Season 6

Fred Hyde is an 81 year old dynamo from the Queensland bush who has single-handedly set up and maintained an organisation which is providing schools for thousands of children in the poorest area of Bangladesh.

Australian Story throws new light on one of the most baffling crime mysteries of recent times - the attack on two English tourists at Barrow Creek in the Northern Territory.

The inside story of one young woman's drive, determination and sacrifice to succeed at the very highest level of her sport.

The story of former model and TV presenter Patrice Newell and her decision - together with her partner, Phillip Adams - to move to a ten thousand acre beef cattle property in the Hunter Valley, where they now also grow olives.

Concert pianist Aaron McMillan was about to be photographed for his new CD cover when he noticed a small pimple on his eyelid. HIs local G.P. diagnosed him with a massive brain tumour. He was told it would kill him within 6 weeks.

A little known horse breeder from Gunnedah - Bridget "Bud" Hyem - the woman behind two of Australia's most successful horses.

Jill Jordan arrived in Maleny in the 1970s intending to drop out of the rat race. Instead she worked transformed a Queensland town into Australia's most successful co-operative community.

Former Olympian Raelene Boyle introduces this Australian Story, about long time friend and surfing legend Kim McKenzie.

Hollywood actor and director Mel Gibson introduces a special edition of Australian Story. It's about the little Aussie drama school that's turned into a world beater.

Australian Story tells the story of a suburban single mum from Melbourne who is credited by some with helping to kick start the "ethical investment" movement in Australia.

A behind-the-scenes story of how South Sydney Rugby League Club took on a giant media conglomerate and won against all the odds.

Reconciliation has become a hot political topic, but this Australian Story is about ordinary people putting the word into meaningful action in exceptional circumstances.

Australian Story on July 19 tells the story of Sandy MacGregor, decorated Vietnam war hero, father of six, and now meditation teacher.

27-year-old identical twins Peter and David Bissell. Laughter has always been a theme in their lives - in their relationship with each other and their wives - and in their part time work as clowns.

When State of Origin coach Wayne Bennett recalled his "Little General" for one last chance, sporting history was rewritten and a new legend was born. It transcended sport. It was the ultimate return of the hero story.

When Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs returned to the U.K. in 2001 after thirty years on the run, it made headlines all around the world. His former wife Charmian Brent talks exclusively to Australian Story from her home in Melbourne.

George Elliot is living proof of the old saying "where there's a will there's a way".

The parallel journeys of a father and daughter first thrust into the public spotlight 15 years ago and still coming to terms with the events of a night which changed their lives forever.

Frank Hurley was a legendary Australian adventurer, cameraman, war correspondent and writer but apart from two out of print biographies, his story has never been told in this country.

An extraordinary new chapter in the saga of one of Australia's best known outback families.

50 year old Valerie Pont and her family. Valerie was a fit and active wife and mother when Parkinson's disease struck over ten years ago.

Professor Carl Wood is the Melbourne based doctor and scientist known as "The Godfather of IVF".

Three years after the infamous "McFeast" appearance, Mark Chopper Read is back on the ABC.

Matt Laffan likens himself to the character in the movie "Babe" - a pig that doesn't know it's a pig. He is severely disabled but only notices it when others point it out.

Australian Story features an exclusive behind the scenes look at one of the biggest peacetime exercises ever undertaken by the Australian Navy.

The Good Doctor: Professor Overton, who originally put himself through medical school by working as a plumber's mate, is described as a cross between Patch Adams and George Clooney. His last day on the wards was seen by patients and staff as the end of an era. My Life as a Dog: Martin McKenna is a dog trainer whose mission in life is to save as many animals as he can from being abandoned, dumped and euthanased. He has made regular appearances on ABC Radio dispensing advice to pet owners. But his motives and background are unusual to say the least. Martin grew up us a one of a set of triplets born to abusive parents in Ireland. He claims that at the age of ten, he ran away from home and ended up living wild on the streets with a pack of stray dogs for four years. "I became a dog. I absolutely believed that's what I was." As a young adult, he moved to Australia, married and had three children of his own, and now lives on an old farm in Northern NSW. But helping dogs to be better understood by humans remains his life's work. "I'm going to be a protector for any dog that I can help anywhere in the world" he says. Martin has written a book about his experiences and his training theories, which is soon to be published.

Ella Ebery is the formidable 85 year old editor of a Victorian bush newspaper.

The life and times of Olympic swimmer, Shane Gould.

Australian Story reveals one of the great untold stories of the Australian travel industry.

The rise of David Bussau from abandoned orphan to multi-millionaire.

Australian Story casts new light on the legend of Joh and Flo Bjelke-Petersen.

Love is the Drug is the story of Tony Sands, a drug dependent man whose treatment is turning medical orthodoxy on its head.

The story of a life ruined - and reinvented, against the odds.

Helicopter pilot Nick Ross talks exclusively to Australian Story about why he gave a kidney to his close friend and employer, Kerry Packer.

The story of Darren and Joanna who a who gave their fifth child to Darren's childless sister.

For Jason Donovan, the only son of well-known Australian actor Terence Donovan and TV Presenter Sue McIntosh, fame has been a two-edged sword.