Australian Story

Australian Story (1996- )

RunningDocumentary show

These are the stories of who we are. Australian Story presents unique tales that provide an insight into Australian life with all its complexities and challenges.

Network
Scheduleevery Monday at 20:00 (30 min)

Last Episode

Common Ground - Liz Heggaton and Tim Baker
Season 30Episode 2030 min

Common Ground - Liz Heggaton and Tim Baker

Tonight Australian Story looks at the side effects and impact of an important drug on users and the warnings they seek to share.

Liz Heggaton and Tim Baker should never have met. She's a recently widowed sheep farmer from Western Australia; he's a surf writer from northern NSW. But a shared traumatic experience has brought them together to highlight the potentially deadly side effects of a widely used treatment for prostate cancer.

Tim Baker was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at 50 and put on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), a hormone treatment that works by blocking the testosterone that feeds the cancer. While the treatment was effective, it had side effects that he likens to "chemical castration".

"It absolutely feels like your masculinity is being taken from you," he tells Australian Story. "I consider myself entirely asexual. It causes breast swelling, genital shrinkage, loss of muscle mass. I think emotionally, it just leaves you feeling really, really vulnerable."

There were times he felt suicidal and as a form of therapy he started writing and speaking publicly about his experience.

When Liz Heggaton heard Tim on a podcast, she had the terrible realisation that her husband's suicide months earlier could have been a result of him being on ADT.

Liz's husband Craig was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 56 and had his prostate removed. But four years later the cancer returned and he was put on ADT, despite having a history of depression. He took his own life not long after.

"If only we'd been forewarned that this could be a side effect to this drug," Liz says. "What was going down for Tim could well have been what was going down for Craig."

Liz and Tim recognise that ADT is a lifesaving treatment and men should not stop taking it. But they insist much more needs to be done to prepare patients for the potential psychological impacts of the treatment.

"I think every man and their partner, if they're going on ADT, need to be counselled to ensure that they're fully warned how their body's going to feel when they commence it," Liz tells Australian Story.

"I know Liz isn't going to cop this lying down," Tim says, "and she wants there to be a legacy for her husband and for him not to have died in vain."

Producer: Ben Cheshire

Jul 14, 2025

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S30E20Common Ground - Liz Heggaton and Tim BakerJul 14, 2025
S30E19The River: Franklin River Rescue (Part 2)Jul 7, 2025
S30E18The River: Franklin River Rescue (Part 1)Jun 30, 2025
S30E17Break It Down - The Raygun PhenomenonJun 23, 2025
S30E16Forget Me Not - Jim RogersJun 16, 2025
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did the TV show 'Australian Story' premiere?

The TV show 'Australian Story' premiered in 1996.

Who were the hosts of 'Australian Story' in 1996?

The hosts of 'Australian Story' in 1996 were Caroline Jones and Chris Masters.

What was the genre of 'Australian Story'?

'Australian Story' was a documentary series.

How many episodes were there in the first season of 'Australian Story'?

The first season of 'Australian Story' consisted of 26 episodes.

What were some of the notable stories covered in the first season of 'Australian Story'?

Some notable stories covered in the first season of 'Australian Story' included profiles of individuals like artist John Olsen, journalist Evan Whitton, and rock singer Jimmy Barnes.

Did 'Australian Story' receive any awards in 1996?

Yes, 'Australian Story' won the Logie Award for Most Outstanding Documentary Series in 1996.

Who was the executive producer of 'Australian Story' in 1996?

The executive producer of 'Australian Story' in 1996 was Deborah Fleming.

Did 'Australian Story' have any celebrity guests in the first season?

Yes, the first season of 'Australian Story' featured interviews with notable figures such as former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser and Olympic gold medalist Cathy Freeman.

How long were the episodes of 'Australian Story' in 1996?

The episodes of 'Australian Story' in 1996 had an average runtime of 30 minutes.

What was the format of 'Australian Story'?

'Australian Story' followed a documentary-style format, blending interviews, archival footage, and narration to tell compelling stories.

Did 'Australian Story' cover any international stories in its first season?

Yes, the first season of 'Australian Story' featured stories from around the world, including profiles of international figures like Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa.

Did 'Australian Story' have any spin-off shows in 1996?

No, 'Australian Story' did not have any spin-off shows in 1996.

Did 'Australian Story' explore any controversial topics in its first season?

Yes, 'Australian Story' tackled controversial subjects such as political scandals, environmental issues, and social justice matters in its first season.

How was 'Australian Story' received by audiences and critics in 1996?

'Australian Story' received positive reviews from both audiences and critics in 1996, with praise for its compelling storytelling and in-depth exploration of various subjects.

Did 'Australian Story' have any special episodes or specials in 1996?

Yes, 'Australian Story' aired special episodes in 1996, including retrospectives and year-end wrap-ups.

Did 'Australian Story' have any notable guest directors in its first season?

Yes, the first season of 'Australian Story' featured episodes directed by acclaimed filmmakers such as Bob Connolly and Robin Anderson.

Cast

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Characters

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