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Private Notes
In the Pink
On stage, she's a feisty rock chick — a woman with a big voice whose songs can make a bloke feel very small indeed. Just ask her husband. So it always surprises us how approachable and down to earth Pink is. When Peter Overton caught up with her in Los Angeles recently, she had hubbie Carey Hart and new daughter Willow in tow. They're as normal a family as you'd find and incredibly welcoming. Motherhood clearly suits Pink, we would even say she's mellowed since our last meeting. But some things don't change. She still packs a wicked sense of humour.
Baby Jack
It's a tragedy that can strike any one of us - a friend, a neighbour, even an Olympic champion. A little over a year ago, swimmer Brooke Hanson gave birth to her second son - Jack Hanson Clarke. It should have been an event to rival anything Brooke had achieved in the pool. But her little boy arrived in the world far too early. Unimaginably tiny, weighing just 663 grams and about as long as a school ruler, Jack bravely clung onto life for nine desperate months. On 60 Minutes, for the first time Brooke and her husband, Jared, talk about their very private loss and share what their dearly loved son taught them about courage and life.
The Fall Guys
We've witnessed plenty of courageous and often crazy feats over the years. But in all of Charles Wooley's time working on this program, he's never encountered anything quite so jaw-droppingly insane as extreme kayaking. The guys who love this sport don't so much live on the edge as throw themselves off it. They paddle their tiny kayaks over massive twenty-storey high waterfalls, reaching speeds of two hundred kilometres an hour as they plummet, nose first into the churning water below. They've shattered bones and broken backs. But, in their world, coming face to face with death is the only way to really live.
Walking Tall
We all want to fit in. That's just the way we're wired. But for the young man you’ll meet on Sunday night, blending into the crowd is an impossible dream. Igor is dangerously tall — 8 foot — and getting bigger by the day. While the first thing you notice about Igor is undoubtedly his height, spend some time with him and you realise he's also charming, funny, complex and heartbreakingly lonely. He also has the biggest smile you’ll ever see — you just have to find a way to coax it out of him.
Kidnapped!
In Sao Paulo, just walking outside your front door can be dangerous. Not even children are safe. The men and women who track down and rescue the hostages are members of Brazil's crack anti-kidnapping unit. Allison Langdon joined these courageous men and women for one incredibly intense week. At times, Allison felt like she had wandered onto the set of a Hollywood action movie — except on this beat the bad guys and the bullets are real.
Face Blind
Imagine if you always felt like you were surrounded by strangers, because you couldn't identify your own child or even recognise your own face in the mirror. Well, that's what life is like every day for sufferers of face blindness.
Matthew Newton
Say the name Matthew Newton and most people will offer an opinion. The view is that he’s either a violent boyfriend, or a mentally ill man. Repeatedly, courts here in Australia, and in the US, have judged Newton, on the grounds of his psychological state. Just last November, a Miami judge spared him jail, despite him punching a hotel receptionist. Now Matthew Newton says he’s on the road to recovery, but there are some extraordinary admissions along the way.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
Mountain Madness
The wonder of extreme adventure is, you never know how things will turn out. By its very nature, it involves pushing the limits of human endeavour and demands a bit of good luck. Australia’s Adrian McRae thought he’d dreamt up the ultimate adventure, to paraglide off the roof of Africa. Hundreds of daredevils joined his incredible quest up Mount Kilimanjaro. But as Allison Langdon discovered, none of them could know what the mountain had in store.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Nick Greenaway
Rock God
They were the biggest rock group on the planet – knocking off the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Everything about Led Zeppelin was bigger, their sound, their bad boy reputation and that voice of lead singer Robert Plant. He was the self-proclaimed “Golden God” of Rock. And 40 years on, still singing and touring, he continues to inspire awe in his devotees, musicians and fans alike. Some of his antics have mellowed, but his voice is still sublime, and there’s still a twinkle in his eye.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Steven Burling
Superbugs
No-one would expect an innocuous little cut to threaten your life or cost you all 4 limbs. But that’s exactly what happened to Aimee Copeland, when her body was attacked by an aggressive flesh eating bug. She’s a living example of the rise and rise of superbugs. In this frightening new era in medicine, that our once faithful friends – antibiotics – simply don’t work. And this national health threat is so serious, our Government has now launched three separate Superbug inquiries. But, as Michael Usher discovered, some brilliant scientific minds here and overseas are working fast to find some amazing new cures.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producers: Danny Keens, Hannah Boocock
Howard’s Way
By any measure, this is an unusual election year. With more than 200 days till polling day, it’s the longest campaign in Australian history. Then, there’s the growing uncertainty over the leaders. With Prime Minister Julia Gillard languishing ever deeper in the polls, a spectacular comeback by Kevin Rudd is now a very real prospect. And would that force the Liberals to dump Tony Abbott, in favour of the more popular Malcolm Turnbull? If anyone understands the ins and outs of political leadership it is John Howard. Charles Wooley sat down with the former PM to discuss the wild political ride that will be 2013.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Howard Sacre
Aerosmith
They are America’s biggest and most enduring rock band Aerosmith began life more than 40 years ago and what’s truly impressive is not just that they’re filling stadiums after all these years but that they’re still alive to do it! Now well into their 60′s, singer Steven Tyler and lead guitarist Joe Perry have been the heart-beat of the band. And along the way, they’ve lived a real life rock-opera. It hasn’t always been harmonious but one thing’s for sure – it’s never been dull.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Steven Burling
Titanic Clive
Mention the name Clive Palmer and everything that comes to mind is BIG. Big money. Big ideas. Big opinions. One of Australia’s richest men – he’s also one of the most outspoken. But what he loves even more than a good stoush – is a grand idea. His latest is titanic. Titanic Two. To be precise. You see, he’s building an updated, near-perfect, replica of the legendary luxury cruiseliner that sank 100 years ago. Clive doesn’t know what it will cost and in typical Clive style, he doesn’t seem to care.
