High School English teacher, voracious reader and Award- winning Australian author and playwright, Margaret Hickey loves a sunburnt country. From our rugged mountain ranges, far horizons and sweeping plains, the Australian landscape is where the beauty and the terror combine for Margaret create her award winning crime novels. During her recent visit to the Mount Gambier Library we chatted about the ups and downs of being a touring author, the juggling act of her synchronous careers, and why this...
Feb 19, 2025•20 min
For this episode, we journey back to May 10, 1897, when the tranquil town of Mount Gambier was thrown into chaos by a sudden and violent earthquake. Hear about the extensive damage it caused, fears of volcanic eruptions, and the surprising theories about the quake's origins that emerged in the aftermath.
Jan 28, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Happy 15th, Mount Gambier Library! We’re joined by the some of the team who opened the doors all those years ago. Get the inside scoop on the early days and hear what made that first day unforgettable!
Dec 31, 2024•18 min•Season 5Ep. 1
You could argue that Margaret Pink is as iconic to Mount Gambier as our famous Blue Lake. As one of Australia’s most successful Tupperware ladies, if she hasn’t been to your house, there is a high chance she’s visited your mum's or nan's. Marg has built a career that’s as enduring as the items she sells, and after 57 years in the game, she joins us to chat about her life built upon her favourite fantastic plastic.
Nov 28, 2024•13 min
Research scientist, firefighter, and debut sci-fi writer, Wayne Richardson is all three. In this episode we sit down with the Mount Gambier local just before his official book launch here at the Mount Gambier Library, as he shares the sparks that fuel his creativity, the joy of writing, and what happens when your publisher goes into liquidation just days after your debut novel is released.
Nov 01, 2024•14 min
Travel back to September 1867, when a quiet Sunday in Evelyn Street, now known as Krummel Street Mount Gambier was shattered by a horrific act of violence. Eliza Goodridge, a mother and wife, endured a brutal attack by her husband Henry in their modest home, suffering multiple stab wounds and a severe cut to the throat. Join us as we explore the chilling details of this tragic case and the contentious punishment that left many feeling deeply unsatisfied.
Sep 26, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 10
In this heartwarming episode, we take a nostalgic journey back in time as we hear from older generations who share their fondest memories of having fun in their youth. From a night out at the Kings Theatre to a dance at the Barn, our guests reminisce about the joy, freedom, and spontaneity that defined their younger days. Join us as we explore the different ways they "let their hair down" and find out how these cherished moments shaped who they are today.
Aug 29, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 9
This Library and Information Week join us as we celebrate the remarkable legacies and the progress of women in politics. Learn about the ground-breaking history of women’s suffrage in South Australia, to Mount Gambier electing the State’s first female Mayor. We shine a spotlight on the pioneering Lenore Bishop, and chat with our current Mayor Lynette Martin OAM. Dive into the rich history of women's political achievements in South Australia this month with the Don’t Overdue It podcast....
Jul 29, 2024•17 min
Join us for this episode of ‘Don’t Overdue It’ as we dive into the innovative and community-focused world of the Mount Gambier Library's "Library of Things" collection. From ice cream makers to movie projectors and metal detectors, learn how you can borrow a range of fun and useful items. Discover the stories behind the collection, the most popular items, and how this initiative is bringing people together in new and creative ways. Whether you're curious about trying something ...
Jun 27, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 7
From giggles to guffaws, and chuckles to cackles, to snorts and chortles, on Tuesdays at the Mount Gambier Library we like to LAUGH. Laughter in the Library is a Laughter Yoga program that combines fun exercises and yoga breathing techniques that stimulate your happy hormones, release stress and have positive effects on the mind and body. There are no crazy upside-down poses, no stand-up comedy routines- just Frances, her dedicated group of Laughter Yoga enthusiasts, and for this episode, us! Jo...
