anderson, 2016
The story of the father-son duo behind the Flow Hive, a revolutionary honey-harvesting invention. It details their struggle with sudden global fame and the pressures of managing a multi-million-dollar crowdfunding success.
About a Girl | Georgie Stone, 2016
Follows Georgie Stone's journey as a young transgender advocate. Along with her family, she fought to change the law so that transgender children no longer had to go to the Family Court to access stage one medical treatment.
Channelling Mr Woo | Eddie Woo, 2017
The story of Australia's most famous maths teacher. It explores how his "Wootube" videos became a global sensation and his mission to make mathematics accessible and engaging for everyone.
The Show Must Go On | Emma Watkins, 2018
Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins opens up about her whirlwind rise to fame, her battle with endometriosis, and the personal challenges of navigating a high-profile divorce within the group.
Out of the Woods | Gregory Smith, 2018
The incredible true story of a man who lived as a hermit in the forest for years to escape his past, only to return to society, earn a PhD, and become a university lecturer.
The Justice Principle | Dassi Erlich, Nicole Meyer, Elly Sapper, 2018
Three sisters' courageous fight to extradite their former teacher Malka Leifer from Israel to Australia to face child sexual abuse charges.
A Fortunate Life | Paul Hogan, 2019
As he prepared to celebrate his 80th birthday, an uncharacteristically reflective Paul Hogan looked back over his remarkable life and career in this two-part Australian Story.
A World of Their Own | The Seekers, 2019
A celebration of the iconic folk-pop group. It chronicles their 60-year journey, their massive global success in the 60s and the enduring bond between the four members.
About a Boy | Quaden Bayles, 2020
Quaden is a nine-year-old with dwarfism who just wants to fit in. When his Mum posted a video to social media of Quaden distraught after a tough day at school, they could not have predicted what would unfold.
His Brilliant Careers | Sam Neill, 2020
The legendary actor looks back over his life and career and discusses his battle with a rare blood cancer.
Raising the Bar | Jennifer Robinson, 2021
A profile of the internationally renowned human rights lawyer. It covers her work defending Julian Assange and Amber Heard and her advocacy for the people of West Papua, detailing the personal risks involved in her career.
One Giant Leap | Luc Longley, 2021
From running with the Chicago Bulls to his omission from The Last Dance, the former NBA champion sets the record straight. This two-part Australian Story features interviews with basketball greats Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Steve Kerr.
On the Brink | AC/DC's Bon Scott, 2022
Never-before-seen letters and interviews shed new light on the final days of the AC/DC frontman, exploring the man behind the myth.
An Open Mind | Professor Richard Scolyer, 2023
A doctor becomes a guinea pig for an experimental treatment for his own brain cancer, based on research his team had developed for treating melanoma.
Making a Scene | Claudia Karvan, 2023
One of Australia's most beloved actresses reflects on her unconventional upbringing and her four-decade career as a performer and producer.
A Silver Lining | Silverchair's Chris Janou and Ben Gillies, 2023
Band members Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou speak out about the rise and fall of Silverchair, the toll of fame on their mental health and the breakdown of their relationship with frontman Daniel Johns.
Making Lachlan Murdoch | Lachlan Murdoch trilogy, 2024
A landmark three-part special exploring the life and career of the intensely private media heir.
Out of the Chaos | Anna Coutts-Trotter, 2024
The daughter of politician Tanya Plibersek and Michael Coutts-Trotter details her survival of domestic abuse and her mission to support others.
Nick Cave in Conversation with Leigh Sales, 2024
In an intimate conversation, rock legend Nick Cave talks candidly about grief, addiction and why he is still making challenging music in his 60s.
Betrayal | Hannah Grundy, 2024
Teacher Hannah Grundy was forced to become her own detective to unmask a sick cyber criminal whose identity she could not believe. What followed was an epic fight for justice and a dramatic court showdown.
The River | Valdas Bieliauskas 2025
An hour-by-hour account of the 2024 rescue of Lithuanian rafter Valdas Bieliauskas, who became trapped in rapids on Tasmania's Franklin River.
Only Fifteen | Sarah Kopp, 2025
When a charismatic sports teacher arrived at Sarah Kopp's school, the talented student's life was up-ended. When she finally sought justice, she faced a near-impossible choice.
Better Angels | Samuel Johnson, 2025
Actor Samuel Johnson has led a rollercoaster life, dealing with successive tragedies and a self-destructive streak. But a cause close to his heart helped him overcome his demons.
A Year of Living Gratefully | James Valentine, 2026
When broadcaster James Valentine was offered two different treatments for his cancer, he chose the one that let him keep doing what he loved. When cancer returned a year later, he faced the end with courage, purpose and humour.
Regeneration | Rachel Ward, 2026
When Instagram trolls attacked actor and director Rachel Ward for "letting herself go", it became a cultural moment about how older women are perceived. But Rachel laughed it off and used the moment to draw attention to her passion for regenerative farming.
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