Reporter: Ray Martin
Producer: Jo Townsend
Fore and Against
It’s been going on for thousands of years but it’s still controversial. We are talking about male circumcision. Not only is it contentious, it’s confusing. Depending on who you speak to, rates of circumcision in Australia are both rising and falling. It’s either a life or death decision or a complete waste of time. The only certainty in this debate – it’s sure to raise hackles.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producers: Stephen Taylor, Jo Townsend
Wild at Heart
40 years ago, a glamorous young Italian woman, swapped her life of privilege for the wilds of Africa. Kuki Gallman turned a vast cattle ranch, into Kenya’s largest private wildlife sanctuary. It would prove such an adventure that Hollywood made her story into an epic film. But there was also great personal sacrifice. And now, everything Kuki has fought so hard to protect, is being threatened by the poachers’ bullets.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Nick Greenaway
For Better or Worse
After 50 years together, you’d think Bill and Gladys Forward had seen-off all life could throw at them. That was until Gladys was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 8 years ago. Gradually, Bill has come to care for Gladys more and more, and today, he does everything for his wife. But it’s not just what Bill does that’s so inspiring – it’s the way that he does it. Theirs is a remarkable story of love, commitment and a most unusual bicycle.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Hannah Boocock
Tony Abbott
We’re still 6 months out from election day, but if the polls are to be believed, Tony Abbott is destined to be elected Australia’s 28th Prime Minister. After coming so close three years ago, the “new Tony” is determined to win this time, and is going to great lengths to convince us he’s a changed man. Even his gay sister is speaking out, to endorse the new and improved Tony Abbott – a 21st Century man who can admit the mistakes of his past. And while blood runs thicker than water it’s still a hard act for her to sell.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Lincoln Howes
Iraq Ten Years On
It’s been ten years since we followed America into war with Iraq. It was a war based on a lie – that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction and it cost more than a hundred thousand lives. So was it worth it? Michael Usher has just spent a week in Iraq – asking the locals that question, and what he found was a country still at war. Car bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations are a daily threat. The terrorists are as active as ever. But among it all, are normal families, trying to get on with life and a little boy who gives us hope for the future of Iraq.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Stephen Rice
Justice Overboard
To the police, she’s a cold blooded killer. To her supporters: the victim of justice denied. Susan Neil-Fraser is serving 23 years in a Hobart prison for the murder of her de facto husband and at first, it might seem like the perfect crime. You see there’s no body, no weapon, and no direct witnesses. And for Susan’s friends and family, that’s exactly the point: there was never any hard evidence to convict her. Legal experts are even likening her plight to the Lindy Chamberlain case. It’s the perfect murder mystery.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: David Alrich
Holding Them Back
It’s only six weeks since three hundred thousand Australian children took their first steps through the school gate. For many of their parents, along with the usual tears and butterflies, can be a niggling doubt – is their child ready? And if you’re looking for reassurance that you’ve made the right decision, the latest research doesn’t help. Send them too early, and they may never catch up – in academic results or self-esteem. Start them later, and they’re more likely to be the success of the classroom – not just in their first year but for the rest of their school life.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producers: Stephen Taylor, Ali Smith
City Farms
For many Australian families, putting enough food on the table is a daily struggle. And things will get worse before they get better. You see the world’s got too many mouths to feed and we’re fast running out of good farming land. It’s being over grazed, gobbled up by sprawling cities, or sold up to foreign interests. The solution to this global crisis – might just be the return of the humble vegie patch but on a massive, modern scale. Entire skyscrapers, housing farms, not office workers. No soil, no sunlight, no seasons. It’s a food revolution and it’s starting right here, in our own backyard.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producers: Danny Keens, Hannah Boocock
The Survivor
Independents’ Day
Loss of Faith
The Survivor
By now, most people know the incredible story of Australian woman, Gill Hicks. In 2005, both of her legs were blown off, during the terrorist attacks on London. Since that horrible day Gill has inspired the world with her superhuman recovery, her work to promote peace and her love of life. Late last year she called us with wonderful news, she’d moved back to Australia; she’d found a new man and at 44 she’d fallen pregnant. But Gill had devastating news to come that would require all of her inner strength.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Independents’ Day
When Prime Minister Julia Gillard isn’t fending off Kevin Rudd in the party room her fate rests with 3 independent MPs, who hold unprecedented power. Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott and Bob Katter may represent just 290-thousand voters, but what they think, and how they vote in parliament, has a very real impact on every Australian. In 2010, Windsor and Oakeshott deliberated for 17 days before backing the Gillard government, in return for 10 billion dollars in regional funding. Katter – ever the maverick – went his own way. It’s been an interesting experiment in minority government, and come election day, their constituents will decide whether it’s been a success.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producer: Ali Smith
Loss of Faith
It’s been a momentous few weeks for Catholics with the election of Pope Francis. The new Pontiff faces a huge challenge – not least in rebuilding the shattered trust over wide-spread sexual assault of children by Catholic priests. In Australia, 60 Minutes was one of the first to expose the church’s conspiracy of silence in the case of convicted paedophile Father Gerald Ridsdale. In 2002, Richard Carleton confronted then Archbishop George Pell with distressing evidence of Ridsdale’s abuse. 11 years on, as we await the start of a Royal Commission into child abuse within religious i
The Imposter
Big Man, Big Heart
Roam Free
The Imposter
Truth may be stranger than fiction but this story is simply gob-smacking. It begins with the disappearance of a teenage boy. His family searches for him, desperately but unsuccessfully. Then, 3 years after vanishing, Nicholas Barclay reappears on the other side of the world. There’s joy, jubilation, and there’s his harrowing account of what happened to him. But as you’ll see, something’s not quite right.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producer: Gareth Harvey
Big Man, Big Heart
David Foster is a World Champion woodchopper, the undisputed King of Australian Axemen. He’s been Tasmanian of the Year and won an Order of Australia. Then 3 years ago, a family illness cut David Foster’s life in half. His wife was sick, and doctors had given up all hope. But not Dave. This is a story of a big bloke, with an even bigger heart.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Stuart Goodman
Roam Free
Why did the chicken cross the road? Because it could, it was “Free Range”. But what does “Free Range” mean? On Sunday night we’ll go behind the supermarket shelves, and inside the chicken sheds, to find out. Right now there’s a food and farm revolution going on, pigs and battery hens are being liberated from cages. And the next frontier is the roast chook. We eat more than 10-million chickens every single week, and the way most of them are raised, is now the biggest animal welfare issue in Australia.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Howard Sacre
Top End Fashion
The Missing
Brave Levi
Top End Fashion
The reporters on this show can find themselves in all manner of sticky situations but Michael Usher never thought he’d be dangling from a helicopter and dropped straight onto a very angry saltwater crocodile. It’s what a group of daredevil blokes in the Top End do for a living, all part of Australia’s rapidly growing crocodile skin export business currently valued at 25 million dollars. The crocs are grown from hatchlings to adults and their skins are sold to top French fashion houses, before they end up as handbags worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Nick Greenaway
The Missing
It’s almost too hard to fathom but every 15 minutes someone in Australia disappears. For the families left behind, the anguish of not knowing what’s happened to their loved one, can be overwhelming. It’s exactly what Lorrin Whitehead’s five children are facing, eight weeks ago their 43-year-old mother left home and vanished without a trace. The police have no firm leads, there are no suspicious circumstances and for Lorrin’s kids, they just want to know if their mum is ok.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Stephen Burling
Brave Levi
Four years ago, we brought you the story of the brave and bubbly young boy, Levi McCormack. Levi was born with only half a working heart and a mysterious lung condition. His ability to take on every challenge, with a smile and a laugh, won your hearts. Since then, little Levi has gone on to attend school and recently had his 9th birthday. But amid the celebrations there are some very tough days ahead for Levi and his family.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producer: Ali Smith
Joel Madden
Lancaster 739
Brave Levi
Joel Madden
For most Australians Joel Madden is now a household name. As lead singer of American band Good Charlotte he'd already built a legion of fans, but in his role as a coach on The Voice he's won over an audience not even he expected.
Lancaster 739
Ron Conley, an Air Force officer from Brisbane, was last heard from on June 6, 1944 while on a top secret bombing mission. For Ron's family, what happened to this young Australian navigator and his crew mates has always been a mystery.
Brave Levi
Four years ago, we brought you the story of the brave and bubbly young boy, Levi McCormack. Since then, little Levi has gone on to attend school and recently had his 9th birthday.
Settling Scores
Leonardo
Frozen Waterfalls
Lauren’s Story
Settling Scores
This is a story about facing your demons head on. In 2009, Navy clearance diver Paul de Gelder lost his arm and leg in a bull shark attack, in Sydney Harbour. His zest for life and determination to succeed despite his horrific injuries inspired you all. He was seemingly impervious. But Paul’s been harbouring a secret. He still has one score to settle, to go face to face with his nemesis – The Bull shark.