May 31, 2024•14 min
Join us on an insightful journey as we delve into the profound influence of the Words Grow Minds Program. This initiative aims at fostering early childhood development and literacy through talking, reading, playing, and singing with your child from birth. In this episode, we discuss the role the Mount Gambier Library has played in the program and uncover the transformative power of language and literacy in shaping young minds. For more information on Words Grow Minds click on the link below. htt...
Apr 28, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 5
His is the face that adorns the side of the theatre named in his honour, but locals and tourists alike still ask the question “Who is Sir Robert Helpmann?” Mount Gambier born, Robert Murray Helpmann, found fame on the world stage with his prodigious talents as an actor, director, dancer and singer. April 2024 marks the 40th Anniversary of official naming of the theatre- so join us for look at the life of Mount Gambier’s and Australia’s greatest exports - our boy Bobby....
Mar 28, 2024•18 min
With time comes change. One of the biggest changes over recent times is how we work. There are many factors which have contributed to the changes to our work day including the advancement in technology. For this episode we are joined by Mount Gambier locals who share the memories and stories of how a hard day’s work looked in years gone by.
Feb 25, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 3
In June of 1871, Mount Gambier Assistant Bailiff Thomas Garroway mysteriously disappeared when he was sent to seize the property of Carl Jung who had failed to pay a debt. What followed was a story of desperation and murder which ended with the very first execution to occur at the Mount Gambier Gaol.
Jan 24, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 2
We have all heard of the phrase “Its’ raining cats and dogs” but what about it raining rabbits? Well, on New Year’s Eve 1938 right here in middle of Mount Gambier in kind of did just that. Join us for the story of Laurence Bulling, a local rabbit buyer, who with 20kg of gelignite and one heck of a grudge against his former employer, caused quite the explosive end to the year.
Dec 20, 2023•11 min
For those with a long history with Mount Gambier, shops and stores such as Fidler and Webb, Hustler’s and Moran and Cato are almost as iconic as the Blue Lake/Warwar itself. For this episode we are joined by long term residents of Mount Gambier as they share their stories and memories of these shops and learn how different the shopping experience was in times gone by.
Nov 27, 2023•11 min
Fame and infamy closely followed composer, traveling salesman and disabled war veteran Freddie Woodrow during most of his adult life. Following his success with an album of war songs during the 1940’s, Woodrow arrived in Mount Gambier in 1951, with a song he dedicated to the Blue Lake city. A song that would raise $25,000 for the local community. But that’s not half the story. Throw in an meeting with Phar Lap, a revolutionary toothbrush invention, and a high-profile court case and you’ve got on...
Oct 25, 2023•25 min
Mount Gambier local Greg Buck had a desire to create content and release it on his very own YouTube channel. The only thing stopping him was the knowledge and skills to create, edit and release his videos. For this episode we chat with Greg to hear about his journey as a computer novice to YouTube creator releasing regular content on his channel ‘Dirty Socks.’ We talk about his journey, his content and how the Mount Gambier Library has helped him along the way. #mentalhealth #publiclibrary #trav...
Sep 26, 2023•20 min
Local medical doctor, researcher, TEDx speaker, and advocate for rural health and pathology, Dr Harry Gaffney can now add children’s author to his to his impressive CV. Dr Harry joins us for a special Storytime featuring his debut book “Tiny Adventures Inside Me: a Journey into Microbiology” and sticks around to chat about the transition from doctor to author and how he is making microbiology fun.
Aug 29, 2023•16 min
Bestselling Australian author Fiona Lowe can certainly tell a story. Whether it’s a tale from her life living across Papua New Guinea, the USA and Canada, her former career as a midwife, or the sweeping sagas from her impressive list of popular novels. In this episode of the Writers on the Road series, we are joined by Fiona and her collection of fascinating, funny and surprising tales from her extensive writing career, and some behind the scenes insights into her latest novel The Money Club....
