Boggo Road Gaol Podcasts
Episode #1
Where did the name “Boggo” come from?
The distinctive name of Australia’s most notorious prison has a fascinating origin. In this episode Director Jack Sim, and Research Coordinator Sue Olsen, explain where the word “Boggo” came from and how Boggo Road Gaol was never its official name.
Episode #2
The Gallows
Between 1883 and 1913, forty-two criminals comprised of thirty-nine men, one woman and two teenagers were executed at Boggo Road Gaol – all were hanged, the last in 1913. In this episode Gaol Director Jack Sim and Research Coordinator Sue talk about a new exhibition – “The Gallows” – which explores the history of capital punishment, and punishment, behind the walls of Boggo Road Gaol.
Episode #3
The Female Division
For more than 100 years women were locked up at Boggo Road Gaol. Their stories are often overlooked. Research Coordinator Sue and performer Karen, an actor with the Female Division, a branch of Boggo Road Gaol’s live theatre troupe The Prison Players, talk about this forgotten history.
Episode #4
The Ghosts of Boggo Road Gaol
Former prison officers and prisoners believed that Boggo Road Gaol was haunted; there are ghost stories dating back to the 1930s. Many people died within the walls of the prison during its long history. In this episode, Gaol Director Jack Sim, author of “The Ghosts of Boggo Road Gaol”, and founder of Brisbane Ghost Tours, talks about the origins of the ghosts, and explores the history behind them, and whether visitors to the historic Gaol today have experiences.
Episode #5
THE WHISKEY AU GO GO KILLERS – John Andrew Stuart and James Richard Finch – PART 1
WARNING: Strong content and language.
31st October 2018 marks the 30th Anniversary of James Finch confessing to firebombing the Whiskey Au Go Go niteclub at Fortitude Valley. Fifteen people died in the fire on Thursday, 8th March, 1973, at the time Australia’s worst mass murder. John Stuart and James Finch were convicted of murder however they claimed innocence. Stuart was found dead in his prison cell on New Years Day, 1979; Finch was paroled in 1988 and deported to England. In this episode, Gaol Director Jack Sim, author of “History of Boggo Road Gaol”, and former prison officer John, talk about Stuart.
Episode #6
THE WHISKEY AU GO GO KILLERS – John Andrew Stuart and James Richard Finch – PART 2
WARNING: Strong content and language.
The 1st November 2018 marks the 30th Anniversary of James Finch confessing his guilt in relation to the firebombing the Whiskey Au Go Go – to A Current Affair journalist Jana Wendt – live via satellite from London.
It remains the greatest true crime confession in Australian history. Or was it?
In this episode, Gaol Director Jack Sim, author of “History of Boggo Road Gaol”, and former prison officer John, talk about James Finch, his character and personality in Brisbane Prison – Part 2 of a two-part story.
Episode #7
Burglar Bill
In this episode, Research Co-ordinator Sue, and tour guide Tom, share the story of the notorious Burglar Bill – William Thompson in his own words as sent to the Truth newspaper on his release in 1937.
Episode #8
Officer Kevin Hayden
In this episode, Research Co-ordinator Sue, and former officer Kevin, discuss Kevin’s career in the prisons service and what life was like for an officer on the inside of Boggo Road Gaol during the infamous eighties full of riots, protests and violence.
Episode #9
Research Project – Female Division
In this episode, Research Co-ordinator Sue, and Researcher and Prison Player Anique are going to be talking about the research project currently being undertaken on the female division and will share with you the tragic tale of the Juett sisters – The Victims of Vice.
“Young women in this time, were commonly on the streets, when orphaned or unable to live at home for whatever reason. Those that exploited these women are often given little more than a fine and a slap on the wrist. The women were not so lucky and found themselves in front of the Court.
Lily and Minnie worked hard and saved their money, occasionally pinching an extra bit from their drunken clientele. After some time had passed, they managed to pay their fare on a coastal ship to Brisbane. Hoping to change their futures for the better… “
Episode #10
HISTORY OF BOGGO ROAD GAOL: 1883 – 1999
From its opening in 1883 to its official closure in 1992 more than 25 years ago, Boggo Road Gaol created drama. In the 1980s it was the scene of escapes, riots, hunger-strikes and rooftop protests. While the last years of Boggo Road resulted in nationwide notoriety, its past has been lost in time.
Join gaol Director and Author Jack Sim and Research Coordinator Sue Olsen talking about the new book History of Boggo Road Gaol.
Episode #11
An Officer and Gentleman – Frank ‘Trooper’ Hills
Frank Hills known as ‘Trooper’ was an officer and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. A Boer War and World War One veteran twice wounded at Gallipoli and again in the Somme in France. Trooper rose through the military ranks to Regimental Sergeant Major, the highest ranked non-commissioned officer in the Australian Army. Trooper survived the war to become a prison officer and eventually would become involved in one of the greatest conspiracies to kill in Boggo Road Gaol History. The infamous Cyanide Plot.
Episode #12
Christmas at Boggo Road
Christmas is a magical time of year. Just as it is on the outside, the prisoners in Boggo Road Gaol, received special gifts as part of the celebration of Christmas. In this episode Gaol Director Jack Sim and Research Co-ordinator Sue Olsen, discuss what life was like for the Prisoners of Boggo Road at Christmas and how they were permitted rare privileges reserved for special occasions.