Reporter: Peter Overton
Producer: David Alrich
Leonardo
Leonardo DiCaprio is one of Hollywood’s heavyweights, successfully evolving from a child star, over a career that has already spanned two decades. In Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby, he plays the title role of Jay Gatsby, a handsome social climber, trying to win the heart of a married woman. Baz and Leo first teamed up 17 years ago when Luhrmann gave DiCaprio a big break, casting him in the lead role of Romeo + Juliet. Now they’re at it again and Allison Langdon has just spent time with Leo ahead of The Great Gatsby’s world premiere.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Steven Burling
Frozen Waterfalls
We’ve just witnessed an incredible death defying sport. In the bitter temperatures of winter, a growing number of adventurous and audacious climbers around the world are now scaling frozen waterfalls. As they cling to brittle ice their every move is heart-stopping, one false step and they can fall to their death. Even for the most experienced it is a serious test of their physical and mental skills.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
Lauren’s Story
Lauren Huxley is one of the great survival stories, a triumph of good over evil. The beautiful 18 year old was savagely attacked in her own home and left for dead by a man she’d never met. Now aged 26, Lauren is getting her life back, she’s working full-time, travelling overseas and there’s even some baby news.
Reporter:
Jungle Orphans
The People Smuggler
Dear Mum, Love Turia
Jungle Orphans
This is a story about Indonesia’s jungle orphanage. Not for humans but for baby orangutans. Hundreds of incredibly cute but sadly orphaned orangutans, are getting a second chance at life. They’re cared for by dedicated human mums, who raise these hairy little bundles into young adults before releasing them back into the wild. As Allison Langdon discovered, it’s their best hope of avoiding extinction.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: David Alrich
The People Smuggler
So far this year nearly 7000 refugees have tried to seek asylum in Australia by boat. It’s a desperate journey, and the numbers are only increasing. One of the reasons, too many People Smugglers are getting away with their deadly trade. In fact, one of the most ruthless, is living as a free man, collecting welfare, under the protection of a foreign government and our authorities can’t touch him. He helped load 400 people onto the doomed Siev X which sank on its way to Christmas Island. 353 people drowned. 146 of them were children. He’s been on the run for more than a decade and we’ve just tracked him down.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Stephen Rice
Dear Mum, Love Turia
Sunday, May 12 is Mother’s Day, a time to thank our mums for their unconditional love and unwavering selflessness. Over the years, 60 Minutes has met some very special mothers and Celestine Vaite is one of them. She’s nurtured her daughter, Turia Pitt back to health, after Turia was severely burnt while competing in the Kimberley ultra-marathon. For this Mother’s Day, Turia has written her mum a letter to say “thank you”.
Producer: Ali Smith
Flight 447
A Cultural Revolution
Flight 447
This Sunday, the story of Flight 447. It has been called the "Titanic of air disasters". A passenger aircraft so advanced that the chance of it falling out of the sky is unthinkable. But on a stormy June night in 2009 that's just what happened to an Air France A330. Its terrifying descent into the Atlantic Ocean took just four minutes. For three years, what happened inside the cockpit remained a mystery. But as you'll see now, the black box tapes have revealed a shocking and scary scenario of how quickly and easily a high tech passenger plane can crash.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producer: Gareth Harvey
A Cultural Revolution
There's an old Chinese proverb that says "women hold up half the sky". And in China today, there are plenty of tough, independent and very wealthy women who seem to prove it. Half of the world's female billionaires come from China. Not surprisingly, a lot of young women would like to follow in their footsteps. And plenty of them are Chinese-Australians, heading back to the land of their forebears. It's a kind of reverse migration and when you see the dizzying fortunes and opportunities in China today, well, no wonder there's a new gold rush on.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Stephen Rice, Hannah Boocock
The Lost Pharoah
Trail Blaiser
Cleveland’s Evil
The Lost Pharaoh
In the modern history of Ancient Egypt, new world-headline-making discoveries are rare. This Sunday a Royal tomb full of golden treasure that is likely to be bigger and grander than the discovery of the famous boy king, Tutankhamen. Renowned archaeologist John Romer believes he’s found the tomb of the long lost Pharaoh, Herihor. Along with the King and his priceless relics, there could also be all of Ancient Egypt’s missing Queens. It’s an ambitious quest that takes us to a secret desert valley and could transform what we know about these exotic and remarkable people.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Trail Blaiser
Cerebral palsy is the most common physical disability among Australian children. 34 thousand people struggle through life with the crippling condition. And the little boy you’re about to meet, Blaise Wyatt, suffers from the most cruel form of this affliction. Soon after birth, doctors gave him no chance of walking, standing or even sitting up on his own. But we’ve had the chance to witness an amazing transformation thanks to a highly controversial and very expensive, new therapy.
Reporter: Peter Overton
Producer: Jo Townsend
Cleveland’s Evil
It’s the story of an incredible rescue, joyous family reunions and enduring hope in the face of a lurking evil. Three young women missing and presumed dead, dramatically re-united with their families, after 10 years held hostage right in the heart of their own community. In Seymour Avenue, Cleveland Ohio in a rundown two story weatherboard house, three young women suffered the most degrading and abusive incarceration. Beyond the celebration surrounding their rescue, more sobering questions are now being considered. How can such evil lurk undetected for so long in the midst of every day suburban life? And in America’s decaying industrial heartland, is this heinous crime a symptom of a deeper, darker pr
Genetic Curse
Miracle at Sea
Hazel
Genetic Curse
When Angelina Jolie announced she'd taken the drastic step of removing both her breasts to avoid cancer, she was widely lauded for her courage. Not only for undergoing such a radical procedure but for being so open about it. Sadly for one Australian family, Jolie's news was all too familiar. The Neave family has had to grapple with the same mutant breast cancer gene. Sisters, Veronica, Elisha and Chrissy are three of the most determined women you could ever hope to meet. Like Angelina, they've taken extreme steps to beat cancer, but the battle rages on.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Stephen Rice
Miracle at Sea
For decades we have listened to peoples stories and this is among the most riveting we've ever heard. Brett Archibald, a 50-year-old South African, on a surfing trip to Indonesia, falls overboard in the middle of the night. One man, all alone in the ocean fighting the elements, fending off sharks and battling to keep his sanity. He hopes he'll be rescued, however after 29 hours treading water most people have given up on him. But not his wife holding a candle light vigil in Capetown, nor a legendary Australian sea salt named Doris.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Nick Greenaway
Hazel
Grace, dignity and humour were the essence of Hazel Hawke. She lived much of her life in the public eye - meeting triumphs and trials with great poise. Hazel was warm, witty and extraordinarily honest. When Liz Hayes sat down with her in 2004, she spoke frankly about living with Alzheimer's Disease as it slowly took hold of her mind. It would be Hazel's last television interview.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Lincoln Howes
Australian Rabies
Scammed!
Search for Truth
Australian Rabies
The deadly threat of Rabies has reached our shores. Earlier this year, the Australian Bat Lyssavirus, claimed its third human victim. And only a fortnight ago, a horse tested positive for the virus, the first known cross-species infection. Lyssavirus is Australia’s Rabies, spread the same way, with the same horrific symptoms, and just as deadly. Any one of the millions of native bats across the country could be carrying it. In February, 8-year-old Lincoln Flynn lost his life in the most devastating of circumstances, after being scratched by a bat. This Sunday Lincoln’s parents tell his story, in the hope they’ll save lives.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Lincoln Howes
Scammed!