Jul 28, 2023•22 min
If you have ever visited the Mount Gambier Library on a Wednesday afternoon you may have had the pleasure of hearing the sounds of fun and laughter echoing throughout the library. The chances are that this joy is coming from the Headspace LINK Group. For several years this group of 18 – 25 year old’s have made regular visits to the Mount Gambier Library and Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre for a wide range of activities. Join us for this episode as we talk to members of the group as well as key ...
Jun 27, 2023•13 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Moments before stepping onstage here at the Mount Gambier Library to launch her latest novel The Women’s’ Pages, internationally best selling Australian author and crowd favourite Victoria Purman joins us for the third instalment of the "Writers on the Road" series. Victoria, with her trademark warmth and humour, shares with us her fascinating research and writing processes, her inspiration, and a glimpse of life in 1950’s Australia.
May 26, 2023•24 min
In April of 1965, then Mount Gambier resident John Butler told his story to The Border Watch of not only surviving the sinking of the Titanic but his role of quartermaster and being put in charge of Lifeboat 7. However over time experts have questioned his story as much of his tale does not match up with official records or known events of the disaster. Join us for this episode as we explore Mr. Butler’s tale and discuss whether he was a Titanic survivor or gigantic liar.
Apr 27, 2023•15 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Join us for our second episode of our Writers on the Road series as we chat to Tricia Stringer just moments before her recent book launch at the Mount Gambier Library to promote her title ‘Keeping Up Appearances’. We chat about Tricia’s journey to bestselling and award-winning author and find out being a successful author is much more than just writing books.
Mar 29, 2023•20 min•Season 3Ep. 4
On Wednesday February 16th 1983, much of southern Australia faced the deadliest bushfires in Australia’s history. More than 180 fires swept across South Australia and Victoria destroying 2,000 homes and claiming the lives of 75 people. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Ash Wednesday Bushfires, a day that remains imprinted in the memories who were witness to the ferocity and devastation. In this episode we speak to a variety of locals who share their memories of that horrifi...
Feb 28, 2023•15 min
They say time changes everything and this is accurate when we think of the Leg of Mutton Lake (Yatton Loo). Over the years this site has changed from a water filled lake to beautiful park lands several times over. One thing has remained constant, no matter what the water level this site has remained a place of great beauty. Join us this episode as we hear some of the stories and memories of how the lake has been enjoyed by locals over the years.
Jan 30, 2023•9 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Working in the criminal justice system gives debut Australian author Mercedes Mercier a unique insight into the world of prisons, crime and offenders. The first in our Writers on The Road series, we caught up with Mercedes before her recent book launch at the Mount Gambier Library, where we discusses reading, writing and life on the publicity circuit.
Dec 28, 2022•27 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Managed by the Mount Gambier Lakes Rotary Club, The Library Markets transform the Cave Garden/Thugi into a bustling community festival on the 2nd Sunday of the month between November and February each year. Featuring local art and craft, produce, food, and entertainment, the December Christmas market is the biggest and most popular of all, attracting upwards of 80 stalls and thousands of patrons. In this episode we take a wander around the markets, chatting to organisers, volunteers and st...
Nov 28, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 12
2022 marks the 63rd year of the Mount Gambier Christmas Parade, with the floats and spectators returning to Commercial Street for the first time since the pandemic began. This beloved community event attracts spectators by the thousands, and celebrates not only Christmas, but togetherness and community spirit. But what does it take to coordinate Mount Gambier’s largest community event of the year? How do you reinvent the parade to make it COVID safe? And where did this well-loved Co...
Oct 28, 2022•23 min•Season 2Ep. 11
We are going to take a step back in time to a cold Mount Gambier winter in 1875. This tale not only ends in the brutal murder of a popular young woman but also one of three executions ever to take place at the Mount Gambier Gaol. Keywords: Mount Gambier, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Local Government, Community, Lake Terrace Cemetery, Local History, Mystery, Murder, True Crime, Mount Gambier Gaol.
Sep 28, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 10
