Hunter Stories

The Day That Shook Newcastle - by Jessica Steens

On Thursday 28 December 1989, an earthquake struck Newcastle without warning. It was so sudden, many couldn't believe it was real.
Despite the chaos, police officer Brian Campbell and nurse Theresa Brown came forward to help without hesitation. They share their chilling first-hand accounts from that day and in doing so, shed lighter on something much greater.
PRODUCER: Jessica Steens
INTERVIEWEES: Brian Campbell and Theresa Brown
MUSIC:
Trtasfiq. Sad piano instrumental background music https://pixabay.com/music/modern-classical-sad-piano-instrumental-background-music-279069/ AI Generated Content, Free for use under Copyright License.
SOUNDS:
Gorogoro_io (2022). Australian crickets and bird sounds. Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/gorogoro_io/sounds/627633/ Licensed under [CC BY 4.0 International Deed].
cvp1965. (2015). Old phone ringing. Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/cvp1965/sounds/275053/Licensed under [CC0 1.0 Universal Deed].
zimbot. (2015). DeepNoiseLoop.wav . Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/zimbot/sounds/331045/Licensed under [CC BY 4.0 International Deed].
uagadugu. (2014. Cracking Earthquake 9cracking soil, cracking stone) Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/uagadugu/sounds/222521/Licensed under [CC0 1.0 Universal Deed].
DeqstersLab. (2024). Wiping sweat off forehead with forearm. https://freesound.org/people/DeqstersLab/sounds/745132/ Licensed under [CC0 1.0 Universal Deed].
TheDweebMan. (2015). Eeerie Tone Music Background Loop. https://freesound.org/people/TheDweebMan/sounds/277192/ Licensed under [CC BY 4.0 International Deed].
Kwahmah_02. (2015). Camera Mix.flac. https://freesound.org/people/kwahmah_02/sounds/261573/ Licensed under CC BY 3.0 Unported Deed.
Qubodup. (2013). Office Ambience https://freesound.org/people/qubodup/sounds/199896/ Licensed under [CC BY 4.0 International Deed].
Francois (2018). Changing Piles 02.wav. Freesound. https://freesound.org/people/TheKnave/sounds/435660/Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Archival news audio courtesy of NBN News.
RESOURCES AND LINKS
https://www.youtube.com/@UoNCCnewcastle
https://newcastlemuseum.com.au/exhibitions/past-exhibitions/earthquake-then-and-now
https://www.phototimetunnel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/678504692169563
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729

When the Ship Hits the Beach - by Mai Tessede

Most Novocastrians can tell you where they were and what they were doing when the Pasha Bulker grounded in 2007. The image of the bright red ship parked on Nobbys Beach attracted worldwide attention. But what exactly led to the incident? Mai Tessede talks to Justin Collins from the Newcastle Museum to uncover this incredible story.
Producer and narrator: Mai Tessede
Interviewee: Justin Collins
Music:
Crisis - Original music by Mathew Zhang
Trap Part 2 Bass by Boogieman0307 on looperman.com – License: commercial and non-commercial use on a royalty-free basis
Ongoing investigation - Orchestra music by Darkash28 | License: Creative Commons 0
Sound FX:
Storm wind.wav by juskiddink | License: Attribution 4.0 | This clip is an excerpt of the original.
foghorn far 010 210303_0264.wav by klankbeeld | License: Attribution 4.0 | This clip is an excerpt of the original.
Rain & Thunder 10th April 2023.mp3 by carthny | License: Creative Commons 0
S15-04 “Chinese” crowd reacts to violence.wav by craigsmith | License: Creative Commons 0
Storm at Sea by Codeine | License: Creative Commons 0
Wind-sea 04-091007.wav by ra_gun | License: Creative Commons 0
Archival audio:
PASHA BULKER on Nobbys Beach 2GB June 2007 Jason Morrison audio by Jason Morrison on Soundcloud in 2017
2007 Newcastle Storm & Floods - the 'Pasha Bulker' storm. ABC Newcastle DVD narrated and uploaded by Carol Duncan on YouTube on 8 June 2021
 
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729

Sustainability in Lake Macquarie - by Madeline Clifton

What happened to the rental e-bikes in Lake Macquarie, and how do they relate to the cause of sustainability?
Madeline Clifton investigates the sustainability-driven initiatives of Lake Macquarie Council and the broader aim - developing a circular economy.
Producer and narrator:
Madeline Clifton
Interviewees:
Tim Browne, CEO of Dantia
Karen Crowe, sustainability engagement officer, Lake Macquarie Council.
Original music composed by Wesley Bowd
For more information about Lake Macquarie Council’s FOGO bins: https://www.lakemac.com.au/For-residents/Waste-and-recycling/Green-bin
More information about Dantia and the Circular Economy Living Lab: https://www.circulareconomylivinglab.com.au/
More information about the e-bike trial: https://www.ridebeam.com/newsroom/beam-commences-operations-in-lake-macquarie
 