We’ve all heard of the Nigerian scammers, conmen who bombard us with tales of woe and get rich quick schemes. You’d think we’d be wise to them by now but they lure more than a hundred million dollars out of Australians every year. The latest scam is called black money. Australian tourist Rob Connolly recently fell for such a hoax, while on holiday in Thailand. He lost his life savings and his world has fallen apart. But Rob’s on a mission to expose the seedy world of African shysters, and scam the scammers.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: David Alrich
Search for Truth
A question hangs over the testimony of Cardinal George Pell to the Victorian inquiry into the sexual abuse of children by members of non-government organisations. Among those in the public gallery were Anthony and Chrissie Foster. Their daughters Emma and Katie were repeatedly sexually abused by the school priest, Father Kevin O’Donnell, from 1987 to 1992. Years later, Emma committed suicide. Katie is now disabled – she was hit by a car after a binge drinking episode brought on by memories of her abuse. On Monday, Cardinal Pell gave evidence about his 1997 meeting with Anthony and Chrissie Foster, but it’s a different stor
Invisible Threat
Rag Trade
Inside Scientology
Tahlia's Story
Invisible Threat
It was brazen and brutal. When a British soldier was run down by a car in London and then hacked to death with meat cleavers, it signalled the beginning of a new and frightening form of terrorism. Two British born, Muslim men at the scene, hands bloodied and still carrying their weapons waited patiently for police to arrive - all the while spreading their message of hate to stunned onlookers. It raises the frightening question - how do you counter terrorism by young radicalised men, willing to act as individuals with no threat or warning?
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Stephen Rice
Rag Trade
This is a story our major retailers would prefer you didn't see. 60 Minutes has just been inside the third world factories where thousands of workers are making the cut-price clothes that we wear every day. Getting our cameras into the country, and then into the factories, was not easy. The government of Bangladesh is on edge after more than 1000 people died in a factory collapse in April. But once inside, what we saw was eye-opening and makes you think twice about where your clothes come from.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Phil Goyen
Inside Scientology
Over the years we've heard a lot about the Church of Scientology. It's high profile has been bolstered by Hollywood A-listers. But what goes on behind the walls of this religion isn't always glamorous. The church is led by David Miscavige, a man who usually prefers to stay out of the public eye. But now his niece has shone a bright, unwelcome light upon the church and its behaviour. Jenna Miscavige Hill spent more than 20 years in the church with her uncle. She told her story to Liz Hayes.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
Tahlia's Story
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in Australia, in fact it's the second biggest killer after heart disease. And it's not just older Australians who are suffe
Emma
Everest ER
Outback Hope
Emma
It’s the most exciting day in a parent’s life – finding out whether their baby is a boy or a girl. But for some, the answer is not always clear-cut. Emma Hayes was just 5 years old, when she told her parents that, despite being born a boy, she wanted to live and dress as a girl. Diagnosed with gender dysphoria, Emma is among a growing number of children across the country, who insist they’re trapped in the wrong body. Now, Emma’s parents have agreed to let her live as a girl, and have re-enrolled her at the same school, as a female. This Sunday, Emma and her family are sharing their story, in the hope they’ll create awareness and acceptance.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producers: Steve Jackson, Lincoln Howes
Everest ER
On Sunday, join Michael Usher five and a half thousand metres above sea level, at Everest Base Camp, where mountaineers launch their quest for the summit. It’s a deadly pursuit and 60 years after Sir Edmund Hillary reached the peak, more people than ever, are risking their lives to scale Everest. But even the most experienced climbers can develop deadly altitude sickness and they end up in the world’s highest hospital. They call it “Everest ER”, a tiny tent where volunteer doctors try to rebuild broken bodies, and shattered dreams.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Jo Townsend
Outback Hope
For more than a century, outback Australia has been a place of hope, hardship and second chances. Generations of men and women have made their fortunes or lost them, on the whim of the land. Now, a legendary Queensland horse whisperer is giving back to the people who helped make his family prosperous. Damien Curr is taking young Aboriginal men with little opportunity and hope in life, and training them to be stockmen. With Damien’s help and skill, our Indigenous youth are saddling up and riding tall.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Nick Greenaway
Murder on Parole
Lost and Found
Murder on Parole
As multiple rapist and murderer Adrian Bayley sits in his jail cell with no prospect of release for 35 years. This monster stalked, raped and then murdered Melbourne woman Jill Meagher, as she walked home from a night out. Adding to that horror, we now know that Bayley has been a sexual predator for the past 20 years, repeatedly raping women and repeatedly getting caught, only to serve minimum prison sentences, after convincing authorities he was safe to be released. Sarah Cafferkey was murdered by a violent repeat offender just 2 months after Jill Meagher was killed. On Sunday, Sarah’s mother breaks her silence, to call for tighter restrictions on the prison and parole system.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producers: Stephen Taylor, Ali Smith
Lost and Found
Few life stories involve such impossible odds, incredible love, and sheer determination as Saroo Brierley’s. Born into a poor family in central India, Saroo became lost when he was just five years old. A terrifying train ride took him to the other side of the country. And with no way home, Saroo ended up among the millions of desperate kids living on India’s streets. But the love of a Tasmanian couple offered him a new life. He grew up and prospered as a young Australian, but all the while there was a yearning for his long lost family in India. In this 60 Minutes Special, Saroo tells the astonishing story of how he found them.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Gareth Harvey
Ghost Cities
Late Bloomers
Hugh and Deb
Ghost Cities
We have a lot to thank our Chinese neighbours for. The Communist giant’s remarkable boom has shielded us here in Australia from the worst of the global economic downturn. Our mineral resources are fuelling a rush of urban development across China that is simply mind-boggling. Vast new megacities, bigger than London or New York are shooting up all over the country at a rate of 20 a year. But there are disturbing signs that the bubble is about to burst. Take a visit to some of these mega-cities and you’ll find them bizarrely empty. Brand new, shiny, ghost towns.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Stephen Rice
Late Bloomers
If you were one of those people shocked by the news that Lisa Curry was planning to have a baby at age 51 – take a deep breath. The former Olympic swim champ is part of a growing trend. In fact, at 51, she’s a mere pup compared to many older women taking the plunge into parenthood. Many women closer to 60 or even 70 are having babies, thanks to advances in medical science. As far as they’re concerned, it’s no-one else’s business that they’re becoming mothers, when other women their age are becoming grandmothers. All well and good, but what about their kids?
