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

It's My Party - Kirsha Kaechele
Season 30Episode 3530 min

It's My Party - Kirsha Kaechele

Raised on the remote Pacific Island of Guam, Kirsha Kaechele has always felt like an outsider. It's one reason the US-born artist behind the controversial Ladies Lounge embraces a challenge.

"I want to ask the difficult questions, but I want to ask them playfully and lovingly", she tells Australian Story. "That makes it easier to investigate things and go into uncomfortable spaces."

Since meeting David Walsh, the founder of Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art, and moving to Tasmania, Kirsha has revelled in those uncomfortable spaces.

In her own unique way, she's taken on one of the island's most intractable issues – the battle between the forest industry and conservationists – by inviting all sides to a three-day Forest Economic Congress in 2023.

"We need to actually just invite our opponents literally to our parties. We shouldn't just be in echo chambers. We should drink with them," Kirsha says.

"It was like an emotional rollercoaster for three days," says Dwayne Kerrison, a forestry contractor who attended the event. "Big feelings and then some weird art."

More recently, she attracted international attention when she turned a court challenge to her women-only Ladies Lounge installation into performance art, simultaneously mocking the process and making serious points about misogyny and privilege.

"She dares to be feminine and sexual and to talk about sexuality and those power dynamics," says artist and curator Michael Zavros. "It's confronting to men; it's confronting to the art world."

She's the first to admit she hasn't always received the warmest welcome from the traditional art world.

"I have had to deal with these kind of serious art world critics who just tell me that I'm not an artist," she laments. "But it gave me something to fight against."

In an exclusive for Australian Story, the performance artist and provocateur creates some unusual characters to help tell her story - former teacher Sister Mary Catherine, hippy guru Sunfeather and German artist & critic Hans Richter.

"She'll find some interesting ways to tell her story that may not involve her normal clothes," says actor and friend Rhys Muldoon. "Her life is her art so be prepared for some surprises."

Producer: Robyn Powell.

Nov. 3, 2025

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S30E35It's My Party - Kirsha KaecheleNov. 3, 2025
S30E34Against the Odds - Lauren HuxleyOkt. 27, 2025
S30E33Ride of Her Life - Saya SakakibaraOkt. 20, 2025
S30E32Jelena Dokic with Leigh SalesOkt. 13, 2025
S30E31Dog Gone - The Hunt for ValerieOkt. 6, 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

View all cast

Characters

View all characters

Recently Updated Shows

Recently updated shows that might be of your interest.
Beat Bobby Flay
Running

Beat Bobby Flay

In order to Beat Bobby Flay, you have to get to him first. This new series is the ultimate throwdown-showdown... . Three culinary masters, each with their own signature dish, a dish that they'd stake their reputations on, travel to New York for the chance to challenge Bobby Flay to a head-to-head cook-off of their specialty. But first, these contenders must battle it out to see who has the culinary prowess to ultimately go one-on-one against Bobby on his own turf.

GenreFood
Wild Cards
Running

Wild Cards

Wild Cards follows the unlikely duo of a gruff, sardonic cop and a spirited, clever con woman. Ellis, a demoted detective, has unfortunately spent the last year on the maritime unit, while Max has been living a transient life elaborately scamming everyone she meets. But when Max gets arrested and ends up helping Ellis solve a local crime, the two are offered the opportunity to redeem themselves, with Ellis going back to detective and Max staying out of jail. The catch? They have to work together, with each using their unique skills to solve crimes. For Ellis, that means hard-boiled shoe leather police work; for Max, it means accents, schemes and generally befriending everyone in sight, while driving Ellis absolutely nuts. Against the backdrop of beautiful Vancouver — with all its unique, charming, and even contradictory neighbourhoods and subcultures — the two will have to learn what it means to trust another person and maybe actually become partners.

Cross
Running

Cross

Based on NY Times Bestselling author James Patterson's #1 hero, Cross is a crime thriller that follows the investigations of brilliant forensic psychologist and DC Metro Detective Alex Cross. Together with his best friend and partner Detective John Sampson, Cross delves into the psyches of America's most insidious killers while fighting to protect his family from the dangers of the criminal world.

Invincible
Running

Invincible

Based on the eponymous comic book, Invincible revolves around Mark Grayson, a normal teenager except for the fact that his father is the most powerful superhero on the planet. Shortly after his 17th birthday, Mark begins to develop powers of his own and enters into his father's tutelage.

The Wall
Running

The Wall

The Wall is packed with drama and action, this is a game that the entire family can root for together. Executive producer LeBron James presents a challenge infused with the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, where regular people can achieve their dreams with one bounce of the ball. Hosted by comedian Chris Hardwick and set in a large glossy arena centering on the colossal 40-foot wall, the gameplay involves quick thinking, shrewd strategy and a little luck. Played by contestant pairs, this is an unpredictable journey with giant swings of fortune and millions of dollars passing through the contestants' hands throughout the hour.