Madeline Clifton is studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications at the University of Newcastle. She is working as a studio manager at Newy Studio. She is a creative individual with a passion for storytelling. You can contact Madeline via her email Madelinemedia04ATgmailDOTcom 
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729
 

Between the Flags - by Jerry Cheng

Richard Ledger, the director of the Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club, shares his journey from childhood weekends at Cottesloe to lifesaving leadership in the Hunter.
Producer and narrator: Jerry Cheng
Interviewee: Richard Ledger, Director Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club
Music & SFX:
Original music composed by Wesley Bowd
Beach waves --https://freesound.org/people/DylanTheFish/sounds/463250/ -- License: Attribution Non-Commercial - sourced on freesound.org
 
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729

The Invisible Art of Ghostwriting - by Oli Goeldner

Laura, a ghostwriter living in Newcastle, shares what it’s like to write memoirs for celebrities while staying completely invisible. From writing a book for a reality TV star to capturing someone else’s tone of voice under an intense five-week deadline, Laura opens up about the hidden emotional and creative labour of ghostwriting. What does it mean to see your work on the shelf without your name on the cover?
Producer and narrator: Oli Goeldner
Interviewe: Laura
Music & SFX:
Classical Music Collection - Vol. 3 - Bach, Scarlatti, Chopin - Arranged for Strings by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/736232/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
Sad piano music by ZHRØ -- https://freesound.org/s/688767/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Crowd Cheering - Soft Cheering 1.wav by GregorQuendel -- https://freesound.org/s/481779/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Large crowd outdoor screaming and yelling during a meeting in the street of Mexico City by felix.blume -- https://freesound.org/s/214147/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
photo press Conference.WAV by klankbeeld -- https://freesound.org/s/179209 -- License: Attribution 4.0
VOC_220703-2034_FR_AsianScream.wav by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/641393/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Ihailijat, fanit kiljuvat, tytöt / Teenagers, young girls, fans, scream at the concert for their idol, edited by YleArkisto -- https://freesound.org/s/322056/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Cheap Electric Typewriter Chatter.wav by lonemonk -- https://freesound.org/s/47044/ -- License: Attribution 3.0
Old Style Phone Ringing -- Rings Three Times.WAV by Ndheger -- https://freesound.org/s/118107/ -- License: Attribution 3.0
Waves crashing on stone jetty..wav by juskiddink -- https://freesound.org/s/78419/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Heart Beat.wav by ChamoneSteyn -- https://freesound.org/s/542218/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
 
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729
 

Fused Function - by Sarah MacPherson

At 19 years old, Grace underwent major spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. Her recovery was long, painful, and isolating, but Grace used that time to shift her relationship with her body and become a coach who preaches the importance of fitness.
This is a story of resilience, redefinition, and gratitude. Grace’s journey reminds us that strength can be found anywhere.
 
Producer and narrator: Sarah MacPherson
Interviewee: Grace Johnson
Music:
Original music composed by Wesley Bowd
Hold Christman by Ben Reneer:
https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/hold-christmas-feat-jake-hansen-emma-reneer/ 130568
 
Sarah is a student at the University of Newcastle, studying a Bachelor of Media and Communications with a major in Media Production. She works as a videographer and editor with Newy Digital and as a freelance creative. Sarah is passionate about visual storytelling and creating visually compelling work. She can be contacted at sarahATnewydigitalDOTcom or via Instagram @sarahjo.media
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729

At Your Doorstep - by Sloan Sanders

Have you ever been frustrated because your late-night Doordash was running behind schedule? What if it were delivered by horse instead? Sloan Sanders finds out more about the Hunter Valley's historic bread cart delivery service and how it compares to delivery today.
Producer and narrator: Sloan Sanders
Interviewee: Pauline O’Neill
Music & SFX:
Original music composed by Wesley Bowd and Mathew Zhang
Old horse drawn carriage drives past by Garuda1982 – https://freesound.org/people/Garuda1982/sounds/631829/ – License: Creative Commons 0
phone short buzz by richwise – https://freesound.org/people/richwise/sounds/476836/ – License: Creative Commons 0
Construction 1.wav by sortan – https://freesound.org/people/sortan/sounds/220931/ – License: Creative Commons 0
AMBRest_Turkish Cafe Breakfast Ambience_R Najmeddine_TheFieldRecordist by TheFieldRecordist – https://freesound.org/people/TheFieldRecordist/sounds/789044/ – License: Attribution 4.0
 