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Stephen Rice
Hugh and Deb
Nobody’s perfect. But you have to admit Hugh Jackman comes pretty close. He’s the boy from Oz who quietly conquered Hollywood and Broadway to become a global superstar. An Oscar-nominated actor, who can sing and dance. Or just as easily turn muscle-bound action hero as star of the Wolverine films. And along with all the accolades, Jackman has earned the title of the nicest guy ever to make the A-list. But if anyone knows the imperfections of this perfect gentleman it’s his wife of 17 years Deborra-Lee Furness. ATara Brown discovered, when you get Hugh and Deb together for an interview, it feels more like a chat over the back fence with your favo
Fatal Flaw
Emma
Known Unto God
Fatal Flaw
The Robinson R44 is one of the most popular helicopters in Australia. It’s commonly used by small business, tourism operators, and in regional Australia. For nearly twenty years it’s been allowed to fly, despite mounting proof it’s a death trap. It has a faulty fuel tank, that can explode on impact, turning minor and survivable accidents – into deadly infernos. In a special 2 year investigation, 60 Minutes has uncovered dozens of crashes – blamed for the deaths of 78 people in the past 10 years alone. And despite evidence they knew all along, the manufacturer Robinson, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, did nothing. Worse still, they’re now facing the same deadly problem with the smaller R22.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Gareth Harvey
Emma
Last month, we broadcast the story of nine-year-old Emma Hayes. Emma has gender dysphoria – born as a boy, but in her mind she’s a girl. Her parents Meagan and David granted her wish – to live and dress as a girl – and attend school as Emma. They told their story with the hope of creating awareness and acceptance. We’re pleased to say Emma has been completely embraced – and not just by her school and local community. Thousands of people were inspired by Emma’s courage, including The Veronicas, who invited her over to share some of their “girl power”.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producer: Steve Jackson
Known Unto God
Ever since the mass grave holding hundreds of Australian Diggers was unearthed in the corner of a French field, outside the village of Fromelles, the race has been on to identify the remains, and give each soldier a proper farewell. Slowly, the words ‘Known Unto God’ are replaced on different headstones, with the name, age and rank of the fallen Digger. Sam Ridler was one of those young soldiers. For almost a century he was ‘missing in action’. But now, 97 years after he vanished, an inspiring detective st
Reasonable Doubt
Ancient Giants
Reasonable Doubt
In 2003, Kathleen Folbigg was found guilty of killing her 3 babies and 1 toddler. Initially, all four children were found to have died of natural causes but after forensic pathologists learned of the other deaths, they changed their opinion. Kathleen was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Now 10 years on, leading criminal, medical, legal and psychological experts believe Kathleen Folbigg should be set free. In this special report, 60 Minutes details how the jury was misled, the dodgy evidence the conviction was based on and, tragically, how multiple infant deaths in the one family, while rare, can and have happened around the world. You’ll see never before seen parts of Kathleen’s police interview, hear her inner most thoughts from inside jail and meet ‘Team Kathleen’ – the supporters pushing for a judicial review. And viewers will get to have their say through a live poll on the 60 Minutes ipad App and the 60 Minutes facebook page.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Jo Townsend
Ancient Giants
The Nullarbor Plain is famous for its emptiness. Vast and Barren. But that wasn’t always the case. More than 50,000 years ago they resembled the plains of Africa. Giant creatures, scientists call mega fauna, roamed the outback. There was a giant kangaroo, a massive wombat, even an Australian lion. Today they have all gone, but the search for their remains is hotting up. It’s a quest that takes palaeontologists deep underground, into a secret cave, somewhere on the Nullarbor. It’s beautiful and breathtaking, and contains some of the most spectacular fossils you’ll ever see.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Nick Greenaway
Made of Steel
Trigger Happy
Bull Run
Made of Steel
Liam Knight is a living miracle. In January, he was at a friend’s 18th birthday party, when a two and a half metre steel pole was speared straight through his skull. Two teenagers have been charged in relation to the incident – and the events of that night will soon be heard by a court. On 60 Minutes, you’ll see the story of Liam’s amazing survival and recovery. Paramedics, emergency services, trauma specialists and surgeons all worked together to stabilise Liam; cut the end of the pole off, so he could fit inside the ambulance; perform an emergency roadside procedure to put Liam into a coma; and then once in surgery, painstakingly and delicately pull the steel rod back out of his head. Family and friends took up a bedside vigil as Liam lay in a coma for two weeks. Then this cheeky young man would wake up, telling his mum “I need to pee”. His sense of humour was back, but 6 months on, Liam is still struggling to regain his life. This story will make you wince, cry, laugh and wonder at the miracle of Liam Knight.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producer: Nick Greenaway
Trigger Happy
Since the shocking mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School last December, there have been more than 6 thousand people killed by a gun in America. With numbers like these, it would be reasonable to expect the U.S. would be doing everything it could to reduce access to firearms. Well, Liz Hayes just travelled across America and found quite the opposite. The gun lobby is more outspoken than ever. Women are signing up to “Pistol Packing Ladies” clubs. Kids as young as 7 years old are being taught to shoot. And we’ll take you to the town where they’ve passed a law to make it compulsory to own a gun.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
Bull Run
Every year, tens of thousands of people descend on Pamplona in Spain, for the Running of the Bulls. It’s a cultural festival that’s been commercialise
Mother Mary
Asylum Seeker
Bon Voyage
Mother Mary
We love her as Effie and for 20 years she’s made us laugh by poking fun at her Greek heritage. But off stage, Mary Coustas’ struggle to become a mother has been marred by tragedy. Along with her husband George she’s endured a decade of IVF treatment and miscarriages. Then they turned to donor eggs and through a fertility clinic in her ancestral home of Greece, Mary fell pregnant. But what would follow, would be harrowing. Mary describes how IVF, selective reduction and then premature labour, would see them go from having “none, to two, to three, to one, to none”. On 60 Minutes, Mary and George tell their story, bravely and honestly, and show how they dealt with their grief, in a bid to help others. And just when you thought all hope was lost, there’s one more twist in this remarkable story.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: David Alrich
Asylum Seeker
Julian Assange is Australia’s most famous asylum seeker. He’s been holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London for more than a year. The Wikileaks founder fled there to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he’s wanted for questioning over allegations of rape. He believes it’s a ploy to have him sent to the U-S for trial over the publication of hundreds of thousands of top secret and highly embarrassing military and diplomatic documents. This past week American soldier Bradley Manning, who passed some of the files to Wikileaks, was found guilty of espionage and faces up to 136 years jail. Now Julian Assange fears he’s next in line. He invited Liz Hayes into his small world, where he talked about thoughts of escape, running for the Australian Senate and how long he can sustain his diplomatic stand-off.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Stephen Rice
Bon Voyage
In 1977, NASA launched the two Voyager space probes from Cape Canaveral in Florida. Their mission was supposed to last for 5 years and take them on a journey to explore Jupiter
P!NK
Fighting Back
Supernova
P!NK
Australia is tickled Pink! Once again the enigmatic singer has taken up residence and during this current national tour she’ll perform to more than half a million Aussies. It’s hard to imagine her trumping her 2009 tour, when she hung from ropes and performed death defying stunts – but that’s exactly what she’s done. Australia was the first country to embrace P!NK and it’s not surprising that an Aussie has been instrumental in guiding her career — from the earliest days. 60 Minutes has been given exclusive access to P!NK’s rehearsals, backstage as she prepares with the band, inside her spectacular arena shows and on tour with husband Carey, and daughter Willow.
Reporter: Peter Overton
Producer: Steven Burling
Fighting Back
The ad in the newspaper promised so much — the chance to work as a nanny aboard a luxury yacht. And many young women, in their late teens and early twenties, took the bait. The ads were actually a brazen trap by Australia’s worst serial rapist. 12 women have come forward after being raped by John Collins – Police believe there could be many more. Over decades, this monster used his wealth and power to lure victims onto his yacht – and then intimidation and fear, to silence them. But the survivors of John Collins’ depravity wouldn’t stay quiet forever — and on 60 Minutes this Sunday, they’re speaking out. These women are brave, courageous and empowering.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Steven Burling
Supernova
It’s an extraordinary career path — one day a dashing pop star, the next day a particle physicist. 20 years ago, Brian Cox gave up a chance to tour Australia with his pop band D:Ream, so he could study science. Now, Professor Brian Cox has finally arrived down under and he’s much bigger than any pop star. In Britain, he’s become hot by making science cool. A new generation of geeks is buying microscopes and telescopes like there’s no tomorrow. I
Crude Solution
Love Twist
The Boss
Crude Solution
When petroleum giant BP spilled millions of litres of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico 3 years ago, it was the worst ever offshore oil disaster. To try and break up that massive slick, vast quantities of chemical dispersant was sprayed on the spill. It seemed to work: the oil disappeared. But people started getting sick and then people started dying. Now, this environmental disaster has become a health catastrophe. The dispersant, when mixed with the oil, increases in toxicity by 52 times. This sickly, invisible toxin, still lurks in the water and absorbs straight into peoples’ skin. In this special 60 Minutes investigation, we reveal the same chemical dispersants have been sprayed on the Great Barrier Reef and off the north west coast of Australia. They’re still approved for use and our authorities are clueless as to how deadly they are.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Jo Townsend
Love Twist
You could never accuse Rex and Melissa Pemberton of having a dull marriage. They met while base jumping in Australia. Then, they declared their love for each other as Melissa hung precariously from a snagged parachute, halfway down a gorge. Their latest trick involves Rex soaring through the sky wearing a wing suit, reaching speeds of 160 kilometres per hour while Melissa, in a stunt plane, performs breath taking loops around him. It’s man versus machine for this husband and wife. They vow to love, honour and avoid collision. Trust is everything in this marriage.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Steven Burling
The Boss
After more than four decades in the rock and roll business, you’d think Bruce Springsteen might be slowing down. Wrong. He’s about to turn 64, and “The Boss” is on fire. As he winds down one world tour, he’s already preparing for another – which will once again bring him to Australia. Springsteen has sold more than 120 million records to his disciple-like fans. He pre
Turia Pitt
The Humpback
Crude Solution
Turia Pitt
In 2011, Turia Pitt set out to compete in an ultra marathon across the harsh Kimberley region. A few hours later she would be fighting for her life, after suffering horrific burns when a bushfire trapped her and other competitors on the side of a hill. 60 Minutes has followed every step of Turia’s recovery. She’s undergone 16 grueling operations. Her boyfriend Michael, has been with her all the way. Now it’s time for Turia to remove her mask for good. This is a story of love, courage and inspiration. But sadly, there’s a dark side to this story. Turia still has not been able to hold the organisers of the doomed race to account. Despite damning findings by the Western Australian Government, Racing the Planet has refused to accept liability, or offer Turia adequate compensation for what will be decades of ongoing treatment and rehabilitation. Its owner, Mary Gadams, runs Racing the Planet through a web of international companies, and for two years has avoided our questions and evaded our cameras. Finally, after a search across 3 continents, 60 Minutes has tracked her down.
