Curious Campbelltown
Curious Campbelltown
Campbelltown City Library
Campbelltown has a long, interesting and sometimes strange history. This podcast uncovers stories that contribute to its quirky reputation. From the legend of Fisher’s Ghost to Campbelltown’s own “Saving Private Ryan” war story, Curious Campbelltown will take you on a journey of discovery into the town’s colourful past.
Curious Campbelltown Unsolved: The Case of the Missing Twins
Hosts Bess Gilmore-Lim and Melissa Arriola explore the mystery of Bridget Parker and her missing twins from 1846. Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of death, alcohol dependance, and child death. Resources cited in this episode: "Police Reports." Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 - 1860) 10 October 1846: 3. from . Sydney Weekly Transcript (NSW : 1846), Saturday 25 April 1846, page 1 Blackwattle Creek and Swamp Sewer (2025) City of Sydney Archives. Available at: https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/1983358. "Mysterious Occurance", Star (Sydney, NSW : 1845 - 1846), Friday 24 April 1846, page 2‌ findagrave.com Ancestry.com Music used: Chorale 1 by vartioh -- https://freesound.org/s/131915/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Dark Mysterious Strings 2 by tyops -- https://freesound.org/s/624521/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Dec 16, 2025
26 min
Kirsty Jagger
Journalist, Kirsty Jagger, chats with Andrew about her fantastic debut novel "Roseghetto" and the topics it raises affecting those living in housing commission estates. The conversation turns also to some great writing advice as well as travel and book recommendations. Winner of the inaugural Kathryn Heyman Award for a writer from a background of social or economic disadvantage, Kirsty is also a journalist, communications professional and advisor. She shares some of her life story with Andrew Allen. Content Warning: This episode talks, in part, of domestic violence.
Dec 2, 2025
44 min
Curious Campbelltown: Ghost Talk
In this special episode Andrew recounts some ghostly goings-on from Campbelltown's past, hauntings connected with Miss Raymond's cottage, Town Hall Theatre, Denfield, and others.
Nov 2, 2025
26 min
Death on the Mail Train
Hosts Bess Gilmore-Lim and Melissa Arriola discuss the mysterious death of Jane Ryan, ex-postulant, in 1895. Was it foul play, or bad timing? Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of death, suicide, murder, severe illness, and religious extremism. Music used: Chorale 1 by vartioh -- https://freesound.org/s/131915/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Dark Mysterious Strings 2 by tyops -- https://freesound.org/s/624521/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Steam train horn 02 by eliasheuninck -- https://freesound.org/s/170848/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Oct 30, 2025
24 min
Rated "G" for geeky
Special guest host Zoe Ross sits down for chat with comic book artists Marcelo Baez, Karen Beilharz and Matt Lin to talk about their love of the art, how they became involved in the industry and some bonus recommendations.
May 1, 2025
56 min
For the Love of History
Fran Musico Rullo is more than your average high school teacher. As well as her regular classes Fran also runs a History Club for students to learn about and appreciate local and broader Australian history. Her passion for history and dedication to teaching has achieved unprecedented love and respect from her students and contributed enormously to their learning experience. The club has won multiple awards, reflecting Fran’s hard work and commitment. Listen to our latest Curious Campbelltown podcast and learn more about one of Campbelltown’s shining lights.
Jan 28, 2025
38 min
Mandy Perrin - Her Story
Former local newspaper editor Mandy Perrin opens up about her days as editor of the Macarthur Chronicle. From her days of cadet reporter through to the top job, Mandy discusses the stories that she felt most passionate about. Her love for and belief in Campbelltown shines through in this latest episode of Curious Campbelltown.
Jul 8, 2024
36 min
Koshigaya Kinship
Campbelltown has been a sister city to the Japanese city of Koshigaya since 1984, exchanging gifts and experiences for now over forty years. Andrew chats to past president of the sister city Association, David Symonds and year 11 student Onyx Holmes.
May 9, 2024
34 min
John Skandalis
Rugby League and Wests Tigers legend John Skandalis is a household ame in Campbelltown. In this Curious Campbelltown episode, “Skando” discusses the struggles he encountered growing up, his love of Campbelltown, respect for Tommy Raudonikis and that wonderful night in 2005 when his beloved Tigers captured the NRL premiership.
Oct 13, 2023
50 min
Murder And Mayhem
One for all true crime lovers! Our latest Curious Campbelltown episode features a discussion with well-known true crime author Amanda Howard. We discuss famous criminals connected to Campbelltown such as Ivan Milat and the Frankston serial killer, Paul Denyer, plus some of the lesser known crimes that occurred locally. Amanda also examines local missing person cases that continue to baffle searchers.
Jul 4, 2023
41 min
Load more