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729
 

Unbelievably Viral - by John Thomas

When Newcastle was hit by a massive storm in June 2007, the huge Japanese coal carrier Pasha Bulker famously ran aground on Nobbys Beach. Newcastle photographer Murray McKean was there to capture the moment. But why has the image since gone viral around the world? John Thomas talks to Murray McKean to find out more.
Producer and narrator: John Thomas
Interviewee: Murray McKean
Music & SFX:
Original music composed by Matthew Zhang
CalmWaves SandBeach 03 EQ 130430_03.wav by klankbeeld --https://freesound.org/s/191296/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Reverse Cymbal: Reverb + long delay by mycoolclue -- https://freesound.org/s/130387/ --License: Creative Commons 0
Tropical Thunderstorm by Calcuttan -- https://freesound.org/s/180618/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
240420_2736_FR_Church-bells_ringing_in_town_at_midday by kevp888 --https://freesound.org/s/737045/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
ship horn.wav by monotraum -- https://freesound.org/s/208714/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
medium crowd by nooly -- https://freesound.org/s/172941/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
camera_shutter_release_dslr.wav by magedu -- https://freesound.org/s/261098/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
City ambiance recorded in Dekalb Illinois by felix.blume --https://freesound.org/s/667217/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
 
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729

Female Sport in the Hunter - by Gigi Brennan

Women’s sport in the Hunter is rapidly growing but are there sufficient resources to keep up? And how is this potentially impacting our female athletes?
Gigi Brennan chats with young female athlete Rose Harvey about her firsthand experiences, and sits down with sports physio Sophie Jones to talk about the lack of resources in the Hunter.
Producer and narrator:
Gigi Brennan
Interviewees:
Rose Harvey & Sophie Jones
Music and sound effects:
Rhythmic Suspense Drums.mp3 by 13NHarri -- https://freesound.org/s/376414/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Stade Yves du Manoir 2_sport by ElenZack -- https://freesound.org/s/794361/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
Ambient kids playing in sports hall by FreqWincy -- https://freesound.org/s/797721/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
USG Hymnes.wav by .tilde.yann -- https://freesound.org/s/658505/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Piano loops 053 effect 4 octave long loop 120 bpm by josefpres -- https://freesound.org/s/804517/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Piano loops 057 effect 4 octave long loop 120 bpm by josefpres -- https://freesound.org/s/806266/ -- License: Creative Commons 0
Soccer Game Start Whistle.wav by NebbiaOne -- https://freesound.org/s/408417/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0
For more information about women’s sports in Australia and the Hunter, see
https://www.nrl.com/nrlw/
https://australia.rugby/competitions/comp?id=HZMYbmBrjDerY5d2z
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sport-hunter/sport-hunter/104949248
https://www.northernnswfootball.com.au/football-community/female-football
https://womens.nplnsw.com.au
Gigi is a graduate of The University of Newcastle with a Bachelor of Media and Communication, majoring in Public Relations and News Media. She is passionate about creative storytelling and values collaboration to create meaningful community engaging works. 
You can email Gigi at gigiDOTbrennanDOTgbATgmailDOTcom or via LinkedIn
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729

In Sygna's Shadow - by Ben Clifford

In May 1974, a massive storm struck the Hunter causing the ship “Sygna” to run aground.
Many people remember the dramatic visuals of the stranded ship, but few know the full story of the extensive and dangerous cleanup efforts that followed.
Clem Doyle, a former member of the Newcastle Civil Defence, reveals how a small group of volunteers worked hard to recover the region from the disaster.
Producer and narrator: 
Ben Clifford
Interviewee: 
Clem Doyle
Music and sound effects
130BPM Fsh min, loop by 121Ayem. Royalty-free licence via Looperman
mmmmm beer, loop by VladEisch. Royalty-free licence via Looperman
bird chirps.2, sound by keweldog. Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license
“Epic storm. Thunder, rain,wind,waves. (no loops)”, sound by Placidplace. Pixabay Content License Royalty Free.  
Archival audio from NBN Television courtesy of NBN News.
 
Ben Clifford is a recent journalism graduate from the University of Newcastle with a strong passion for multi-platform storytelling. He has experience producing digital, audio, written and broadcast content, crafting stories that engage, inform and spark meaningful conversations.
You can contact Ben via email at bencliffordATgmailDOTcom or connect with him via Linkedin. 
Thumbnail image of Nobby’s Lighthouse, Newcastle by Roanish on Flickr, licence CC by 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/49236322@N06/4605602729