Reporter: Michael Usher Producers: Ali Smith, Stephen Rice
The Humpback
It’s not often we get to tell a positive environmental story… usually it’s doom and gloom and threats of extinction. But right now, one of the animal kingdom’s great comebacks is there for all to see – up and down Australia’s east coast. An estimated 16-thousand humpback whales are slowly but surely migrating north to breed and calve. And their favourite playground is Queensland’s Hervey Bay – where thousands gather to make acrobatic leaps and slap their pectoral fins. Charles Wooley has just joined their migration for an experience he’ll never forget.
Reporter: Charles Wooley Producer: David Alrich
Crude Solution
Last Sunday, 60 Minutes revealed that two chemicals, which become highly toxic when mixed with oil, have been used in Au
Smarty Pants
Allergy Free
A Mother's Pain
Smarty Pants
Women will understand this story straight away… but blokes may be left slightly bewildered. Sara Blakely is the creator of Spanx and by making bums look beautiful, she's made herself a billionaire. Like all good ideas, it started very simply. Sara didn't like the way she looked in a tight white pair of pants, so she went about trying to hide the bad bits and shape the rest. Now, as Allison Langdon discovers, women all over the world are giving thanks for Spanx and Sara has more money than she can count.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Allergy Free
Childhood allergies are frightening and they're getting worse. One in 10 kids born in Australia has a food allergy - one of the highest rates in the world. If your child is affected, it takes over your life. You're forced to navigate around family meals, school lunches and birthday parties - knowing one tiny speck could be fatal. Finally, there's a breakthrough cure that has children happily eating the foods that previously could have killed them. This extraordinary research is offering hope to millions of families around the world.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producers: Phil Goyen, Stephen Taylor
A Mother's Pain
Yesterday, Michael Jackson would have turned 55. The man known as the 'king of pop' had an extraordinary career, but he was also the 'king of controversy'. His mother Katherine Jackson takes us inside the family compound where she breaks her silence on the scandals that dogged her son; her granddaughter's attempted suicide and, now, new allegations of child molestation. It is a heartfelt and at times difficult conversation with a mother who is still coming to terms with the loss of her son.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
Killer Cure
Flyin' Ryan
Alicia Keys
Killer Cure
Imagine doctors saying they’ve found a cure for childhood cancer. Not some quackery, but a genuine cure. Well, that’s what researchers are on the verge of right now – perhaps one of the greatest medical breakthroughs of the 21st century. But it’s only the start of this amazing medical story. Because this treatment uses one of the most notorious killers of our time – the dreaded H-I-V. It is a killer cure that parents of desperately sick children are hailing as a miracle. And with a little more science, it might just beat all cancers for good.
Reporter: Ray Martin
Producer: David Alrich
Flyin’ Ryan
True adventure is hard to come by these days. The world’s become a smaller place and great journeys of discovery are rare. Which makes 19-year-old Ryan Campbell even more extraordinary. While other teenagers rarely venture from their bedrooms, Ryan has just returned from an epic airborne adventure that took him around the world. For the last 10 weeks, Charles Wooley has followed this determined young man’s quest to become the youngest person in history to fly solo around the globe. And on Saturday, the conquering hero will achieve this remarkable feat.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Lincoln Howes
Alicia Keys
One of the greatest compliments you can pay Alicia Keys is to say she isn’t as flamboyant as Lady Gaga or as attention-seeking as Miley Cyrus. Alicia prefers to let her singing do the talking and currently she’s hitting all the high notes. It’s a great triumph because, over the years, Alicia has suffered breakdowns and struggled to handle the pressure of stardom. But no more. The Alicia Keys Allison Langdon met in New York is a changed woman – confident, relaxed and a whole lot of fun.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Justice for Kiesha
Urban Myth
JFK
Justice for Kiesha
It’s often said the bond between a mother and her child is unbreakable. Which is why it seems inexplicable when a child is killed by the person who should love them the most. Such is the case of 6-year-old Kiesha Weippeart – her brief, tortured life was punctuated by physical, emotional and psychological abuse of the worst kind. For the public, this story began in August 2010, when Kristi Abrahams – Kiesha’s mother – made a teary plea, claiming her daughter had been abducted from the family home. We now know this was nothing more than a gruesome hoax for the cameras. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of investigators began the task of finding out what really happened to little Kiesha. For the first time this Sunday, 60 Minutes will broadcast the police interviews with Kristi Abrahams and reveal how detectives began to unravel the most horrific truth, which will haunt them for the rest of their lives.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Steven Burling
Urban Myth
From the age of six, Keith Urban wanted to be a country music star but it still took 20 years for the kid from Caboolture to crack the big time. There were many speed bumps along the way: drugs, alcohol and a whole lot of rejection. Then everything started to click for Keith – hit singles, marriage to Nicole Kidman and kids. But it wasn’t until his appearance on The Voice that we Aussies really began to know – and like – Keith Urban. Despite all this time in the public spotlight, he’s still an enigma. So when Tara Brown caught up him with on tour in America, she was happily surprised to find a man ready to let his guard down.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Stephen Rice
JFK
Few historical moments of the last century are as powerful, or as visceral, as the assassination of American President John F Kennedy. It may be difficult to imagine in these hardened political times but JFK was much more than a politician. He was a
Testing Times
Abducted
TWA 800
Testing Times
Right now across the country one million students, their parents and teachers are sweating on the NAPLAN results – the national numeracy and literacy tests. NAPLAN began in 2008 to compare all students across the country and better help those who are falling behind. We adopted the idea from New York, where teachers are promoted or sacked on the back of the results, but we haven’t done that here and, instead, the pressure falls on the students to perform. Teachers here claim NAPLAN retards growth and restricts creativity. A NAPLAN revolt is underway, with one principal even likening the tests to child abuse.
