Bushranging Gazette #8

Friday, 1 October 2021 Our African Roots This month SBS will be broadcasting a documentary about notable African connections in Australian history. Researched and written by Santilla Chingaipe, the production aims to bring people’s attention to the fact that people of African descent have an important part in Australia’s history. Included among the figures featured in the documentary is John Caesar (more commonly known by the provocative label, “black” Caesar). Caesar will be a figure familiar to most bushranger enthusiasts as he is universally credited as being the first bushranger. Brought out on the first fleet, the large, muscular former-slave … Continue reading Bushranging Gazette #8

Bushranging Gazette #7

Wednesday, 1 September 2021 The Dashing Career Of Australia’s Forgotten ‘Gentleman Bushranger’ It seems appropriate that following the publication on A Guide to Australian Bushranging of James Erskine Calder’s account of the life and bushranging career of Matthew Brady that his story should catch the attention of more mainstream media. Synchronicity saw Nine News publish a condensed account of Brady’s life online mere days after the Calder articles had rolled out on this website. The introduction makes reference to outlaw folk heroes Captain Thunderbolt and Ned Kelly before delving into the story of Tasmania’s greatest outlaw folk hero. But as … Continue reading Bushranging Gazette #7

Bushranging Gazette #6

Sunday, 1 August 2021 The Hobart Magazine The July 2021 issue of The Hobart Magazine features an article by Sarah Aitkin about Rocky Whelan’s cave in Mount Wellington (Kunanyi). For the article, Aidan Phelan (A Guide to Australian Bushranging) was interviewed and provided contextual information about Whelan. You can access the magazine digitally for free online. Jingo Was Born in the Slum Matthew J. J. Thorne, who was the photographer during production of Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang, has released a new book through Jane and Jeremy Publishing titled Jingo was born in the slum. The book … Continue reading Bushranging Gazette #6

Bushranging Gazette #5

Thursday, 1 July 2021 Though there’s not as much news to report this month, that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been things happening worth talking about. This past month saw regular spots for A Guide to Australian Bushranging on Evenings on ABC Radio Hobart and Northern Tasmania where listeners were able to learn about local bushrangers such as Michael Howe, Matthew Brady, Musquito and Martin Cash (among other lesser known figures). It was also a month of anniversaries, as June sees the anniversary of the hangings of the Clarke brothers and Rocky Whelan, and the Glenrowan siege, all of which received … Continue reading Bushranging Gazette #5

Bushranging Gazette #4

Tuesday 1 June, 2021 The past month has seen fewer headlines, but by no means has it been without news. In this issue of Bushranging Gazette we discuss some recent occurrences and highlight related articles that have popped up, including a book announcement and the passing of two popular authors. A Guide to Australian Bushranging on the radio 7pm tonight Aidan Phelan will be discussing Tasmanian bushrangers with Paul McIntyre. Tassie locals can tune into 936 AM (radio) or Channel 25 (television) for ABC Radio Hobart. You can listen to the broadcast online here: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/hobart/ https://www.abc.net.au/radio/people/paul-mcintyre/11313616 New book announced covers … Continue reading Bushranging Gazette #4