Reporter: Ray Martin
Producer: David Alrich
Abducted
It’s hard to forget the traumatic scene – as four young girls were dragged kicking and screaming from their mother and put on a plane home to Italy. It was the culmination of a most extraordinary battle between Australian mum Laura Garrett and her Italian husband Tommaso Vincenti. Last year, we revealed how Laura conspired with Australia’s Embassy in Italy to breach the Hague Convention and kidnap her own children. This Sunday, the case against Laura deepens. You’ll see how she manipulated her daughters to win sympathy from the public and then began a torrid facebook campaign against Tommaso. Now Laura’s friends are turning on her and an old accusation has come back to haunt her.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Gareth Harvey
TWA 800
It is one of aviation’s most enduring mysteries – the final moments of TWA flight 800. In 1996, the passenger jet, bound for Paris, exploded minutes after take-off from New York’s J.F.K Airport. None of the 230 people on board survived. The explosion occurred within sight of land, on a warm summer evening and several hundred eye witnesses came forward to report seeing a streak of light intercept the plane in mid-air. After a four year investigation, which was plagued by controversy, safety author
Fatal Call
The Girl
Curse of the Bounty
Fatal Call
Sarah Durazza was a 26 year old woman, with the world at her feet. She was a beautiful Miss World runner up, who was devoted to charity and helping those less fortunate than herself. Last month, upset and emotional, Sarah got behind the wheel of her car. Then she made a phone call. Sarah was distracted, distressed and, in a split second, out of control. When she careered off the road and slammed into a tree, she was on the phone to her mother. Fiona Durazza will forever be haunted by the sound of her daughter’s final, terrible moments. This Sunday, the Durazza family are speaking out, in the hope Sarah’s death will mean something. It’s a raw and powerful plea, from a family heartbroken by their loss.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producers: Steve Jackson, Lincoln Howes
The Girl
It was one off the biggest scandals in the world. In 1977, Hollywood director and producer Roman Polanski drugged and raped a 13 year old girl, at the home of actor Jack Nicholson. The story made international headlines and when he fled America to avoid sentencing, it only got bigger. 36 years later, US authorities are still trying to bring Roman Polanski to justice. His 13 year old victim was Samantha Geimer. She’s never forgotten what happened to her all those years ago. This Sunday, Samantha tells her story. What she has to say is difficult, challenging and most definitely not what you might expect.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
Curse of the Bounty
All great stories of the sea tend to end in disaster, usually involving reckless human error in which people take the sea for granted. Such is the story of HMS Bounty. The first Bounty was burned to the water line off Pitcairn Island by Fletcher Christian, after history’s most famous mutiny. The second Bounty was a twentieth century replica, built for the 1962 movie starring Marlon Brando. Last year, it too sank, after deliberately sailing straight into H
Seventh Heaven
Face of Evil
Nuclear Paradise
Seventh Heaven
How does Philip Sharp manage it? He’s got seven wives. They’ve borne him 18 children. Life in the Sharp household is busy, to say the least. Philip is polygamous and proud of it. In fact, the British Rabbi even claims that by reviving the long outlawed practice of taking several wives, he’s merely doing God’s work. And he’d take 100 wives if it would help build God’s kingdom. It raises all sorts of uncomfortable questions for the wives, not to mention the chaos of raising all those kids, but what Peter Overton discovered was a harmonious household most families would envy.
Reporter: Peter Overton
Producer: Jo Townsend
Face of Evil
In 2010, Australian girl Zahra Baker was brutally murdered by her American step mother. Zahra, with the bright eyes and big smile, had survived cancer and overcome much more than should be asked of any 10 year old. Then, along with her father Adam, she travelled to America. Adam’s new wife, Elisa Baker, first killed and then dismembered Zahra in the most heinous crime. At her trial, she entered into a plea bargain, meaning she never had to face questions about what she did and why she did it. This Sunday, Liz Hayes goes inside maximum security to confront a child killer and comes face to face with evil.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
Nuclear Paradise
The Montebello Islands off the coast of Western Australia are so far flung, so off the beaten track, that most of us have no idea they’re even part of Australia. Which is exactly why the British chose them as a site to conduct nuclear bomb tests back in the 1950s. The British Navy detonated three massive atomic bombs and, in the process, obliterated a marine paradise. More than 60 years later, you’d expect to find a scorched wasteland. Instead, it’s one of nature’s most breathtaking comebacks.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Howard Sacre
Chopper
Dolly
Chopper
Just 16 days before he died, Tara Brown sat down with Mark 'Chopper' Read for his last ever interview. It quickly became a confessional in which he admitted in graphic detail to murdering four men.
Dolly
Dolly Parton is a show business superstar. So much about her is unreal - the cosmetic surgery, the wigs, the false eyelashes and fingernails. But when Ray Martin met her in Nashville Tennessee, he found her to be real and honest.
Wipe Out
Great Migration
One Direction
Wipe Out
Tom Carroll is a living legend. A former world champion who redefined surfing and even today chases the biggest waves on the planet. But what few of his fans realise, it’s not massive surf that threatens to wipeout Tom Carroll, rather a long term, life threatening battle with drugs. Now, Tom is coming clean. It’s a story of triumph, heartbreak and addiction. On 60 Minutes, Tom Carroll talks openly about the drug that nearly cost him his life, his ongoing battle to stay clean and the shocking family secret that would ironically help save him.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Nick Greenaway
Great Migration
It’s the greatest movement of animals on the planet – one and a half million wilderbeest, migrating through some of Africa’s most stunning wilderness. The epic journey covers three thousand kilometres, as the animals chase the rain through Tanzania into Kenya. Also on the track, hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles and antelopes. And lying in wait, armies of predators – big cats and even bigger crocodiles that depend on this once-a-year bonanza. Of all nature’s spectacles, it’s the one Ray Martin has been longing to witness and the incredible pictures he captured won’t leave you disappointed.
Reporter: Ray Martin
Producer: Gareth Harvey
One Direction
Right now, One Direction is the biggest band in the world. Thrown together on a TV talent show, they’ve achieved more than anyone, least of all themselves, may have ever imagined. These five young men, clean-cut and professional, have become one of the world’s most successful acts since their inception 3 years ago. Their continued success depends on them living a scandal-free existence – wholesome role models worthy of teenage girl hysteria.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Steven Burling
Sleeping Giant
In Their Footsteps
Saving Petra
Lifehouse
Sleeping Giant
Mountains aren’t usually known for their role in making and preserving history. But when Mount Vesuvius erupted two thousand years ago – it did just that. The volcano’s downpour of ash was so quick it destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii and caught its people in a moment in time. However, the destructive power of Vesuvius is not consigned to the history books. Today, it threatens the city of Naples – home to three million Italians. They know that when Vesuvius next explodes, there will be very little warning.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Gareth Harvey
In Their Footsteps
Tim Jarvis is one of the world’s most fearless adventurers who recreates great exploits of the past. He strides out bravely in the footsteps of Scott, Mawson and, now, Ernest Shackleton. Tim’s challenges are painstakingly authentic right down to the awful food and the ancient clothing worn by his historical heroes. And like so many giants of the past, he’d rather die than fail.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Nick Greenaway
Saving Petra
Tucked away in a hidden valley in Jordan, is one of the wonders of the world. Carved into a mountainside, Petra, has survived for two and a half thousand years. Its popularity soared off the back of the Indiana Jones movies but, now, the “Rose City” has become too popular for its own good and archaeologists fear it will be lost forever. Luckily, there’s a Jordanian Princess who’s making it her life’s work to save Petra.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Lifehouse
It’s been four years since Australia lost the much loved and respected Professor Chris O’Brien. It was a cruel twist of fate: the life-saving cancer surgeon became a cancer victim. Even in the final stages of his life, Chris never gave up on his grand vision for a world-class, cancer centre. Next week, The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse will be officially opene
Chloe’s Law
Island of Youth
Julia Morris
Trail Blaiser
Chloe’s Law
Chloe Fergusson was just like any other 15 year old girl – she loved hanging out with her friends, talking about boys and she was always on Facebook. Like so many teenagers, Chloe knew what it meant to be bullied. For years, she’d endured verbal and physical assaults but when Chloe went home and shut her bedroom door, the bullies were still there. Because the latest, possibly greatest, weapon in bullying is social media. For Chloe, the impact was devastating. Last month, she took her own life. It’s left her friends and family shattered and now her sister Cassie is on a one-woman crusade to make bullying a crime.
Reporter: Allison Langdon
Producer: Ali Smith
Island of Youth
Liz Hayes has just visited a very special island. It’s a magical place where people live longer than anyone else on earth. They’re also happier and healthier. They have lower rates of cancer and heart disease and no dementia. So how do so many people live to be 100 and still tend their olive trees, drink lots of red wine and dance the night away? This Sunday, they reveal their secrets and you’ll be very surprised by what they say.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Stephen Rice
Julia Morris
It’s fair to say that Julia Morris is no overnight success. For more than 20 years she has plied her trade, from stand-up to sketch comedy. In Hollywood she was told she was “too big” to be an actress but not big enough for the “larger” roles. Despite setbacks and heartache, Julia’s self-belief and determination to succeed has meant that at the age of 45, she’s now starring in a hit TV drama and hosting a national variety show. But just as things were looking up, Julia had another setback; her real life house husband was diagnosed with breast cancer. Peter Overton profiles a most remarkable woman.
Reporter: Peter Overton
Producer: Steven Burling
Trail Blaiser
Blaise Wyatt is not your typi
Space Oddity
Life after Death
Lucky Betty
Space Oddity
44 years after man set foot on the moon, we’ve almost got a bit blasé about space travel. Astronauts, once galactic rock-stars, have all but disappeared from public view. But then Chris Hadfield came along. He’s been to space three times – including 6 months as Commander of the International Space Station. Chris dazzled kids and adults alike with his youtube clips of space experiments and before coming back to Earth, he recorded a breathtaking music clip that’s made him the greatest space salesman of all time. Come along for the ride as Chris Hadfield talks about soaring over the Australian outback, recording David Bowie’s famous hit, and opens up about his role in the Columbia disaster.
Reporter: Michael Usher
Producer: Phil Goyen
Life after Death
As science and technology rapidly advance, we’re being faced with greater ethical dilemmas. Now it’s about life after death. You see, there’s a 36 hour window after a man dies, when his sperm remains viable, and if extracted, can be used to conceive a baby. You need a court order to retrieve the sperm, and then a Judge needs to approve its use. Liz Hayes has just met two women desperate to have children to their dearly departed. It’s the new frontier of reproductive technology, but one our courts, and our conscience, are yet to resolve.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Hannah Boocock
Lucky Betty
There’s no one in the world quite like Betty Klimenko. Her life began in the grimy cell of a Sydney police station. She was born dependent on drugs, abandoned by her biological mother after just seven weeks. Then Betty was adopted by a holocaust survivor. His name was John Saunders, and along with Frank Lowy, started the giant Westfield shopping empire. These days Betty is a tattooed billionaire, with a passion for V8 racing cars. So strap yourselves in, for one heck of a ride!
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Stephen Taylor
World Exclusive: Off the Wall
The Somerton Man
Gentle Giants
Finnan’s Legacy
World Exclusive: Off the Wall
Conrad Murray is the man who killed Michael Jackson. He was also Jackson’s personal doctor, who was paid $150,000 a month to keep his star patient healthy. In 2011 a jury found Conrad Murray guilty of involuntary manslaughter, convinced he gave the pop star a lethal dose of Propofol, a sedative usually only used in surgery. Conrad Murray spent two years in prison for his crime and has just been released. This Sunday for the first time he tells his story about what happened that night, and reveals surprising thoughts on Michael Jackson’s controversial life.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
The Somerton Man
We all know that fact is stranger than fiction and that’s very much the case with this story. It’s the true tale of espionage, a love affair and murder – that wouldn’t be out of place in the movies. The year was 1948. Communism and democracy were wrestling for world supremacy. The nuclear arms race was in high gear. And there were spies everywhere, even in Australia. Against this sinister backdrop, an unidentified body was found on Adelaide’s Somerton Beach – the so-called Somerton Man. Now, 65 years after he was buried, there are moves to exhume him, in an attempt to finally solve this lingering Cold War Mystery. This Sunday, 60 Minutes will reveal for the first time the identity of the mysterious nurse who was romantically linked to the Somerton man, and talk to the woman who claims she’s the Somerton Man’s granddaughter.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Steve Jackson
Gentle Giants
They’re the biggest fish in the ocean – and one of the biggest targets for fishermen around the world. The whale shark is massive, magnificent and on the brink of extinction, but in a tiny corner of the Philippines, man and shark have come to a unique compromise. Fishermen who used to hunt this marine giant, now protect
Toxic Flyer
Pain Free
Big Blue
Death Defying
Toxic Flyer
For some people, flying is an anxious white-knuckle ride as they carry a pressing fear that the aircraft will crash. But there’s another risk that may be far greater, which affects us all. It’s called Aerotoxic Syndrome and it’s caused by breathing contaminated cabin air. Some experts are calling it the asbestos of the airline industry – it can result in a range of serious health problems, even death. But what’s most shocking is the way aircraft manufacturers and operators have known about the problem for years and have done nothing about it.
Reporter: Tara Brown
Producer: Gareth Harvey
Pain Free
Imagine not being able to feel any pain. That’s the case for two amazing young girls called Ashlyn and Gabby. When they hit their head, they don’t feel a thing, bang their arm and it doesn’t even register – they can even cut themselves and feel nothing at all. The idea of being pain free sounds extraordinary but when you hear their stories you might change your mind. And, ironically, their condition just may lead to a breakthrough for those who suffer chronic pain.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
Big Blue
It’s difficult to imagine the size of a blue whale until you come alongside one. They are the biggest creature to have ever lived. But as big as they are, we know precious little about them. Hunted almost to extinction just a few decades ago, we’re now missing vital information about how to protect the blue whale. Karl Stefanovic spent a week searching the turquoise waters of the Maldives for these magnificent beasts, along with a group of Aussie scientists desperate to save them.
Reporter: Karl Stefanovic
Producer: Hannah Boocock
Death Defying
It was the comedy hit of 2011. The Hang Over Part II grossed $600 million at the box office. But behind the scenes the laughs turned to tragedy when Aussie Scott McLean was nearly killed in a stunt that went terri
The Rolling Stones
Print the Future
Frozen Waterfalls
The Rolling Stones
No-one, least of all The Rolling Stones themselves, could have imagined that they’d still be together 50 years after first starting out. You might have put some money on the energetic Mick Jagger making it but who would have guessed the volatile Keith Richards would even be alive today? But, half a century on, they are the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band of all time. And they can’t stop touring the world. They will be in Australia next year continuing their 50 year celebration – an anniversary so big, it’s taking them two years to mark it.
Reporter: Charles Wooley
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Print the Future
Ray Martin found this story equally exciting and frightening. For less than a thousand dollars, you can now own a 3D printer – hook it up to your home computer and make anything your mind can imagine. Trinkets are easy; gadgets are a breeze, even a new car’s possible. With 3D printing, it seems you can print the future and the internet is full of its wonders. But with the good, also comes potential for bad – and any number of experts are willing to show you how.
Reporter: Ray Martin
Producer: Stephen Taylor
Frozen Waterfalls
Earlier this year Liz Hayes witnessed an incredible death-defying sport. In the bitter temperatures of winter, a growing number of adventurous and audacious climbers around the world are now scaling frozen waterfalls. As they cling to brittle ice, their every move is heart-stopping – one false step and they can fall to their death. Even for the most experienced it is a serious test of their physical and mental skills.
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Producer: Phil Goyen
